House of the Dragon star Ewan Mitchell has spoken out about the shocking events of season 2, episode 4 that have left fans reeling.
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House Of The Dragon season two teased in trailer
*Warning – The following article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4.*
House of the Dragon’s latest offering, season 2 episode 4, showcased Ewan Mitchell’s Aemond Targaryen in a pivotal role as he clinched victory in the brutal Rook’s Rest battle but at a grave price.
The actor has since shared his take on the dramatic events that unfolded in this chapter of the HBO hit series, stating there’s “no going back” for his character following his controversial actions.
The monumental instalment of the Game of Thrones prequel based on George R. R Martin’s Fire and Blood saw tensions soar as House Black and House Green found their royals clashing dramatically atop their dragons in Rook’s Rest.
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Aemon’s unforeseen treachery was laid bare as he turned on his brother Aegon (played by Tom Glynn-Carney) and slayed the much-loved Rhaenys Targaryen, portrayed by Eve Best, in an aerial clash.
Surprise was the strategy of choice for both factions; Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy, consented to dispatch her aunt Rhaenys swiftly to resolve the combat, while Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Aemond harboured a similar tactic with Aemond lying in ambush with Vhagar, his colossal dragon.
In an unexpected twist of fate, King Aegon enters the battle unseasoned and ill-prepared, leading to a catastrophic entanglement between Rhaenys and Aegon’s dragons. Instead of aiding his sibling, Aemond opts to attack from above, leading to Aegon enduring a horrific fall with his steadfast dragon Sunfyre.
While Rhaenys manages to escape, she heroically returns on her dragon Meleys to confront Aemond and his larger dragon, a decision that tragically results in her demise.
The episode’s climax sees Ser Criston in utter shock, dropping to his knees in the forest upon discovering a gravely injured dragon coiled around Aegon’s motionless form, leading him to fear the worst for his King.
This event signifies a major shift for Aemond, whose brother’s fate is uncertain, leaving viewers to question what will happen next.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ewan, who portrays Aemond, delved into the intense sequences and his character’s mindset.
He revealed: “It’s a seismic event that’s changed the future going forward with these characters. Aegon’s fate remains unknown. I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone.
“But going into episode five, you are going to see the fallout of Rook’s Rest, which I can’t wait for people to see. It’s a massive blow for Team Black. The line in the sand has been drawn and Aemond just crossed that line. And there’s no going back. I’m sure there will be retaliation.”
When questioned about Aemond’s view on the rightful heir to the throne, he reflected: “You don’t necessarily know what is going on behind Aemond’s eye. You don’t know what he’s thinking, but you do know that he is thinking. He’s a very calculative person.
“He’s not just your one-dimensional black cat and mindless sociopath kind of character. He is thinking at all times. You see that in the first four episodes – in so much of them he operates from the peripheries. But, does he even want the throne? [Shrugs.]”
Responding to a question about whether Aemond feels bitter about being second in line to the throne behind his less capable brother, he remarked: “He feels that Aegon lacks the perseverance to be king. Aegon says it himself: he has no wish to rule.
“Whereas Aemond, he’s been studying with the masters. He’s been training with the sword, so he very much feels like he would make a worthier king, whether or not that’s what Aemond wants.”
As for what’s next for Aemond after his shocking attack on Aegon, fans are left in suspense.
House of the Dragon season 2 lands in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with a repeat airing later on at 9pm.
