House Of The Dragon Episode Five Review - 8 Ups & 2 Downs

While this title may be technically inaccurate, as House of the Dragon had already introduced Lord Lyonel Strong and his son Ser Harwin Strong (aka Breakbones), We Light The Way rounded off introducing the family who call Harrenhall home as youngest clubfoot brother Larys made his onscreen bow. Readers of Martin's canon will be aware that Larys develops into an integral thread of the story and as such, will have been rubbing their hands in glee as the younger Strong meets Alicent.

Larys, to put it mildly, oozes menacing dread, which speaks volumes considering that the character in question is a slight, stuttering man who walks with a cane. His conversation with Alicent is on the surface, a polite, almost apologetic monologue but he is quite clearly relishing delivering news to the Queen that will irrevocably destroy her relationship with Rhaenyra. Larys appears to be an intriguing new character to unpack in weeks to come, particularly considering that he has no apparent motivation to tear Rhaenyra and Alicent apart.

Fans also got a brief look at why Larys' elder brother Harwin merits his fearsome moniker; prompted by a glance from his father Lyonel, the knight known as Breakbones charges into the melee at the wedding like an enraged bull, scattering men around him like bowling pins. Harwin is reputed to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms in Fire and Blood and House of the Dragon already appears to be relishing utilizing his larger-than-life personality and reputation.