The Red Sowing, the penultimate episode of House of the Dragon Season 2, is one of the season’s best, with dragons galore, smart political manoeuverings, deserving lessons in humility and more. While most of the episodes of Season 2 have been a slow burn, this one is pacey, promising a gallop in the season finale.

Doings on Dragonstone

Episode 7 opens with a fabulous shot of Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) facing off with Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) bracketed by their respective dragons, Syrax and Sea Smoke. Rhaenyra is unhappy that a lowborn had the audacity to approach a dragon but is appeased when Addam, who holds back his parentage, informs her that Sea Smoke had pursued him and that he was willing to swear fealty to Rhaenyra.

As Rhaenyra flies back to Dragonstone, Sea Smoke and Addam in tow, and asks that he be instructed in High Velaryon, it sparks all sorts of reactions from those close to her. Lady Mysaria sees this as an opportunity to find dragonriders from all the Targaryen bastards that populate King’s Landing, an option that Rhaenyra is loath to consider till she realises it’s her only option.

In a scene that gives Harry Collett a chance to show off his acting skills, Jace questions Rhaenyra’s decision to allow Targaryen bastards to ride dragons, worried it will raise questions about his legitimacy as Rhaenyra’s heir, given that he is technically a Strong bastard. The only thing that kept others quiet about his parentage is his ability to ride a dragon, which will be made redundant if Targaryen bastards start riding dragons as well.

The Dragonseeds of King’s Landing

How easily Mysaria’s message asking Targaryen bastards to head to Dragonstone is executed in King’s Landing either speaks highly of Mysaria’s network (beats that of Larys Strong for sure) or the laxity of the Gold Cloaks in following lockdown orders from Aemond (or poor writing). The message reaches the ears of Ulf White (Tom Benett), who is reluctant to sign up for it but forced to under peer pressure, and Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew) who sees it as his and his wife’s way out of poverty.

Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), busy meting out punishment to last episode’s rioter, is clueless about the dozens of Targaryen bastards heading for Dragonstone on fishing boats. His brother Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is healing but not fast enough for Lord Larys, who seems to have plans for him.

Away from all the politicking, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), who has been deposed by her sons and their advisors, spends time camping in the forest and taking cleansing swims in clear ponds and adds nothing of consequence to the episode.

Harrenhal handover

Back in Harrenhal, Daemon (Matt Smith) is still having visions, which by now feels overdone whether or not Paddy Considine shows up. Thankfully, other things at Harrenhal seem to be moving on. Grover Tully is finally dead and overall command of the Riverlands has been handed over to his grandson Oscar, who is treated with great disdain by Daemon because of his young age. But it is Oscar who has the last laugh as he turns the tables on the King Consort by forcing him to punish the Blackwoods for crimes meted out in his name. Go Oscar!

The taming of dragons

As expected, the Dragonkeepers abandon Rhaenyra when they realise that those facing the dragons Vermithor and Silverwing will be lowborns, unwilling to be part of a game with the gods.

But Rhaenyra is not one to hold back, going into the Dragonpit and summoning Vermithor with a dozen Dragonseeds behind her. Again, as expected, mayhem ensues as Vermithor proves why he is nicknamed the Bronze Fury as he eviscerates those who dare to stand in front of him. Except Hugh Hammer, who stops running to turn around and roar as loud as a dragon, ending up being accepted by Vermithor. Ulf White also survives but by running away. He accidentally steps on dragon goop, falls over and is chosen by Silverwing.

In one of the most exciting closing shots of the season, we see Ulf on a joyride over King’s Landing and given chase by Aemond on Vhagar who pulls back and turns around suddenly as Rhaenyra comes into view with Syrax at her back, Vermithor in front of her and Silverwing behind her (stop spoiling the moment by wondering how they covered that much distance in so little time).

The scene sets the stage for the finale, the trailer for which followed the seventh episode, which will see Rhaenyra wanting to strike while she has an advantage with half a dozen dragons on her side. Aemond plans a counter strike even as all other major characters gear up for all out war.