Debate heats up over Alicent Hightower’s actions towards Rhaenyra Targaryen, and their consequences.

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower

Following the release of three episodes of House of the Dragon season 2, wherein fans witnessed storm and chaos, netizens began holding their breath and awaiting the fate of the primary characters in the upcoming episodes. Meanwhile, the highlight of the show shifted towards Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen following their reunion at the end of the third episode.

house-of-the-dragon-alicent-and-Rhaenyra-2Olivia Cooke’s Alicent Hightower and Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon | HBO Entertainment

Ever since the friends-turned-(step)mother-daughter duo came face to face in the recent episode, their reunion seemingly sprinkled salt on open wounds, for fans. Netizens got divided into two teams, with one recalling all the emotional and mental abuses inflicted by Alicent on Rhaenyra, while the other defending the Green Queen. But one particular incident enraged fans to the core that even Team Green couldn’t defend.

The Unsettling Childbirth Scene Calls for Justice Towards Rhaenyra Targaryen

The highly anticipated HBO prequel House of the Dragon has ignited a storm among fans following the release of three episodes from season 2. Particularly the latest episode, wherein Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen came face to face hinting at the “Prince Who Was Promised” prophecy, sparked all the most intrigue and speculations among fans.

Following the suspenseful reunion between the duo, fans have now gotten divided into two teams defending Alicent and Rhaenyra, respectively. This led netizens to recall all the controversial moments between the two characters, which ultimately prompted fans to call out Olivia Cooke’s character repeatedly abusive towards Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra, based on the details of a particularly harrowing scene.

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower

Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower | HBO Entertainment

Tracing back different occasions where Alicent Hightower depicted her relentless hostility towards Rhaenyra Targaryen, fans unanimously recalled the unforgivable childbirth scene from season 1, episode 6, which clearly showcased the Green Queen’s emotional abuse towards her stepdaughter. The scene in question depicted Alicent’s callous demands from Rhaenyra to see her newborn child immediately after a traumatic birth.

Herein, Alicent Hightower’s notorious actions are portrayed in stark contrast to the backdrop of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s childbirth. Right after bringing her third child to the world, Rhaenyra is compelled by Alicent’s demand, leading to a haunting sequence where Emma D’Arcy’s character, weakened and bleeding, navigates the palace halls, leaving a chilling trail behind her.

Team Green’s Defense Crumbles as Fans Call Out Alicent’s Abuse Towards Rhaenyra

Alicent Hightower, portrayed by Olivia Cooke in the series, embodies a complex antagonist whose motivations and actions challenge viewers’ perceptions of power and betrayal. Her estranged relationship with friend-turned-step-daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen serves as a focal point for exploring themes of conflict and rivalry within the Targaryen dynasty.

A still from House of the Dragon S1E6A still from House of the Dragon S1E6 | HBO Entertainment

But despite the backdrop of court politics and messed-up relationships, as House of the Dragon fans are reminded of the above-mentioned incident, it sparked widespread condemnation of Alicent’s actions throughout the series. Many have thus taken to social media to express their dismay, highlighting Alicent’s history of emotional and psychological abuse towards Rhaenyra over the years.

Despite attempts by some fans to rationalize Alicent’s actions, the portrayal of her relentless abuse towards Rhaenyra simply left little room for justification. Therefore, despite ongoing debates regarding the ethical boundaries of ambition and rivalry in House of the Dragon, fans couldn’t deny the ruthlessness portrayed by Olivia Cooke as Alicent Hightower.

House of the Dragon is available on Max.