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House of the Dragon – Season 2, Episode 2 Rhaenyra the Cruel

Play trailer House of the Dragon – Season 2, Episode 2 Rhaenyra the Cruel Aired Jun 23, 2024 Drama Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
96% Tomatometer 24 Reviews
Both Alicent and Rhaenyra are facing the consequences of the murder of King Aegon's heir; Otto schemes to turn the public against her; Rhaenyra questions Daemon's loyalty.
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House of the Dragon — Season 2, Episode 2

House of the Dragon — Season 2, Episode 2

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Critics Consensus

An episode punctuated by grief and retribution, "Rhaenyra the Cruel" deepens House of the Dragon's ensemble with new emotional layers while heaping on memorably bloody countermoves.

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Cast & Crew

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Ryan Condal

Creator

George R.R. Martin

Creator

Matt Smith

Prince Daemon Targaryen

Emma D'Arcy

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhys Ifans

Otto Hightower

Steve Toussaint

Lord Corlys Velaryon ("The Sea Snake")
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House of the Dragon — Season 2, Episode 2

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Critics Reviews

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Glen Weldon NPR Aug 5, 2024
For my money, though, it’s Ifans’s hilarious, slow-burn reaction to hearing about Criston Cole’s Erryk vs. Arryk plan that’s the high point of this episode. Go to Full Review Melanie McFarland Salon.com Aug 5, 2024
A heartbreaking scene that would have been doubly so if the Tittensors had been granted any hint of interiority to individualize them beyond their duties. Go to Full Review Benji Wilson Daily Telegraph (UK) Jun 24, 2024
3/5
It made for a teasing back and forth, full of charged two-handers between fine actors earning their fine money, but it couldn't hide the fact that House of the Dragon is in a holding pattern. Go to Full Review Anthony Whyte The Movie Blog Sep 1, 2025
While the episode has many high points, there are a few areas that fall flat. The pacing can be uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on a bit too long. The episode tries to juggle multiple storylines, and occasionally, it feels a bit cluttered. Go to Full Review CK Anderson Loud and Clear Reviews Aug 13, 2024
Once again, House of the Dragon elects to take its time rather than rush headlong into war, giving ample space to flesh out its vast ensemble of characters. Go to Full Review Cheryl Eddy io9.com Jul 5, 2024
House of the Dragon underlines its emerging theme about the struggles of the smallfolk by shifting scenes... Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Episode Info

Synopsis Both Alicent and Rhaenyra are facing the consequences of the murder of King Aegon's heir; Otto schemes to turn the public against her; Rhaenyra questions Daemon's loyalty.
Director
Clare Kilner
Creator
Ryan Condal, George R.R. Martin
Executive Producer
George R.R. Martin, Ryan Condal, Sara Hess, Alan Taylor, Melissa Bernstein, Kevin De La Noy, Loni Peristere, Vince Gerardis, Miguel Sapochnik
Screenwriter
Sara Hess
Network
HBO
Rating
TV-MA
Genre
Drama, Fantasy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Jun 23, 2024
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