Inconsistency or an Important Plot Point? HotD Episode 2 Controversy Explained
It all makes sense when you think about it.
Summary
- One bad decision set off a series of events in Episode 2.
- It will eventually lead to King Aegon II's defeat in the war.
- This strange erroneous decision seems to have a purpose in the story.
As Sunday approaches, Episode 3 of the second season of House of the Dragon is looming ever larger on the horizon. But it seems that the fans aren't done discussing Episode 2 yet. And there are indeed many reasons for this.
While the second episode of Season 2 of House of the Dragon wasn't as emotionally charged as the first – thankfully, no innocent children were brutally beheaded this time – there were events that will reverberate throughout the season. Aside from the duel and deaths of Sers Arryk and Erryk, which were certainly shocking and brutal in their own right, there was one particular event that set off a chain reaction for many others – and most importantly, for the worse.
A PR Nightmare for Team Green
As heartbreaking and gut-wrenching as Prince Jaehaerys' slaughter was, it played well for King Aegon II's cause, as his supporters were able to pin it on Rhaenyra and her clique – and rightly so. The funeral procession won Team Green the favor of the smallfolk, who were horrified by the atrocity committed at the ill-advised behest of Daemon Targaryen.
With his son's blood, Aegon bought the support of the people, as Otto Hightower put it, and His Grace blew it with his recklessness when he ordered all the ratcatchers in King's Landing hanged after interrogating one of Jeahaerys' killers. It would be an understatement to say that the Hand of the King was furious about this move, for now people who had just come to support Aegon began to hate him for his cruelty.
One thing led to another, and Aegon dismissed his grandfather from the Hand's position, depriving his own court of a wise man with a strategic mind who could help them win the coming war. And to think that this series of blunders could have been avoided if only they had asked Helaena which ratcatcher it was… It is disturbing.
A Plot Hole or a Plot Point?
Of course, it might seem like a silly inconsistency at first – after all, Helaena was never even asked about the events of that fateful night, and we don't know if anyone knows that she herself pointed the finger at Jaehaerys. But it could also be an intentional reference to King Aegon's incompetence and stupidity.
The hanging of the ratcatchers shows that Aegon does not think his actions through and does not foresee their consequences. He makes one blunder after another, which shows that he's a terrible ruler and will eventually lead to his defeat in the Dance of the Dragons. It also demonstrates the misogyny at the court, showing how little respect they have for Helaena and her mental abilities to be of any use in investigating Jaehaerys' murder.
Now it all begins to fall apart for Team Green, and the consequences of Aegon's mistakes will be clear in Episode 3, which premieres on June 30.