New House of the Dragon Episode 8: Tensions Rise as the Battle for Driftmark Heats Up

Episode 8 of House of the Dragon — now streaming on HBO Max and Disney+ Hotstar — is named “The Lord of the Tides”. The title reflects its primary focus on the impending decision regarding the heir to Driftmark, especially since Lord Corlys “Sea Snake” Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) is thought to be gravely wounded. (It’s peculiar that a significant character in the Game of Thrones prequel series has effectively been written off, and we’re left with only time skips to explain it.) In some respects, episode 8 could have been labeled “The Lord of the Undercurrents”. Everyone seems to sense the brewing tension, yet few have the courage to confront the truth that war is on the horizon. This moment, you could say, is the eerie stillness preceding the storm.

And what a bizarre, tension-filled stillness it is. It has been six years since House of the Dragon episode 7. King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) is now merely a shadow of his former self. With one side of his face gone, he’s largely confined to his bed, relying on milk of the poppy to alleviate his intense pain. During his absence, the Hightowers have effectively become the new power brokers: Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her father, Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans). Considering the stronger connections of the Velaryon family to Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Prince Daemon (Matt Smith)—as both were wed to the children of Sea Snake—the Hightowers are understandably reluctant to follow the traditional lines of inheritance for Driftmark.

In contrast to the violent confrontations seen in episode 7, House of the Dragon episode 8 is characterized by political maneuvering and clandestine deals. The Hightowers have called for “petitions” to be addressed in the Red Keep, and since the balance of power currently favors them—given that the Hand of the King represents the King when he is incapacitated—they are poised to deal a significant setback to Rhaenyra. After all, controlling Driftmark means having access to the largest fleet in the Seven Kingdoms. Add to that Alicent’s third son, Prince Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), having won over Vhagar in episode 7, and they are a formidable force. Rhaenyra is well aware of this and departs for King’s Landing immediately upon receiving the news.

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Wil Johnson as Ser Vaemond Velaryon in House of the Dragon episode 8
Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

The communication arrives via Daemon’s daughter, Lady Baela (Bethany Antonia), at Driftmark. (Baela has become a ward of her grandmother since the events of episode 7.) The episode commences with Ser Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson), the younger brother of the Sea Snake, advocating for his claim to the title of lord of Driftmark should Corlys fail to recover. I must confess, I looked up his name. Vaemond has had minimal screen time — partly due to the time jumps and the lack of character development — and suddenly he finds himself at the forefront, competing for a significant position. Who is he, really? Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) cautions her brother-in-law that his assertions border on treason, yet Vaemond remains confident, knowing that the Queen holds power now.

Alicent is so preoccupied with governance that she hardly acknowledges the arrival of her guests, Rhaenyra and Daemon. However, this is the kinder interpretation. The two former close friends have drifted apart — past confrontations ended badly. When they finally come face to face in House of the Dragon episode 8, Alicent’s attention drifts to Rhaenyra’s left arm, where the scar has healed but remains visible. Instead of reconciliation, their reunion turns heated, with accusations flying. Rhaenyra feels the Hightowers now occupy the Iron Throne without any rightful claim, asserting her position as the true heir. Alicent counters that Viserys still guides them from his sickbed. Who will you believe?

Daemon’s knowing chuckle in House of the Dragon episode 8 encapsulates the situation perfectly. It is evident who is in control. Alicent’s decision, influenced by her father Otto, reflects a broader dilemma. If you disregard a son’s rightful claim to inheritance (in this case, Prince Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s son and the Sea Snake’s grandchild by name if not by blood) in favor of someone more agreeable to you (Vaemond, a character few have become familiar with), you set a perilous precedent. Certainly, you may benefit your future ambitions—Rhaenyra the designated heir versus Alicent’s firstborn Aegon—but this also invites scrutiny and doubt from other lords down the line.

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Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon episode 8
Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

For Rhaenyra, the petitions are a significant insult. She perceives this as a challenge to her own claim on the Iron Throne — if her children are disregarded for the Driftmark title, what does it suggest about the overall power dynamics? At night, Rhaenyra once more visits her ailing father, praying for his strength to manage the forthcoming proceedings. However, as the petitions are heard in the Great Hall the following morning, Viserys is nowhere to be found. Instead, Otto occupies the Iron Throne. As Vaemond Velaryon presents his argument in House of the Dragon episode 8, Rhaenyra’s frustration is palpable. Despite being the heiress, she currently finds herself utterly powerless.

The atmosphere in the Great Hall shifts dramatically when the doors swing open. Viserys enters, leaning on a cane, making his slow journey to the Iron Throne. Otto, Alicent, and Vaemond exchange glances, aware that this will derail their schemes. The King’s frailty is evident throughout House of the Dragon episode 8, struggling to keep the crown balanced on his head, but upon reaching the other end of the hall, one man’s voice is the only one that now counts. He declares that with Corlys incapacitated, the ideal representative to advocate for him would be his wife, Rhaenys.

Rather than advocating for herself as initially proposed, Rhaenys agrees to the marriage proposals set forth by Rhaenyra privately earlier in the episode. This is strategic. Rather than making herself vulnerable before Viserys, who rigidly adheres to rules, the Queen Who Never Was demonstrates her understanding of the game of thrones. However, her brother-in-law Vaemond is not pleased. He unleashes a tirade, insulting Rhaenyra and labeling her children with derogatory terms. Beyond the insults, this is treasonous behavior, especially considering Viserys’s previous reactions in House of the Dragon episode 7. As expected, the King arises and demands Velaryon’s punishment. But Daemon acts swiftly, executing Vaemond from behind. Just like that, the mostly unfamiliar character is gone.

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Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen in House of the Dragon episode 8
Photo Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

Later that evening at dinner, the ailing Viserys attempts to reconcile the differences between his wife and daughter. (House of the Dragon episode 8 visually emphasizes the literal gap between the Queen and the heir, which is fittingly occupied by the King.) For a time, his attempts are effective. Rhaenyra and Alicent recognize one another’s efforts. Even Rhaenyra’s children try to offer kind words about Alicent’s sons. Pleased with this progress, Viserys requests music, prompting a dance between one of Rhaenyra’s sons and Alicent’s sole daughter. This moment hints at potential reconciliation between the two rival factions. As the King is carried away due to pain, he believes he has fulfilled his role.

However, it is clear that this was merely a façade. Alicent’s children harbor resentment, realizing that Rhaenyra’s family is poised to take claim to all thrones. Having previously ridiculed them for their marriages, Aemond—the new Vhagar rider—delivers a final remark. He cleverly refers to Rhaenyra’s boys as “strong” while implying something entirely different. As tensions erupt into chaos among the children, they are separated and sent to their quarters. Rhaenyra informs Alicent that they will depart for Dragonstone in the morning — having secured her objectives — despite their recent arrival.

As Alicent attends to her increasingly frail husband after the tense dinner, Viserys begins to mumble about the “song of ice and fire”. He is referencing Aegon the Conqueror’s dream—a prophetic vision detailing an impending long night when enemies will emerge from the North—passed down through generations of Targaryen rulers. Yet, Alicent misinterprets his words, believing he is referencing their son Aegon (II) as the “promised prince” destined to unify the realm. It’s evident that Alicent plans to use his statements to bolster her son’s claims later. Rhaenyra may have heard the complete vision (when Viserys was sober and alert), but now it is her word against that of Alicent.

With the King nearing his end in House of the Dragon episode 8, the fragile peace he tried to uphold seems poised to crumble at any moment.

House of the Dragon episode 8 is currently available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar in India, and on HBO Max wherever applicable. New episodes are released every Monday at 6:30 am IST / Sunday at 9 pm ET.