House Of The Dragon Episode 3 Review - 9 Ups & 1 Down

This felt like destiny.

In a beautiful piece of symbolism that for the first time captured an air of ancient Targaryen mystique for Milly Alcock's Rhaenyra, the show featured an omen that she is indeed the rightful heir to the throne, while highlighting her gentle nature.

The King's party hunts a famed white stag through the woods in honor of his new son Aegon's second nameday. The animal is reputed to be a symbol of ancient Kings and thus, a promising omen that Aegon should be named as heir to the throne over Rhaenyra. The King's party eventually corner the massive deer, only to realize that while it is a huge beast, it is not the famed white one. Paddy Considine's eyes betray Viserys' disappointment that it was not actually a portent of good luck for his son in an exceptional piece of dialogue-less acting.

After being thrown into emotional turmoil regarding her status as the heir and the arrival of her new brother means that Rhaenyra needed a sign of hope, and she receives one in the most beautiful way possible. The famed stag appears not to Viserys, but to her and Ser Criston, signalling that she is the rightful heir no matter what court politics may play out in the background. A poignant yet hopeful moment, that tugged on the heartstrings thanks to the beautiful simplicity with which it was shot and Rhaenyra's refusal to let Criston kill the beast.

After all the tribulations her father’s remarriage has caused, this felt like a touch of vindication for Rhaenyra, who grows more likable by the episode.