Honest question: Are we willing to call House of the Dragon season 2 a disappointment? Maybe I’m in the minority, but every time the credits roll on the final episode, my enthusiasm plummets a notch or two. House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6 did nothing to rekindle my enthusiasm, instead offering up another slow-moving melodrama with little progression. A few promising storylines tease greater things to come, but much like the good people of King’s Landing, I’m increasingly annoyed by the royal bickering.

I'm starting to think this part of the article should be labeled "Aemond", since Alicent has become more or less a glorified supporting player without much to do. All the intrigue lies with her scheming son, Aemond, who is busy (and effectively) screwing over everyone who screwed him over the years. During a particularly testy war council, the one-eyed dragon dismisses his mother and sends Ser Criston to attack Daemon at Harrenhal.

“My uncle is a challenge I'm happy to take on,” he growls.

Later, Aemond unleashes Hell on Larys Strong, even going so far as to call the warped weasel a toad during a testy exchange over the appointment of the next Hand. Aemond sees through Larys’ deception—how could you miss it?—but he may be overreaching here. Like Littlefinger, Larys knows how to play the game of shadows, able to dispatch his enemies quickly without lifting a sword. We see the machinations at work here, particularly when Larys visits an ailing Aegon and warns him of his brother’s scheming ways. At this point, Aegon’s best move is his, and now he must ensure the young king survives his injuries.