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

In addition to being beautifully satisfying, watching Criston Cole get his face punched in after last week's episode felt like just returns.

Cole's true self has been revealed after his murder of Joffrey Lonmouth at Rhaenyra and Laenor's wedding. Posing under the vaguely naive facade of a noble and honorable knight of the Kingsguard, Cole has gone from choir-boy to the embodiment of toxic masculinity in the space of a few short hours of television. The fact that Criston's vile wave of petulant hostility directed in Rhaenyra's direction is motivated solely by her rejection of him paints the picture of a character - who appeared to be shaping up to be a Jon Snow-esque hero - in the most unflattering of colors.

Thankfully, this makes it all the more gloriously enjoyable to watch Harwin Strong beat the obnoxious knight to a pulp after Criston insinuates that Rhaenyra's sons are a result of her relationship with Breakbones. Sadly, Cole comes out of the situation with a smug expression, knowing full well that he has managed to locate his rival's weak spot and Harwin's transgressions are a key factor that lead to his dismissal from King's Landing and ultimately his fiery death at Harrenhall.

With that being said, all the ghastly consequences in the world didn't make watching Cole get pummelled any less satisfying. While Harwin will be missed, Ser Strong can rest slightly easier in the knowledge that the lasting memory fans possess of the man named Breakbones will be that of him viciously battering Cole in the dust.