Rhaenyra the Cruel

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}

{{Infobox television episode

{{Infobox television episode

|image =

| image =

|caption =

| caption =

|series = [[House of the Dragon]]

| series = [[House of the Dragon]]

|season = 2

| season = 2

|episode = 2

| episode = 2

|director = [[Clare Kilner]]

| director = [[Clare Kilner]]

|writer = [[Sara Hess]]

| writer = [[Sara Hess]]

|photographer =

| photographer = Alejandro Martínez

|music = [[Ramin Djawadi]]

| music = [[Ramin Djawadi]]

|editor =

| editor = Crispin Green

|airdate = {{Start date|2024|6|23}}

| airdate = {{Start date|2024|6|23}}

| length = 69 minutes

| length = 69 minutes

| guests =

| guests =

| prev = [[A Son for a Son]]

| prev = [[A Son for a Son]]

| next = <!-- season_article = House of the Dragon (season 2)

| next = <!-- season_article = House of the Dragon (season 2)

The plot directly follows the end of the [[A Son for a Son|season premiere]], depicting the aftermath of the murder of [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]'s son and heir.

The plot directly follows the end of the [[A Son for a Son|season premiere]], depicting the aftermath of the murder of [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]], King [[Aegon II Targaryen|Aegon II]]'s son and heir.

"Rhaenyra the Cruel" introduced several new [[List of House of the Dragon characters|cast members]], including [[Clinton Liberty]] as Addam of Hull, [[Tom Bennett (actor)|Tom Bennett]] as Ulf the White, and [[Ellora Torchia]] as Kat.

The episode introduced several new [[List of House of the Dragon characters|cast members]], including [[Clinton Liberty]] as Addam of Hull, [[Tom Bennett (actor)|Tom Bennett]] as Ulf the White, and [[Ellora Torchia]] as Kat. It received highly positive reviews, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, cinematography, camerawork, fight between Erryk and Arryk, Rhaenyra's argument with Daemon, and performances of its cast, particularly [[Tom Glynn-Carney]], [[Emma D'Arcy]], [[Phia Saban]], and [[Rhys Ifans]].

== Plot ==

== Plot ==

{{No plot|date=June 2024}}

{{No plot|date=June 2024}}

=== In King's Landing ===

=== At Dragonstone ===

=== At Driftmark ===

== Production ==

== Production ==

| footer = The performances of (L to R) [[Tom Glynn-Carney]], [[Emma D'Arcy]], and [[Rhys Ifans]] in the episode garnered critical acclaim.

| footer = The performances of (L to R) [[Tom Glynn-Carney]], [[Emma D'Arcy]], and [[Rhys Ifans]] in the episode garnered critical acclaim.

}}

}}

The episode was met with highly positive reviews from critics. On the [[review aggregator]] [[Rotten Tomatoes]], it holds an [[approval rating]] of 100% based on 14 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=''House of the Dragon'': Season 2, Episode 2 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/house_of_the_dragon/s02/e02 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]]}}</ref>

Haley Whitmire White of ''TV Fanatic'' rated the episode 4.5 out of 5 stars.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Haley Whitmire |date=2024-06-23 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review: Disturbing Developments |url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/2024/06/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review-disturbing-develop/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=TV Fanatic |language=en}}</ref> Alec Bojalad of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling it "one of the more thematically-disciplined episodes of the show yet."<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bojalad |first=Alec |date=2024-06-24 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review: The Bloody Aftermath and Sullied White Cloaks |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |language=en-US}}</ref> James Hunt of ''[[Screen Rant]]'', who previously found the [[A Son for a Son|Blood and Cheese scene]] disappointing, praised the episode's depiction of its aftermath. He commended the compelling and emotional character work and superb performances, describing it as "another solid installment as the Dance of the Dragons edges closer to truly catching fire."<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=James |date=2024-06-24 |title=House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review: Blood & Cheese's Aftermath Drives A Solid Outing |url=https://screenrant.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> Katie Doll of ''[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]'' scored the episode 9 out of 10, stating, "It's clear by the end of this episode that no one is winning this war. ''House of the Dragon'' has moved the pieces so that everyone loses in some shape or form. [...] It's invigorating for a fantasy show to humanize itself by exploring all facets of war and its consequences. With a mix of manipulative politics and soul-shattering action sequences, [the series] is on track to be an arresting fantasy war drama."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Doll |first=Katie |date=2024-06-24 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review: Tragedy in War |url=https://www.cbr.com/house-of-the-dragon-season2-episode2-review/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref> Carly Lane of ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' gave it 8 out of 10, while Helen O'Hara of IGN rated it 7 out of 10, noting it was a "heavy-hearted episode, weighed down by the grief of almost all the main cast."<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Hara |first=Helen |date=2024-06-24 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> Moreover, Kayleigh Dray of ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' graded the episode with a "B+", writing, "This episode cleverly builds upon the tensions of the season premiere, weaving in subplots and drama and dragon-sized Easter eggs. [...] It's another beautifully subtle episode, laden with suspense and quiet melancholy."<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-06-24 |title=House Of The Dragon recap: There will be blood |url=https://www.avclub.com/house-of-the-dragon-review-season-2-episode-2-1851550844 |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=[[The A.V. Club]] |language=en}}</ref>

The episode received a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from Haley Whitmire White of ''TV Fanatic'',<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Haley Whitmire |date=2024-06-23 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review: Disturbing Developments |url=https://www.tvfanatic.com/2024/06/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review-disturbing-develop/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=TV Fanatic |language=en}}</ref> 4 out of 5 stars from Alec Bojalad of ''[[Den of Geek]]'',<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Bojalad |first=Alec |date=2024-06-24 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review: The Bloody Aftermath and Sullied White Cloaks |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Den of Geek]] |language=en-US}}</ref> and 3.5 out of 5 stars from James Hunt of ''[[Screen Rant]].''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=James |date=2024-06-24 |title=House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review: Blood & Cheese's Aftermath Drives A Solid Outing |url=https://screenrant.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Screen Rant]] |language=en}}</ref> Bojalad called it "one of the more thematically-disciplined episodes of the show yet."<ref name=":1" /> Hunt, who found the Blood and Cheese scene in the [[A Son for a Son|previous episode]] to be disappointing and led to the episode ending on a disappointing note, praised the aftermath of the scene depicted throughout this episode. He also appreciated the compelling, emotional character work and superb performances, and called the episode "another solid installment of [the series], as the Dance of the Dragons edges closer to truly catching fire."<ref name=":2" />

The performances of the cast received widespread praise from critics, particularly those of Glynn-Carney,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Carly |date=2024-06-24 |title='House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: Dig Two Graves |url=https://collider.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-recap/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joshua |date=June 24, 2024 |title='House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: What’s So Civil About War, Anyway? {{!}} Decider |url=https://decider.com/2024/06/23/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-recap/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=[[Decider (website)|Decider]] |language=en-US}}</ref> D'Arcy,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Weldon |first=Glen |date=June 23, 2024 |title='House of the Dragon' season 2, episode 2: A real no-twin scenario |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/06/23/nx-s1-5008704/house-of-the-dragon-recap-season-2-episode-2 |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=[[NPR]]}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Bullard |first=Alexandra |date=2024-06-23 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review - Volatile and merciless |url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1913656/house-of-the-dragon-season-two-episode-two-review |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=[[Daily Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":6" /> Saban,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last=Khosla |first=Proma |date=2024-06-24 |title=‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2, Episode 2 Review: The Cost of War |url=https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review-1235018649/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=[[IndieWire]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Ifans,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> and Cooke.<ref name=":9" /> James Hunt highlighted Glynn-Carney's performance as "terrific", especially for showcasing not only showing his acting range but also Aegon's emotional range. He also praised Saban, noting her ability to "[convey] so much with her eyes and [nail] the complexity of a grieving parent",and Ifans, calling it "his best performance as Otto to date."<ref name=":2" /> Proma Khosla of ''[[IndieWire]]'', who graded the episode with a "B", singled out Saban and Glynn-Carney for their outstanding performances, and called Cooke's performance "excellent".<ref name=":9" /> Haley Whitmire White and Kayleigh Dray also singled out Glynn-Carney's performance, with White describing his portrayal of a grieving father as "outstanding", and Dray naming him "this week's MVP".<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> Alec Bojalad praised D'Arcy as "one of the show's most elite performers", commending their ability to "[capture] both Rhaenyra's belated understanding of what Daemon really is and her political blindspots in equal measure."<ref name=":1" /> Alexandra Bullard of ''[[Daily Express]]'' specifically praised D'Arcy and Saban, calling the former "magnificent" and the latter "phenomenal".<ref name=":8" />

Katie Doll from ''[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]]'' gave the episode a score of 9 out of 10, writing in her review, "It's clear by the end of this episode that no one is winning this war. ''House of the Dragon'' has moved the pieces so that everyone loses in some shape or form. [...] It's invigorating for a fantasy show to humanize itself by exploring all facets of war and the consequences it has on everyone. With a mix of manipulative politics and soul-shattering action sequences, [the series] is on track to be an arresting fantasy war drama."<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Doll |first=Katie |date=2024-06-24 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review: Tragedy in War |url=https://www.cbr.com/house-of-the-dragon-season2-episode2-review/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Comic Book Resources|CBR]] |language=en}}</ref> Carly Lane of ''[[Collider (website)|Collider]]'' scored it 8 out of 10,<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Carly |date=2024-06-24 |title='House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 2 Recap: Dig Two Graves |url=https://collider.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-recap/ |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |language=en}}</ref> while Helen O'Hara of ''[[IGN]]'' gave it 7 out of 10, noting that it was a "heavy-hearted episode, weighed down by the grief of almost all the main cast."<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Hara |first=Helen |date=2024-06-24 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review |access-date=2024-06-24 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref> Moreover, the performances of its cast were praised by many critics, particularly those of Glynn-Carney,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> D'Arcy,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" /> Ifans,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> and Saban.<ref name=":2" /> Additionally, critics also singled out several standout moments in the episode, including the argument between Rhaenyra and Daemon,<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Otto scolding Aegon,<ref name=":4" /> and the fight between Erryk and Arryk.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" />

Critics also highlighted several specific scenes, including the fight between Erryk and Arryk,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":10">{{Cite news |last=Das |first=Santanu |date=June 24, 2024 |title=House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 review: Vengeance runs wild as tragedy evens out |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-review-101719196396866.html |access-date=June 25, 2024 |work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kram |first=Zach |date=2024-06-23 |title=On ‘House of the Dragon,’ the Family Fault Lines Are Fully Exposed |url=https://www.theringer.com/house-of-the-dragon/2024/6/23/24184512/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-episode-2-recap |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=[[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] |language=en}}</ref> the argument between Rhaenyra and Daemon,<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":7" /> Otto scolding Aegon,<ref name=":4" /> and Rhaenyra's interaction with Mysaria.<ref name=":6" /> Proma Khosla described the former as "a magnificent farewell for the Tittensor brothers," calling it "memorable" and "impactful", while Santanu Das of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' named it "one of the most brutal and compelling moments of the season so far".<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> Additionally, critics also praised Kilner's direction, Hess' writing,<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9" /> Djawadi's score,<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> Martínez's cinematography,<ref name=":10" /> and camerawork.<ref name=":9" />

== References ==

== References ==