One of the most uncomfortable moments in House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1 has left both fans and the cast reeling, and Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower) is not holding back in new interviews. This moment is the one where Alicent’s son Aemond kisses her and she doesn’t stop it, leaving the audience feeling awkward.

Quick read:

  • Aemond and Alicent’s kiss sparks debate among the viewers
  • Olivia Cooke expresses disbelief in the scene too
  • Fans call out Aemond for having “mommy issues”

What exactly happens in the scene?

In a tense, intimate fireside moment, Alicent tries to manipulate her son Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), who now sits on the Iron Throne as Prince Regent. After secretly meeting with Rhaenyra to discuss peace terms, Alicent urges Aemond to leave King’s Landing for Harrenhal, supposedly for his own protection, but really to leave the city undefended so Rhaenyra can take it more easily.

As Alicent shows rare (and calculated) maternal warmth, Aemond leans in and kisses her on the lips in a prolonged, unmistakably romantic/sexual way. Alicent freezes in visible horror and shock but forces an awkward, placating smile, terrified of angering her volatile and powerful son. Aemond then agrees to leave for Harrenhal, further isolating King’s Landing and obeying his mother’s command.

The scene is not in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood and has sparked massive debate online.

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Olivia Cooke’s honest reaction

In an interview with TVLine, released after the first episode, Olivia Cooke reacted strongly to the moment:

“I don’t think any mother expects their son to have romantic feelings toward them! It’s so shocking… Sometimes I’m just reading these scripts and I’m like, ‘What have Ryan and Sarah got for me this season?’”

She continued:

“It’s completely out of left field for Alicent, of course, and also terrifying — because this man sits on top of the Iron Throne, and she has to tread very carefully from there on out.”

Cooke emphasized how disturbing the moment is for her character, noting that Alicent must now navigate extreme caution while possibly trying to use the situation to her advantage.

What is this scene trying to tell?

The kiss highlights Aemond’s deep psychological issues: his hunger for control, unresolved maternal trauma, and blurred familial boundaries (a recurring Targaryen theme the show has amplified). For Alicent, it marks another layer of humiliation and powerlessness in Season 3, as her influence continues to crumble.

Ewan Mitchell described the kiss as Aemond “assuming control of the family” and trying to read his mother’s true intentions.

Social media has been split between shock, disgust, dark memes, and heated debates about whether the scene adds depth to Aemond’s “mommy issues” or crosses an unnecessary line. Many viewers praised both actors’ performances, particularly Olivia Cooke’s subtle, horrified micro-expressions. It’ll be interesting to watch how the dynamic between this mother-son duo progresses.

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