HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Ending Explained | Season 2 Episode 2 Reaction & Review: Hand of the King?

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Ending Explained | season 2 episode 2 reaction & review! We dive into House of the Dragon season 2 episode 2 and Aegon's choice for new Hand of the King!
In season 2 of HBO's House of the Dragon Rhaenyra and Alicent continue their claims for the throne. Houses will choose sides, who will rule? Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Ewan Mitchell, Tom Glynn-Carney and Rhys Ifans
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[@JamieBarrington]

I cheered when Daeron was finally mentioned. He's been Connor Roy'd for so long. About time someone remembers him

[@MattandJessTV]

Hahahaha Daeron was interested in politics from a very young age... -Matt

[@deljs6]

I think the choice of letting the white worm go was good. She saw the twin coming in and she stopped. I believe she told them that he was there. So that helped Raenyera

[@MattandJessTV]

Short-term, I think it is a win. Long-term? I am still hopeful just because knowledge is power and Rhaenyra needs that if she does not have many new allies right now. -Matt

[@kristineilochi4615]

White Worm=MVP She saved Rhaenyra’s life.

[@melissak8419]

I hope she comes back to support Rhaenyra, as she is in a trailer stating "there is more than one way to win a war".

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

Aegon is so unprepared for being King, Husband and Father and these events have crumbled him emotionally. The fact that Allicent did not make an effort to comfort him after telling Otto she would do her best. Guilt was not the first thing that came to me with Allicent. I feel that she is overwhelmed and exhausted with having to deal with everything regarding loyalty to the Crown!

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh that's a really interesting perspective on Alicent and why she didn't comfort Aegon, it could be that for sure! I had assumed it was her own guilt for her part played in the death of her grandson that she couldn't bring herself to face him. - Jess

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

@@MattandJessTV This could definitely be it, it just didn't occur to me in the moment.

[@blezzing0603]

I’m team black but I’m really loving these gray characters. EXCEPT COLE he can go

[@MattandJessTV]

Cole is the worst. I'm team green, but we don't claim him hahahaha - Jess

[@kristineilochi4615]

Yep, Sir Pass Around needs to go!

[@kristineilochi4615]

Sir Pass Around stays everywhere BUT his post. Ugh! Can’t stand him!

[@deljs6]

Aemond PLEASE. this idiot. He caused ALOT of these issues. He better feel guilty about his little nephew brother!!

[@MattandJessTV]

I honestly do feel for Aemond -- he caused a lot of problems, but in another family could he be okay? I think so, Aegon not so much lol -Matt

[@deljs6]

@MattandJessTV I mean he was more impressed/interested in the fact that he feels Daemon sees him as a competition/threat then he was feeling guilty or sad about his nephew brother lol!!

[@kristineilochi4615]

I feel no ways about Aemond. He was a snot as a little kid and I’m glad Luke snatched out that eye. He deserved it for being a bully.

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

As a parent, I would be livid and inconsolable if that happened under my roof!

[@MattandJessTV]

Exactly same. I think Aegon is a monster for the things he did in season 1 but him as a parent, I completely understand why he's ready to burn everything to the ground over this. - Jess

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

​@@MattandJessTVDefinitely!

[@janechoy2073]

I don't understand any viewers who are a parent would support anything that anyone from team green has done.

[@JustaMomThatSims]

Great review. I questioned why did Aegon love this son but not the ones he was fighting in the pits last season with their teeth sharpened. Was it because he was royal? He wasn't acting emotionally betting on and against his own children at the pits🤷🏽‍♀️.

[@MattandJessTV]

I think some of it came from having a wife, and not just a hook up, but also from maturing and being in more of a family role as well as king. Being king woke something in him with how he wasn't nurtured by his dad to be king and how he wants to do things differently. I think a combo of things changed him from when he was a teenager to now. - Jess

[@loiscobb687]

I guessed the surviving brother would unalive himself. I was glad the dog was free from the rat catcher. His whimpering at seeing his hanging master reminded me of some kids who want to stay with their parents even when they're horrible. I've seen it over the years working with children removed from parents.

[@MattandJessTV]

I think it is the sad thing about dogs being so loyal sometimes -- can we just imagine someone adopting the dog now and living a better life? -Matt

[@loiscobb687]

@@MattandJessTV I agree the dog has such sweet eyes, I just know he'll be taken care of 🐶

[@islandgyal3730]

I'm gonna miss the twins!💔💔 I really thought Arrky was going to warn his brother Erryk and join Rhaenyra's Queensguard. At least neither twin will have to live with the guilt of killing his brother.

[@MattandJessTV]

That is true! And man it was brutal to watch.... -Matt

[@mrsdorough81]

I do wonder why I hate Ser Criston with such a passion. It´s not as if he is the only psycho in that group of people, but for some reason I just cannot stand the guy. 😂

[@MattandJessTV]

He's just such a smarmy hypocrite. wagging his finger in everyone's face for not behaving the way he wants and then behaving badly himself. - Jess

[@rrriiiccceee]

No one needs to apologize for his eye, he started it!

[@MattandJessTV]

They were also needling him too about not having a dragon! It's almost a game of extremes -- why couldn't someone on either side had more common sense sooner? -Matt

[@rrriiiccceee]

@@MattandJessTV lol they were only kids…that’s what kids do 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@kristineilochi4615]

RIP to the twins Sir Arryk and Sir Erryk. 😢

[@MattandJessTV]

Man, what a brutal batch of deaths that was! How in the world can you top it? -Matt

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

Criston Cole... villian does not do him justice!

[@MattandJessTV]

Right!?!?! He's awful. - Jess

[@671SUN]

Hello Hello. Great Review & We Loved the episode! Team Black Here! Ser Cole, Gets a promotion while making dumb choices. Team Green HR Fail.... Otto and his verbal judo put downs of his Imp King of a Grandson & His Tin Foil Knight! We enjoy the slower pace to this season, we agree with you both, the writing is a call back to early seasons of GoT! Back for more after the next episode!

[@chaz5489]

Yes Matt!! I am also 1 who can not stand Cole!! Idk if I’ve seen anybody who does like him lol even the team green people can’t defend his hypocracy.

[@MattandJessTV]

Hahaha 1000%! Jess can't stand him either and all of the internet is in agreement. -Matt

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV Absolutely Matt!! He’s one of the most unlikable characters I’ve ever seen on tv.

[@kayz9lul]

I was cackling at Cole the whole episode!! LOL

[@maxxmadness9866]

I completely disagree with your take on Aegon. I don't feel he was close to his children at all. In ep 1 he couldn't tell the twins apart. He didn't even know his daily schedule. Remember, he had to ask where he was. He doesn't care about his kids, he literally has bastards fighting in pits! I don't believe his tantrum or tears were about his son. During his tantrum he kept mentioning himself & how his heir being murdered make him look weak. The tears at the end were the aftermath of Otto revealing that his father never wanted him to rule. It was all of his old feelings from season 1 ep 8 coming back

[@mandolyn]

I would've brought the rat carchers for blood to tell me who it is. Cristin Cole is a monster. I hate Alicent, and I'm afraid for her. Alicent does not only care about doing what the crown wants she's been treating Rhaenyra and her sons like garbage for many years. Alicent holds everyone to a standard she doesn't adhere to. That's why her and Cole teamed up ,they're similar that way.

[@chaz5489]

Despite me thinking that Aemond being coddled like a baby was a little bit weird, I did enjoy hearing him voice his regret about the Luke situation. I know he didn’t mean to kill him but in the first episode of this season he showed no remorse what so ever. So it was nice to see that he is sorry for it

[@MattandJessTV]

Is it just something that is hard to admit to in certain environments? That is what makes the environment so important for him here; a chance to be truly himself. -Matt

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV Yes, I totally agree and I enjoyed it. It was a really good scene.

[@chaz5489]

I personally haven’t seen to many complaints about this season but I’m totally with you Jess. I’m enjoying the pace and character building. Idk how anybody can call it boring lol I’m hanging on every word from everybody.

[@MattandJessTV]

I completely agree! I don't think it's boring either, it's so compelling and the character development has been excellent! I was surprised to see that complaint as well that it's slow and boring. - Jess

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV Right! I guess there’s always gonna be people that have to find something to complain about lol

[@MattandJessTV]

You are right on the money about that too 😂😂😂 - Jess

[@ilenenoir85]

This season is not boring, people are. It's getting harder and harder for these talented writers and show runners to tell a good story with this horde of tedious whiners complaining about everything. You either feed them with all the violence and gore they crave or they'll complain you have no guts to show a 6 year old being brutally massacred in his bed (or his mother being put under a bigger amount of psychological torture). You either give them an relentless sequence of plot twists and shocking events or they'll call your work slow and boring. I really hope they don't listen to this nonsense and keep taking their time building up this amazing story, focusing on what actually makes this show great which is the characters' development, introspection and psychology. I'd hate to see all that ruined just because people have the intelligence and attention span of a 3 year old little child. If you can't recognize quality, then please, leave it to those who can and go watch TikTok or sth.

[@aldenpond6467]

I have not seen this episode, but Ser Xian is a spineless, oddly self righteous “fun “ boy.

[@chaz5489]

I get what you’re saying Jess but Aegon killing all of the rat catchers was so avoidable. And displaying them for everyone to see was just idiotic. We seen how fast Blood gave up Daemon. If instead of killing them all, he should of gathered all the rat catchers and had Blood point out Cheese. He would of gave him up just as fast as he gave up Daemon

[@MattandJessTV]

Was he just thinking emotionally? I think it made sense for Aegon to do it, but someone should have given him better advice lol -Matt

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV Oh yea, he was def thinking and reacting emotionally. And it is understandable and didn’t surprise me either. But Otto was right, it was a foolish thing to do

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV Oh yea, he was def thinking and reacting emotionally. And it is understandable and didn’t surprise me either. But Otto was right, it was a foolish thing to do

[@MattandJessTV]

@chaz5489 his son was killed by a rat catcher in his home, in his bed while he slept. He may not have had to display them but he was right to kill them all. Otherwise they could kill someone in his family again. this is the only information Aegon has, a ratcatcher did it. What was the other option? one in that group killed the kings heir - aegon does nothing, no consequences, then he looks weak and risks more of his family getting killed including himself. otto is only thinking of the crown and I get that, but Aegon is thinking as a father as he should be. If his son was killed and Aegon was only thinking as a king and not reacting as a father I'd be concerned. - Jess

[@ShinyHunterSolyu]

Yeah I am team parent I have a daughter and I have a son. Daughter is 5 and son is almost 2. I only can relate to Aegon in the aspect wishing to be a better father. The former King didn’t mean to ignore his son.You can tell he just gave all his energy to Rhaenyra. That being said if anyone ever harmed any of my children. They’ll be the devil to pay.

[@MattandJessTV]

I think the question just has to be this: Why couldn't anyone see his side at all? I think if Aegon had someone else to really speak to about it on an emotional level, maybe some of the other extremes could have been squelched. -Matt

[@johnnybodine9062]

I sense it being slow but like Morticia said I don’t mind it

[@MattandJessTV]

My name is Jess.

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

Daemon...Oh Daemon!!!! His selfishness will cause many issues for Team Black! Let us forget that he killed his first wife because she was in the way!

[@MattandJessTV]

And does he ever think of the bigger picture? Right now it doesn't seem like it. -Matt

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

@@MattandJessTV Never......

[@kristineilochi4615]

@@MattandJessTVDaemon is moving foul. Straight up sabotaging Rhaenyra.

[@candacedonald4087]

Otto really shined this episode. Loved his scene with Aegon

[@MattandJessTV]

Easily his best episode! Even if you don't agree with his actions, wasn't it nice to see him stand up? -Matt

[@nathantrujillo1]

I love the house flags! House Bun Bun all the way! 🙌🏻

[@MattandJessTV]

Thank you! It was a really fun crafting project :) Let's Go House Bun Bun! - Jess

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

The character development with the Green Team has been epic!!! Allicent, Aegon and even Aemond being comforted! So much is being fleshed out! Otto vs Aegon was the best and this is Bad choice road for Team Green!

[@MattandJessTV]

They have really fleshed out team green which was nice to see, they gave them a bit more depth on some of the characters. That Otto vs Aegon was so good! Otto I think said a lot of what we've all wanted to say to Aegon who is such an idiot, but the timing was pretty cold. Otto wants to parade his dead son through the square was a pretty big ask for a father grieving. I get Otto is trying to save the crown, but Aegon is a father deep in his grief and wants someone to pay for this. Aegon may have heard Otto if it wasn't like a day after his son was killed - and if otto had a better bedside manner LOL! "bad choice road" HAHAHAHAHA I love that Better Call Saul throw back, well said :) - Jess

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

​​@@MattandJessTVAs a parent, I would have been livid, but Aegon's grief and anger raised his ugly and counterproductive act of hanging the rat catchers!

[@MattandJessTV]

Grief brings out some of the worst anger in humans. I mentioned briefly watching a family go 20 rounds over a dead relative's necklace... it got ugly. Things get really dark with the loss of loved ones and can manifest itself in so many ways. Anger is a big one and I think Aegon is also feeling the most anger at himself for allowing this to happen under his roof. That's why hanging the rat catchers didn't relieve him. - Jess

[@nadia-hopeadderley8986]

@@MattandJessTV Exactly, I used to work in a funeral home too (funeral attendant) and we are most fragile during grief as you well know!

[@MattandJessTV]

@@nadia-hopeadderley8986 omg you did!?!?! It's always nice to connect with other people in the industry. You know exactly what I'm talking about then! - Jess

[@chaz5489]

So now that Cole is hand of the king, does that mean that he’s no longer the lord commander of the kings guard? An if so does that make him and Alicent sleeping together less detrimental? An also, how long until Otto pushes for Alicent to marry again? Who would be the appropriate match politically? Has Cole become the perfect match for her now that he’s the hand? I know that’s a much of questions at once lol but this show is so complex

[@MattandJessTV]

Good questions! Honestly, I would think that he couldn't Commander of the King's Guard even if he still oversees it. I think he'd still keep Alicent on the low, at least for now. As for a match for Alicent, would it be from the north or far south? I think Otto would probably want to heavily recruit another house who is on the fence lol -Matt

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV That’s what I was assuming about Cole too. Being hand of the king is important enough without trying to “lead” the kings guard at the same time. The person who prolly could of taken his spot as commander, Cole sent to his death this episode so idk who will replace him now. An as far as Alicent, you gotta be right. It’ll be somebody that is on the fence. Most likely coming from the south bc it appears that the North is gonna be with team black. Maybe somebody from Dorne? Not sure but i assume Alicent will have to remarry at some point

[@chaz5489]

I’m not a book reader so finding out Alicent has another son surprised me. I assumed Visarys was the father to him too but wasn’t sure so thanks for clearing that up.

[@MattandJessTV]

No problem! Yea we did a lot of family tree research going into this lol -Matt

[@chaz5489]

@@MattandJessTV Haha nice! With not being a book reader, I’m to scared to do that and get spoiled on something somehow

[@deljs6]

I felt bad for the little dog of the rat catcher! His human is dead!

[@MattandJessTV]

I'm glad that dog is free. That rat catcher kicked that dog. Anyone that will do that to a dog doesn't deserve to have a dog. - Jess

[@deljs6]

@@MattandJessTV my husband was mad about that too lol

[@aldenpond6467]

@@MattandJessTVthe same human who kicked him? I believe the pup will be fine…. Right?

[@kristineilochi4615]

He’s better off without him. He was cancelled last week when he kicked the poor pup. Booooo!🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅🍅

[@kristineilochi4615]

@@MattandJessTVThat part.

[@melindar7191]

Approx. 22 to 23 seconds into your video, there appears some kind of “ghost bird” that flys behind you guys, starting from Jessica then disappearing behind Matt!Anyone else see it? What is that?

[@MattandJessTV]

Oh I can't see it! Maybe this is one of those things that works for people with a different set of eyes? -Matt

[@melindar7191]

lol…maybe….love your show!

[@melindar7191]

I’m so sorry….after further review I see that it is coming from that clear glass cylinder behind Jess. But I really appreciate you even responding to my comment and you guys have made a fan for life!

[@EOEJPC]

Why does everyone call Aegon a monster? What has he done that's so bad? He was forced into a position he didn't really want. I'm team black but Aegon is my favorite character on the show, but definitely don't see a monster

[@MattandJessTV]

In season one he R-PED a woman and he had his own children have their teeth filed down to fight other children to the death while people bet on them for entertainment. If that doesn't make a person a monster I don't know what does. - Jess

[@EOEJPC]

@@MattandJessTV I'm aware of those scenes but he is a prince that hand maiden could have easily been seducing him. He was most likely used as a way for that hand maiden to put coin in her pocket with false accusations when it was most likely consensual. And we don't know that those are his kids in the fighting pits it could be anyone of the targaeryans are just a kid with blonde hair. Im still not convinced of him being a monster more like misraised, used as a political tool and also has parents who didn't care about him and properly love him. All hail Aegon the Magnanimous

[@BonnChnd]

IMO all of the major characters are just C-students and they need a bunch of leadership classes or crack a book or two. There’s no “natural talent” in any of them. No spark, not one brilliant idea, no strategic thinking nada. If this series goes for a long run I think there needs to be an injection of charisma and passion.

[@MattandJessTV]

But who could it come from? I think Jace has potential but he's just young; Aemon could, if he had better influences. -Matt

[@naominewman3494]

Will you guys be covering power book 2 ghost season 4?

[@MattandJessTV]

Unfortunately we won't be, we have a jammed schedule. - Jess

[@deljs6]

Wellll Larys is actually a cross of Little finger and Ramsey Bolton lol he's horrible too!

[@MattandJessTV]

Well that he is! Will he get his just desserts! -Matt

[@giodarcangelo1087]

I can’t decide which side I want to win lmao. I feel like episode one I was team black, episode 2 now I like house green. The Game of thrones universe does a great job of that all around.

[@MattandJessTV]

Especially this show! Aren't they doing a good job just messing with our heads along the way? -Matt

[@giodarcangelo1087]

@@MattandJessTV yea for sure, I wonder which side I’ll be rooting for by the end of the season lol