The sixth episode of HBO Dragon House finally unveiled older versions of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). The ten-year time jump necessitated a recast of the younger characters who were filled in by Milly Alcock and Emily Carey from Episodes 1 through 5, respectively.
Dragon House follows the reign of House Targaryen two hundred years before the events of game of thrones. The prequel series is based on George RR Martin’s novel, Fire & Bloodwhich depicts the rise and fall of the most powerful house in Westeros, and the ominous civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
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Fans loved Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke’s performance in Episode 6
The ensuing feud between Rhaenyra and Alicent grows stronger now that they both have children. Episode 6 showed the princess giving birth to her third son, which sparked controversy across the kingdom regarding the true parentage of her children. Alicent, on the other hand, is determined to secure her son’s claim to the throne.
Twitter fans shared their reactions to Dragon House‘s Episode 6 and loved D’Arcy and Cooke’s performances:
if one thing i’m certain of after just one episode is that Emma D’arcy gets that Emmy nomination #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/bjHnIbGnp9
— Rhaenyra Targaryen’s lawyer (@Targ_Nation) September 26, 2022
A round of applause to Olivia Cooke and Emma D’Arcy for their first performances tonight. They gave us a masterclass in ACTING. Does anyone still have questions about their ability to play their role? Nope? I did not mean it. #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/hjMlRxK4rX
— dragon house out of context (@oochotd) September 26, 2022
Round of applause for Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke, they proved in tonight’s episode that the show is in good hands for the rest of the show, incredible performances from both. #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/dcNpGIvV6u
— Dragon Source House (@HOTDsource) September 26, 2022
Gotta appreciate Olivia Cooke man, absolutely flawless performance, she made me hate Alicent 👌#HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD pic.twitter.com/FPN2T6oVJR
— special master (@special_master_) September 26, 2022
Prior to the revamp, many expressed dread and doubts about the new cast members. Alcock and Carey delivered a very compelling performance and were also praised for bringing their characters to life. Within just five episodes, fans grew attached to it, and some even suggested using cosmetics to age the actresses instead of permanently replacing them.
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Rhaenyra and Alicent’s feud grows stronger with each episode
After last Sunday’s riveting episode, fans finally agreed to D’Arcy and Cooke reprising the roles from now on – and they didn’t disappoint! The chemistry between the two actresses has indeed caused tensions on the screen, and there will be others in the next episodes.
However, there have been rumors that younger versions of Rhaenyra and Alicent could return to the show. Alcock confirmed that there have been talks, though she has no idea how the showrunners will execute it. The only possible way to bring these two beloved characters back is through flashbacks.
Rhaenyra and Alicent’s broken friendship already looks like a basket case as the end of Episode 6 saw Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) seemingly take the law into his own hands and orchestrate the death of his father, Lord Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes), and his brother, Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), the alleged father of Rhaenyra’s children, by burning Harrenhal. Although Alice turns out to be innocent of this crime, the tragedy will lead to more conflict between the princess and the queen.
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