Before you listen…
Episode 5, Unbowed and Unbent, didn’t include an epic battle, a crazy cliffhanger or even any dragons, but it was, I have to admit a necessary episode (though it still could have been better). It showed us how the balance of power is shifting across Westeros while laying the groundwork for the rest of the season.
In this episode of The Voice Note, I explore why Rhaenyra’s greatest threat may no longer be Aemond or Aegon, but the growing pressure of the crown itself. I also discuss Ormund Hightower’s long game, Aemond’s recovery at Harrenhal, Helaena’s impossible situation, and why this episode, while much slower than I would have liked, could prove more important than it first appears.
Three Things I Can’t Stop Thinking About…
Rhaenyra is losing herself
The biggest revelation in Episode 5 (and really Episode 4 as well) is that psychology can be just as dangerous as politics or warfare. Rhaenyra, love her, but she needs to get it together. She spends much of the episode trying to satisfy, and second-guessing, everyone around her: her council, the Faith, the people of King’s Landing and her own family. In doing so, she drifts further away from the decisive leader the realm needs.
Ormund Hightower is the most dangerous player in Westeros
Everyone else is obsessed with dragons. They want action, and they want it immediately. Ormund is playing a different game. He’s building influence through strategy, patience and manipulation. Whether he’s mentoring Daeron, spreading propaganda or destabilising King’s Landing, he’s proving that wars aren’t won through brute force alone. I think he’s becoming one of the show’s most fascinating, and freakiest, characters.
This episode was all about preparation
At first, Episode 5 feels fragmented, with dozens of storylines inching forward. The more I thought about it, the more I realised that was probably the point. Rather than delivering major pay-offs, it positions every major character for what’s coming next.
It doesn’t make for the most exciting episode, if I’m honest. I get it, we can’t have dragons fighting every week. But I do think we could have had more intimate scenes, particularly conversations between characters whose relationships are already fraught with tension and complexities. For me, that’s always Alicent and Rhaenyra.
My Favourite Moment…
Aemond’s scenes with Alys Rivers were easily the standout for me. First, it’s always satisfying when I’m right. Second, they reveal, once again, just how layered Aemond is as a character. Unlike Aegon, who remains fairly one-note and driven largely by violence, Aemond is much more complex. We see how much of his life has been spent searching for affection, approval and a sense of belonging.
It’s fascinating that this vulnerability always seems to emerge around women, often older women with lower social status, who nevertheless hold a certain power over him. Whether Alys is helping him or manipulating him is still unclear, but their relationship is quickly becoming one of the most compelling parts of the season.
Prediction for Episode 6…
I think the second half of the season is going to shift away from revenge and towards legitimacy, or at least Rhaenyra’s idea of legitimacy. She’s spent weeks chasing Aemond and Aegon, but Episode 5 suggests the real battle will be fought in King’s Landing, where loyalty, perception and political influence will be just as important as dragons.
If she can’t regain control there, the war could begin slipping away long before the next major battle is fought.
Question of the Week…
Do you think Rhaenyra is genuinely losing control, or is she simply carrying a burden that would overwhelm any ruler?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments before Episode 6 airs.
If you’re looking for an in-depth House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5 review, I hope this conversation gives you something to think about beyond the battles and dragons. I’d love to know whether you agree with my take, or whether you think I’m completely wrong.
Listen to Previous Episodes
If you’re catching up, you can also listen to my previous House of the Dragon reviews:
