16 Times I Said “Oh No!” During House of the Dragon Episode 4
Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 1 episode 4 “King of the Narrow Sea.”
I don’t think I was prepared for what this episode had in store! Even though there wasn’t much combat or dragons, I was still on the edge of my seat exclaiming “oh no!” throughout.
Oh no! Rhaenyra has to hold audience with all these suitors during what seems like the most exhausting world tour ever. Her next suitor is just a child who picks a sword fight with a grown man. Rhaenyra’s lightning fast reply of “We’re leaving,” as they drew their swords was perfect.
Oh no! The child has stabbed the man in the chest! “Don’t look, Princess…” because it would ruin your appetite for supper!
Oh no! As they approach home, a dragon rocks the ship and Rhaenyra hits her head! Does she have a concussion? I think so. Good news, the dragon is Daemon back home from conquering the Triarchy!
Oh no! Daemon has been named King of the Narrow Sea! Is he aiming to rise against Dragonstone? Whew, I guess not! He relinquishes the crown and the Stepstones to the one true King.
Oh no! Rhaenyra laments to Alicent about how awful it would be to be locked in a castle just to produce offspring. Oops, no offense!
Oh no! Corlys Velaryon'’s daughter Laena is set to marry the Sealord of Braavos’ son! This greatly increases the urgency of Rhae finding a husband!
Oh no! Rhaenyra is on a secret mission sneaking into town with Damon which requires dressing like townfolk. Out of the whole adventure, I thought Rhae seemed the most amused that someone called her “boy” because of the disguise!
Ohh noo…. They’ve entered a brothel, and Daemon removes her very effective disguise beanie. Does he want them both to be recognized there?
OH NO! Daemon and Rhaenyra kiss! And then they make out against a wall. Before things go any further, Daemon storms off leaving Rhae alone. At the same time Alicent seems absolutely miserable in bed with Viserys. Rhae’s words earlier have definitely stuck with her.
Oh no! Rhaenyra made it home safely, but now she wants to make love to Criston Cole! Wait, this isn’t an oh now, its a big Oh yeah! He’s who she should be with all along! The flirting and teasing before they first kiss is the happiest we have seen her! But I guess it’s a bad thing for the whole political aspect of marriage and kingdoms etc.
Oh no! That boy saw them leave and is reporting it to Otto Hightower! But he wasn’t inside, how did he know what they did in there? Did Daemon specifically tell him what (didn’t) happen? (Thanks to Maggie for this theory!) Otto then has the most awkward task of delivering the news to Viserys… he finally gets the words out that they were “coupling” which is simultaneously the most bland yet most disgusting word he could have used. Viserys doesn’t believe it, surely Otto is making it up to improve Aegon’s chances as becoming his heir!
Oh no! Alicent heard this entire conversation and sends for Rhaenyra to confront her about it! Rhae insists the allegations aren’t true. “Told? Who made these claims?” She is technically truthful that Daemon didn’t sully her, but that doesn’t mean she is unsullied! Maybe that word is even worse than coupling…
Oh no! Hangover Daemon is brought before the king and doesn’t refute the claims! Instead he proposes that he be the one who weds Rhaenyra! Viserys is having none of it and orders him to return to the Vale with his wife… because he’s already married! Come on Daemon! Also, take a bath while you’re there.
Oh no? Alicent speaks to Viserys about the whole ordeal, suggesting that Daemon was lying. She is able to guide his decisions quite well, Alicent is a pretty effective King! Viserys speaks to Rhaenyra and shows her the hidden inscription in the dagger of the song of ice and fire, something more important than anything else in their lives. He ends the endless courtship world tour and declares that she will marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, son of Corlys and heir to Driftmark. You know what, he seems like an alright guy so far, she could be marrying that stabby kid instead.
Oh no! Rhaenyra calls out Otto Hightower, who she calls “a vulture perched on the throne.” She knows the spy’s reports weren’t entirely untrue, but she spins it as evidence that Otto would stop at nothing to make sure Aegon takes her place as heir. She agrees to marry Laenor as long as he first gets rid of the vulture! After a hard conversation, but less awkward than the coupling chat, Viserys takes Otto’s badge and bids him farewell. More like Otto Bye-tower!
Oh no! Grand Maester Mellos brings Rhaenyra a late night special tea from the King. “It will rid you of any unwanted consequences.” Cut to credits as she looks at the flask. Will she drink it? Was it properly brewed?
Episode 3 is still my favorite due to the great action, but this episode absolutely takes the cake as far as story and character progression. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Other news! I decided I won’t be writing any posts about Rings of Power because the prospect of writing more about it each episode has been keeping me from just sitting down and watching it. I also started watching See on Apple TV and I am loving it so far! I won’t be writing about that episode by episode either but perhaps I will write some season-summary posts!
