House of the Dragon S3E2 review: Alicent hurt by poor writing

The aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet reshapes the realm: Rhaenyra finally takes King's Landing after learning of Jace's death, and the episode dwells on her grief. Daemon invokes the Targaryen prophecy and urges action, nudging Rhaenyra away from mourning and toward reckless decisions.

Emma D'Arcy's performance makes her pain feel immediate and raw. Acting lifts much of the episode. Matt Smith's acerbic Daemon, the interplay with Tom Bennett and Kieran Bew, and Phia Saban's understated Helaena stand out, while Aegon and Larys provide surprising levity.

A family scene with Corlys, Baela, Alyn and Addam offers one warm moment amid the tragedy. The episode draws sharp criticism for its handling of Alicent. Jasper's sudden attempt to rape her reads as an abrupt, shock-driven beat that further strips her of agency, and the repeated sexual humiliation undermines the character in ways that feel unnecessary.

house targaryen, alicent, rhaenyra, king's landing, gullet battle, daemon, emma d'arcy, jasper, attempted rape, poor writing