House of the Dragon writer explains the controversial episode 9 ending

The team behind Dragon House We explained the last scene in the ninth episode, Amidst the disappointment of the viewer It was a kind of anti-climax.

On Sunday (October 16), HBO aired the penultimate episode of its first season, which explored the fallout from King Viserys (Paddy Considine)’s death in the previous episode.

*Following spoilers – you’ve been warned*

Mistakenly believing that the dying Viserys’ wish was for their son Aegon to succeed him as ruler, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) tells her father Otto (Rhys Ifans), who jumps into action in order to prevent Rhaenyra (Emma Darcy) from taking her rightful place on the Iron Throne.

Throughout the episode, the Hightowers tried to convince the people in King’s Landing, including Viserys’ sister Rhaenys (Eve Best), that in the last moments of his life, he went against his steadfast desire for Rhaenyra to succeed him.

Rhaenys tries to escape from King’s Landing when she realizes that the Hightowers are quick to track the coronation before Rhaenyra has a chance to stop him. Disguised as a shawl, Rhaenys slacks away while Aegon is being crowned – only to return to the dragonback, dressed in silver and red armor.

She rides Miles from the Dragonpit, and lands right in front of the Hightowers, with Alicent protecting her son, believing death is imminent.

However, instead of ordering Meles to shoot the rapists, which would have put an end to any civil war about to begin, she travels, most likely to Dragonstone, to inform Rainira and Damon (Matt Smith) ignorant of everything that has happened.

This act left viewers feeling frustrated and frustrated. but. Best explained Rhaenys’ motives behind her decision in a post-episode interview Entertainment Weekly: “It is the moment when she shows herself as the greatest possible ruler.”

Best of all, he said the moment was “the most merciful and graceful act,” adding, “That’s because she’s so smart and in the end she chooses to do the right thing, which is not to destroy him. It’s really a forgiving moment and kind of a loving moment in a weird way.”

The actor continued, “She has suffered so much loss, and for her own good and on behalf of so many others, the desire to destroy is so strong. However, the choice not to destroy is getting stronger. This is the mark of greatness and [a] A really inspiring moment.”

Best also said that a previous scene between Aliscent and Raines inspired the decision to save her life, as well as Aliscent’s immediate protection of Egon in what she believes will be her last moments.

“She’s coming forward as a mom — I think Raines sees that and respects that,” Best said.

discussion discussion with The Hollywood ReporterWriter and producer Sarah Hess said, “I think she can’t do that. It’s not her war. The fight is between these two sides and she’s kind of not into it. She doesn’t feel like she’s the one to go in and do it. But you’re right. If she just burned everyone, she’d be over.” The game, Rainera won and we’re done here. But the cost is huge.”

Meanwhile, fans were left in disbelief due to a scene involving Introduced by Lares (Matthew Needham) and Aliscent.

“House of the Dragon” continues in the UK on Sky Atlantic on Mondays at 2am, before repeating at 9pm later that day. It is also available to watch now.

Find all talking points from the last episode over here.