rhaenyra-alicent
Credits: Max

The House of the Dragon Season 2 premiere is almost upon us, and with it comes a lot of anticipation and expectation. How faithful will the show be to the source material? Will it be even better than Game of Thrones, or worse?

Reviews have now begun to come in after the show’s premiere in New York and Paris. Though the response from critics has been overwhelmingly positive, many still wait for the premiere to form opinions. Though most reviewers do not reveal much about the show, many have let things slip regarding the plotline.

Due to this, a reviewer has revealed that in the first two episodes, Rhaenyra will make an unexpected move that differs mainly from her character in the book. Read on to learn more.

Rhaenyra will ‘risk her life’ to petition Alicent

Alicent attempting to stab Rhaenyra with Viserys' dagger

Credits: Max

We have learned about the Dance of the Dragons so far that the Greens and Blacks are prepared for all-out war. With the death of Lucerys Velaryon, leaks have suggested that Rhaenyra will be livid, calling for Aemond Targaryen’s head. This, in turn, will lead to the horrific event known as Blood and Cheese and the assassination of young Prince Jaehaerys.

On the Greens’ end, though Aemond, Alicent and Otto are still proceeding with caution, Aegon is prepared for war. This is something we’ve seen in the trailers and is very much in keeping with his character from the books. After firing Otto Hightower as Hand for not taking action, Aegon will appoint Criston Cole to launch his war campaign.

Given all this, we would assume that Season 2 will be total war. However, a review from The Playlist reveals this may not be true. The reviewer mentions that Rhaenyra will once more attempt to forge peace between the Blacks and the Greens. However, the results will be less than satisfactory. The review states:

“Knowing that the reckless and foolish young men are starting to dominate the strategies and aware that Alicent does not share the same bloodthirstiness, Rhaenyra makes a bold decision, risking her life in the process to petition Alicent so their more shrewd, level-headed insight can prevail. But alas, these two former “sisters” have too many resentments and painful betrayals built up between them, and the desperate mission fails.”

Earlier theories from fans suggested that Rhaenyra and Alicent would reunite at Dragonstone. The moment described in this review could confirm this. It will be the first time Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke share screen space since the death of King Viserys in Season 1.