House of the Dragon: Episode 5- Recap & Review

Welcome, fellow Targaryen enthusiasts, to the fire and fury of a new era in Westeros! House of the Dragon Episode 5 has premiered, taking us back 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones to explore the rise and fall of House Targaryen. House of the Dragon Episode 5, titled “We Light the Way,” throws Westeros into turmoil with a shocking event at the Red Keep. Tensions within the Targaryen family escalate as King Viserys (Paddy Considine) attempts to maintain peace between his heir, Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), and Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). However, a simmering conflict reaches a boiling point during a grand feast, leaving the realm reeling and setting the stage for a potential civil war.

House of the Dragon Season 1 Video Review:

A Marriage of Convenience (and Necessity)

The episode opens with the aftermath of the tense negotiations between Viserys and Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) in the previous episode. To secure much-needed naval support and quell the threat posed by the Triarchy, Viserys proposes a marriage alliance. The chosen bride? His own daughter, Rhaenyra. This politically motivated decision sparks outrage in Rhaenyra, who yearns for a love match and bristles at the idea of being used as a pawn in her father’s political games.

Seeds of Discord are Sown

Meanwhile, Queen Alicent grows increasingly concerned about Rhaenyra’s position as heir apparent. With her own son, Aegon (Ty Tennant), now a toddler, Alicent worries that Rhaenyra will usurp the throne and ensure her children have no claim. This fuels a growing rift between the two women, who were once close friends. The episode masterfully portrays the subtle shifts in their relationship and the power dynamics at play within the royal court.

A Deadly Banquet

The central event of “We Light the Way” takes place during a lavish feast held at the Red Keep to celebrate the proposed marriage alliance. As festivities unfold, tensions simmer beneath the surface. A confrontation between Rhaenyra and her former best friend leads to a heated exchange, highlighting the animosity that has festered between them. The true shock, however, arrives when Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), sworn protector to the king and harboring a hidden affection for Rhaenyra, brutally murders another knight in a fit of rage. This unexpected act of violence throws the entire celebration into chaos and casts a dark shadow over the future of the realm.

A Fractured Realm

The aftermath of the banquet leaves the Targaryen dynasty teetering on the brink. Viserys is forced to grapple with the consequences of his decisions, while Rhaenyra feels increasingly isolated and misunderstood. Queen Alicent’s resentment towards Rhaenyra grows, further fracturing the fragile peace within the royal family. “We Light the Way” does an excellent job of portraying the ripple effects of violence and the potential for a civil war to erupt from seemingly trivial conflicts.

What did you think of the shocking events in House of the Dragon’s fifth episode? Did you see the murder coming? Share your thoughts on the episode, the characters, and my video review in the comments below! Let’s keep the conversation burning bright as we delve deeper into the world of House of the Dragon.

Showrunner: Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik
Stars: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Milly Alcock
House of the Dragon Season 1 can be stream on HBO Max. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!