“She’s made a massive, massive mistake”: Olivia Cooke explains how Alicent felt on realizing she was wrong about Viserys’ last words

The passing of King Viserys marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Seven Kingdoms, but the true significance of his final words remains shrouded in controversy. Viserys told Rhaenyra about an ancient prophecy etched on Aegon’s dagger which meant a Targaryen must rule the Iron Throne to save Westeros from the impending doom of a long winter, darkness, and destruction. The realm’s fate rests on the promise of a chosen prince, whose song will be one of ice and fire. But during Viserys’ last moments, these words were misinterpreted by Alicent.

The repercussions of misinterpretation

Queen Alicent’s misinterpretation of Viserys’ last words has sparked a chain reaction of events that forever alter the realm’s course. Alicent bypassed Viserys’ wish to succeed by Rhaenyra, instead crowning Aegon II, citing a perceived mandate. In season 1 Aegon II’s coronation sets the stage for a brewing storm as Queen Rhaenyra begins to secretly gather support for her impending rebellion, determined to reclaim the Iron Throne that she believes is rightfully hers. In a recent interview with GQ, Olivia Cooke says,

“No, I think there’s a real reckoning in episodes four, five and six where she’s coming to terms with, ‘Oh my god, I have been so wrong, and I wrongly put my son on the throne because I misinterpreted my ailing husband.’ I think by the time Alicent gets to Rhaenyra, she knows that she’s made a massive, massive mistake.”

Alicent’s Road to Redemption

Alicent’s actions are driven by a growing realization of her mistake. She comes to terms with the fact that she wrongly placed her son on the throne, driven by a misinterpretation of her husband’s desires. This painful realization sets her on a path towards redemption, culminating in a symbolic confession at Driftmark, where she seeks to Rhaenyra.

Alicent’s inner turmoil is a fierce battle between denial and acceptance. She’s torn between resisting the truth and acknowledging the necessary consequences of her actions. Despite her instinct to rebel and lash out at Rhaenyra, she knows deep down that she must surrender to the reality of her mistakes.

“I think it’s still really hard for Alicent to admit, even though she knows it, that she has caused all of this. I think that’s what’s propelling her to go to Driftmark. It’s like a confessional, in a way. The biggest confessional that Alicent can put herself through.”

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