Smallfolk

"Smallfolk" is the sixth episode of the second season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. The episode was written by Eileen Shim and directed by Andrij Parekh. It first aired on HBO and Max on July 21, 2024. In the episode, Aemond orders Criston to march on Harrenhal, dismisses Alicent from the Green Council, and instructs Larys to summon Otto Hightower back. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra searches for someone with Targaryen ancestry to become Seasmoke's new rider. Addam of Hull is later chosen by Seasmoke himself. Mysaria sends Targaryen-bannered boats carrying food to King's Landing, earning the smallfolk's praise for Rhaenyra. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of nearly 1.3 million during its premiere night on linear television alone. It received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, character development, Paddy Considine's guest return as Viserys, the riot in King's Landing, and cast performances (especially Ewan Mitchell, Emma D'Arcy and Matthew Needham).

"Smallfolk" is the sixth episode of the second season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. The episode was written by Eileen Shim and directed by Andrij Parekh. It first aired on HBO and Max on July 21, 2024. In the episode, Aemond orders Criston to march on Harrenhal, dismisses Alicent from the Green Council, and instructs Larys to summon Otto Hightower back. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra searches for someone with Targaryen ancestry to become Seasmoke's new rider. Addam of Hull is later chosen by Seasmoke himself. Mysaria sends Targaryen-bannered boats carrying food to King's Landing, earning the smallfolk's praise for Rhaenyra. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of nearly 1.3 million during its premiere night on linear television alone. It received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, character development, Paddy Considine's guest return as Viserys, the riot in King's Landing, and cast performances (especially Ewan Mitchell, Emma D'Arcy and Matthew Needham). ==Plot== In the Westerlands, Lord Jason Lannister leads his army to the Golden Tooth, meeting his vassal Lord Humfrey Lefford, who expects their joined forces to march to Harrenhal. Jason, however, wants to wait for Aemond and Vhagar, as they need a dragon to combat Daemon's dragon, Caraxes. Dismissing Jason Lannister's request for protection, Aemond plans to ally with the Triarchy leaders to break the Velaryon shipping blockade. He also orders Criston to accompany Hightower troops to Harrenhal and dismisses Alicent from the Small Council, diminishing her influence. Aemond sternly rebuffs Larys' suggestion to be appointed Hand of the King and orders him to summon his grandfather, Otto Hightower, back to court. Aemond visits Aegon and presses his brother regarding what he remembers about the battle at Rook's Rest; Aegon claims he has no recollection. Larys also visits Aegon, truthfully saying the king is permanently handicapped but retains his mind. He tells Aegon he can use his disability as an advantage by allowing others to underestimate him, just as Larys himself has done. He warns that Aegon's life is in danger while Aemond is prince regent. Aegon asks for Larys' help. As Gwayne is about to leave for Harrenhal with Criston's troops, Alicent asks about her youngest son, Daeron, who resides in Oldtown. Gwayne says that the teenaged Daeron is stalwart, clever, and, unlike his brothers, also kind. This pleases Alicent, who harbors regrets about her parenting choices. Mysaria's agents spread rumors that the royals regularly feast while the smallfolk starve. When Larys informs Aemond about the growing unrest, he cannot understand why citizens blame them rather than Rhaenyra, who ordered the blockade. Larys explains that the Crown is expected to provide for the smallfolk. Mysaria sends food-laden boats bearing Rhaenyra's banners to King's Landing. The people openly praise Rhaenyra but fight each other for the limited supplies. Leaving the sept after prayers, Alicent and Helaena are swarmed by starving rioters. When a man grabs Alicent, a Kingsguard severs his arm, though Alicent orders the guards to sheathe their swords. The queens escape unharmed, but smallfolk overwhelm several guards. Needing more dragonriders, Rhaenyra asks Ser Steffon Darklyn, who has distant Targaryen ancestry, to attempt to claim Seasmoke, Laenor Velaryon's dragon. Knowing the risk, Steffon agrees to try. Seemingly receptive at first, Seasmoke lashes out and burns Steffon and a dragonkeeper to death. When Lord Bartimos Celtigar criticizes Rhaenyra, she slaps him and proclaims she has allowed others to forget to fear her. When Jacaerys later queries his mother about the incident, Rhaenyra laments her passivity in the war. Walking through the Vale, Rhaena notices scorched earth and charred animal carcasses, indicating a nearby dragon. When she mentions it to Lady Jeyne Arryn at the Eeyrie, she claims a wild dragon roams the area. Jeyne also announces that Prince Reggio of Pentos answered Rhaena's letter and has agreed to shelter Rhaena and Rhaenyra's youngest sons, Aegon and Viserys. Preparations are underway for their departure. At Harrenhal, Daemon continues having fitful dreams, including one about his brother, Viserys. Disturbed by the ghostly images, Daemon fears his mind is being manipulated with poison and suspects Ser Simon Strong. He prepares to leave until Alys advises he wait and do nothing, foreseeing that conditions may change in a few days. She says House Tully is the most stable and key to allying the Riverlands, though Daemon counters that Lord Grover Tully is unable to negotiate in his diminished state. Soon afterwards, Ser Simon announces that Lord Tully has died, Alys being the last person to treat him. Grover's death makes his grandson, Oscar, the Lord of Riverrun and Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. On Driftmark, Corlys appoints Alyn as the first mate of his flagship. Alyn keeps his head shaved and covered to hide his white hair and familial connection. While Addam is on the beach, Seasmoke appears overhead, causing panic. The dragon fixates on Addam and chases him before finally landing. A terrified Addam cowers against an embankment as Seasmoke slowly approaches, sniffing at him. Back on Dragonstone, Rhaenyra tells Mysaria that she and Daemon lack traits that the other possesses, making each one half of a whole. Mysaria reveals details about her traumatic past, sexual abuse, and why she is loyal to Rhaenyra. Mysaria's words move Rhaenyra and the two kiss passionately. They are then interrupted by news that Seasmoke has been spotted with a rider. Rhaenyra believes it may be a Green ally and immediately leaves on Syrax to confront them. ==External links== "Smallfolk" at HBO

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