House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 "The Burning Mill"

Small Screen Couch Commentary: House Of The Dragon

Get 20% OFF @manscaped + Free Shipping with promo code CODE at MANSCAPED.com! #ad #manscapedpod

Welcome back to "Small Screen Couch Commentary" where we have our first ever collaboration with Anna from Stone's Top Tens this week on our show! This week, we're diving into the chaos of House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Burning Mill." Strap in for an episode packed with ancient rivalries, brutal battles, and tense political maneuvering.

The episode kicks off with the age-old feud between the Brackens and the Blackwoods reigniting, thanks to their opposing loyalties in the Dance of the Dragons. The Brackens side with Aegon, while the Blackwoods back Rhaenyra. What starts as a scuffle over a boundary quickly escalates into a bloody battlefield strewn with bodies. It's clear: this war will have no true winners, only devastating losses.

Criston Cole, now Hand of the King, suits up for his first small council meeting where his main concern, is securing the Riverlands after the Battle of the Burning Mill. He decides to personally lead a small scouting party to join the Brackens and claim Harrenhal, leaving Vhagar and Aemond to guard King's Landing.

Before setting off, Criston gets a questionable haircut and an unwelcome companion: Alicent’s brother, Gwayne Hightower. The tension between Criston and Gwayne is palpable, with Gwayne’s barbs about Criston’s rise to power and Dornish heritage adding fuel to the fire.

Back in the Red Keep, Alicent and Helaena mourn Jaehaerys. Alicent's maternal sorrow contrasts with Helaena's calm acceptance, leading to a poignant moment of forgiveness that Alicent never expected, and that left some viewers perplexed.

On Dragonstone, Rhaenyra, Jace, and Rhaenys hold a vigil for the fallen Cargyll twins. Rhaenys points out the escalating cycle of revenge, urging Rhaenyra to consider peace. Alicent had reached out after Luke’s death, but Rhaenyra hasn't yet read her letter. Meanwhile, Daemon secures Harrenhal, confronting its haunted history and receiving a chilling prophecy from a mysterious woman.

Tensions rise in Rhaenyra’s council as her advisors push for war. She sends her youngest children to safety. The farewells are tearful, especially between Rhaena and Baela, who don’t know when they’ll see each other again.

Rhaenyra, finally reading Alicent's letter, arranges a secret meeting with her. Their conversation is heart-wrenching, with some quick ups and downs that ultimately leads them both to realize things are past the point of no return.

Join Alex and Anna as they talk about the dramatic twists, heartfelt moments, and political power plays in "The Burning Mill." With keen insights and even a bit of humor, they’ll guide you through the stormy world of House of the Dragon. Don’t miss this fiery episode of Small Screen Couch Commentary!