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

Craghas Drahar may have ultimately proved he was even stupider than he was ugly, but he proved a perfect showcase of what an absolute wrecking ball Daemon Targaryen can be when he wants to.

Viewers may have gathered that Daemon was an enigmatic badass, but before Second of His Name, it is likely they did not know the extent of this fact. As the Velaryon forces struggle in the Stepstones, the King sends emissaries to notify Daemon and Corlys that he is sending reinforcements.

This would normally be good news, but not for the famously proud Prince. Daemon viciously beats the emissary before proceeding to row across the bay and feigning surrender to draw the Crab Feeder and his forces out. It's all a ploy obviously, which Daemon gleefully reveals before singlehandedly hacking down scores of soldiers, all while dodging volleys of arrows from the cliffs.

It's a gorgeous visual sequence, invoking memories of famous shots from Battle of the Bastards and Hardhome, and serving as visual proof of how formidable Daemon will be as the show progresses. Even when shot with multiple arrows, the Prince prepares to engage a host that hopelessly outnumbers him before the Velaryons arrive and rain down fire from dragon back.

Daemon's not done yet though; spotting Drahar fleeing into the caves, he pursues him and splits him in half off-screen. The episode ends with the visage of Daemon, barely recognizable through a mask of blood, having discarded the remains of his foe in the bay for the crustaceans.

Absolutely glorious television.