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

After spending several weeks pining for the onscreen bow of Rhaenys' dragon Meleys, this writer had nearly given up hope and as such, nearly keeled over at the Red Queen's arrival.

Eve Best had already turned in a stunning performance as the Queen Who Never Was. Imprisoned by the Hightowers to prevent her from informing Rhaenyra of Viserys' death, Rhaenys is freed by a disillusioned Erryk Cargyll and caught up in a massive throng of people heading for Aegon's coronation.

Unfortunately for the Hightowers, the coronation is being held in the hall of the Dragonpit; even in her wildest dreams, Alicent couldn't have expected her son's proclamation as King to go any worse. As a newly crowned Aegon raises his sword in triumph, Rhaenys and Meleys explode through the floor - Helaena's "beast beneath the boards"? - sending the common folk flying like bowling pins and dropping the usurpers' jaws to the floor. And yet...

Rhaenys has the entirety of her tormentors before her, utterly at her mercy. One swift blast of dragon fire and any potential war is over. The fact that the Targaryen Princess inexplicably decides to show mercy, instantly further jeopardizing the lives of everyone she holds dear, seems notably out of touch with the character the show has spent time building up. As Meleys swoops out of the Dragonpit, viewers aren't sure whether to cheer or pound the floor in frustration.

With that being said, this was still a spectacular climactic sequence and a jaw dropping introduction for the Red Queen. Additionally, watching the Hightowers nearly sh*t themselves was a delightful added bonus.