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

"No, but he would be partial to me!"

So speaks the adult version of Alicent Hightower, lamenting her father's absence from court, in a sentence utterly emblematic of her nightmarish character development. It is hard to recall a character who became so unlikable over the course of one episode of television; where once stood sweet Alicent, is now a ghastly, power-hungry creature, one entirely without morals or qualms regarding who she has to step on in order to install her son Aegon on the Iron Throne.

Much like Criston Cole, Alicent has perceived Rhaenyra's actions as a personal slight to herself and directs a tidal wave of venomous hostility towards her former friend. The fact that Alicent has strayed so far from her original self is highlighted in the episode's very first scene, where the Queen demands that Rhaenyra's literal new-born son Joffrey is brought to her, so that she can get a close look at his distinctly un-Targaryen features; the very notion of such children drawing breath is clearly like a dagger in the heart for the vile Queen. The fact that she wanted the baby brought to her immediately almost hints that Alicent is afraid that its features could somehow be tampered with; underlining the extent of her mental instability.

The intense dislike that viewers feel towards the vindictive Alicent is indicative of the strength of Olivia Cooke's debut performance on the show. The actress is absolutely sensational as she effortlessly breathes life into one of the more instantly unlikable faces of the Red Keep. As mentioned previously, more villains is always good news in Westeros.