House of the Dragon Ep. 5 Review: Celebrations Turn Bloody

House of the Dragon Episode 5 is out. We’re halfway through the series and things have started to heat up. It has become quite clear that a civil war is looming, especially now that Queen Alicent and Ser Criston Cole are ready for war. All of this tension eventually comes to a head in Episode 5 with an ending that is sure to have a lasting impact on viewers. So here’s the good and the bad.

The magnificent cinematography

Cinematography of High Tide

From the very first scene of Episode 5 of House of the Dragon, the view is breathtaking. The verdant hills and seas of Driftmark and the rustic but beautiful halls of the High Tides were truly a sight to behold. The shots of the seas and dragons hovering in the sky were definitely the highlights of the episode.

The bloody violence returns once again

Ser Criston Cole kills Ser Joffrey Lonmouth

In the very first moments, the episode did well to avoid the murder of Lady Rhea Royce, wife of Prince Daemon and heir to Runestone at the hands of her husband. After all, gratuitous and unnecessary violence robs House of the Dragon of some of its subtlety. However, in the end, there was another bloodied face smashed by Ser Criston Cole right in the middle of the Princess Rhaenyra’s wedding festivities and Ser Laenor Velaryon.

Emily Carey shines throughout the episode

Emily Carey as Queen Alicent in House of the Dragon

This episode was momentous for Queen Alicent as she slowly discovered where her loyalties lay. With her father plus the hand of the king, she feels conflicted. This is beautifully performed by Emily Carey. In fact, she doesn’t need lines to express how she feels because her eyes say it all. The simplicity with which she portrayed the restlessness within her is commendable. Especially considering we’ll have to say goodbye to her as Olivia Cooke will now take on the role in House of the Dragon.

Suits and colors

Costumes of Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor

We already know how important costumes and colors are to House of the Dragon. In previous episodes as well, they have been used to signify houses, lore, and symbolism. This episode is no different as it has brilliant costumes done by Jany Temime. Prince Daemon continues to wear red and black as is the tradition of House Targaryen. Princess Rhaenyra looks stunning with her hair styled like the day she was announced as heiress. She is dressed in white signifying the upcoming marriage. There is of course Queen Alicent who wears green signaling her change of heart regarding the future heir. Ser Laenor meanwhile wears a costume embroidered with gold threads. This golden thread would come from Myr.

New characters take center stage

Ser Joffrey Lonmouth in episode 5

A few new characters were introduced in the episode, albeit fairly quickly. We don’t know much about them yet, which will hopefully change with future episodes. There’s Ser Joffrey Lonmouth who was killed as quickly as he was introduced. Then there’s Lord Larys Strong who remains quite mysterious but helps stir the pot nonetheless.

Overall, the House of the Dragon episode wasn’t much of a surprise. Except maybe the murder of Princess Rhea. But it set up some important storylines, including Daemon and Lady Laena, Ser Criston Cole’s newfound loyalty to Queen Alicent, and of course the Dance of the Dragons.

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