HOUSE OF THE DRAGON 2x03 BREAKDOWN! Every Detail You Missed!

House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 “Burning Mill” in-depth analysis and breakdown by New Rockstars' Erik Voss! Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit betterhelp.com/newrockstars and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
House of the Dragon S02E03, “Burning Mill,” episode reaction, breakdown, and analysis of the connections to Fire & Blood, the visuals, the music, and the deeper layers of meaning in the dialogue! Erik Voss analyzes this episode shot by shot, line by line, detail by detail for every deeper layer of meaning you might have missed, including all the lore from the world of Westeros and Game of Thrones.
CHAPTERS
00:00 - New Opening Titles
01:49 - Battle of Burning Mill
05:32 - Kin vs Kin
07:38 - Greens Battle Plan
11:18 - Rhaenyra Moves her Dragons
13:45 - Daemon at Harrenhal
17:47 - Alys Rivers Explained
20:15 - King Daemon
23:00 - Gwayne Hightower
25:54 - Mutually Assured Destruction
28:19 - Sponsor
29:35 - Rhaenys Fears
30:48 - Dragon Eggs
32:23 - Helaena's Alternate Life
34:10 - Aegon & Larys
35:17 - Ulf the White
38:11 - Alicent's Letter
38:56 - Baela & Moondancer
39:56 - Daemon's Dream
43:29 - Rhaenyra Alicent Meeting
47:21 - Spoiler Dungeon
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Written by: Erik Voss
Research by: Brandon Barrick, Gina Ippolito, and Erik Voss
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[@NewRockstars]

Now that HBO has confirmed three of those eggs will become Dany's eggs... what do you think happens to them between now and then?

[@ako6771]

Those eggs are the same color are they

[@ericrose4937]

@@ako6771 theyre not. they couldnt be bothered with continuity like that

[@hephaestus98]

@@ericrose4937pretty sure dragon eggs like most things would age and fade in colour after 170 years

[@TapTwoCounterspell]

​@@hephaestus98pretty sure based off what? Your personal experiences as a dragon tender in the pits within Westeros?

[@dedrekbryant3651]

It’s fictional anything can happen literally

[@TheDrexLord]

The fact that it takes basically the same amount if time to break down an episode as the episode shows how much love and care goes into this show

[@oneyedthing]

You do know there is a possibility that the tv/movie production gives the easter eggs to these type of channels to create more hype and interest?

[@greyborn6390]

This literally feels like a filler season lol and that happens when its house of “misunderstandings” bot dragons

[@NewRockstars]

@@oneyedthing HBO gave us early screener access, but no, they don't supply us with production details and Easter Eggs for HotD. That's why we get stuff wrong all the time and update ourselves after the "behind the scenes" featurettes come out.

[@PassiveAgressive319]

@@NewRockstarsgood for you guys. Ignore the trolls👍

[@ehrenthebrandbuilder]

​@@NewRockstars makes sense. You have more time to do a thorough review and analysis of the episodes but you get no cheat codes. Much respect for providing the clarity. Keep up the great channel. 👍

[@ilobnodj]

I loved the way they showed Aemonds vulnerability and need for a supportive mother

[@JustAnotherAccount8]

Yeah, it's great considering how much he was bullied as a child. That sort of trauma doesn't just vanish with the aquisition of a nuke

[@bickyam]

Shows how terrible of a mother Alicent was

[@rias.gremoryyy]

​@@bickyamnah, it shows how bad of a father Viserys is.. I would rather be tyrion and have Tywin as a father than be aemond and have Viserys as a father

[@SE-gs6gd]

@@rias.gremoryyyViserys never meant for either Aemond or Aegon to be in the positions they are since he had always wanted Rhaenyra to be Queen. So it is kinda more on Alicent. The boys shouldve just been chilling in court as their sister ruled.

[@crd88918]

@@rias.gremoryyyaemond definitely has mommy issues

[@VinamraX01]

was just waiting for this video to drop

[@asapjake72]

Same and I’m lowkey pissed bc it’s 1 AM like damn 😂

[@NJLeal]

Ong

[@Collin255]

Same here lol

[@westcoast1108]

@@asapjake72literally been waiting all day

[@SomeKindOfThing]

Same. It consumes my Tuesday

[@Nick-ps7br]

ugh i was JUST about to go to bed 😂

[@nickisimone7835]

Same nick same lol

[@turkishdelight6032]

The look on Alicent’s face when she realizes how foolish she was to think that Viserys was referencing her son instead of Aegon the Conqueror was great acting. It looked like she truly wanted to explore alternative options with Rhaenyra but truly felt like it was too late. The war had already begun, other houses had begun declaring for either side, and the men of the Greens no longer listen to what she has to say

[@mmmk6793]

if they ever did really

[@dazzleknight1640]

I mean wouldn't it be better if they revealed this to Alicent at the end of the series when all the damage is done? It's not like knowing this know could possibly change anything. Personally I think this is a waste of the misunderstanding plot in season 1.

[@pinkandround]

thank you for commenting on the online harassment Fabien Frankel has been receiving recently, it's pretty ridiculous one has to even ask people to be decent towards someone only doing their job!

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

Especially after numerous times this has happened like the actor who played Skylar in Breaking Bad... its ridiculous honestly

[@PassiveAgressive319]

Makes me sick that so called fans take this so seriously that they attack the actor. The same happened to Moses Ingram who starred in Obi Wan

[@chelleyd4020]

The actor who played Joffrey Baratheon left acting after the crap he got

[@Mystarryeyez33]

@@chelleyd4020he’s coming out of retirement to do the next season of Sandman

[@AriesGirl7719]

@@chelleyd4020He started acting again in 2020.

[@Adjei_Emmanuel1]

Alicent : He said Aegon Rhaenyra : Yours, mine or the conqueror?

[@alisterfolson]

Rhaenyra: you picked the wrong son Alicent: I don't care The Fugitive movie: 😮😮😮

[@ToeKnife166]

Useless conversation, dowager queen has no power and the small council were planning on crowning the king

[@andrevanderlinden8722]

33:15 I feel like she more or less forgave her for sleeping with Cole on the night her son got killed. Would make more sense in this scene as well

[@LesterSmooth]

Yeah he got that completely wrong

[@Gobirds19148]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Warpig9]

Alicent almost confessed this to Otto too

[@really-Now]

​@@LesterSmoothhe got daemon descent down the tower wrong too, as he's been shown to idolize the conquer. He tries to invoke him, by traversing through the king's tower. Pausing because he knows Larys employs quite a number of assassins, and he reminiscing about the great council.

[@stevenbailey8167]

Seeing milly sewing jaehaerys head back on was ELITE! Deamon having a vision leaves him confused. he always thought Targaryen dreams were folklore and vague. “Dreams didn’t make us kings. Dragons did” now he’ll probably be more obedient to rhyneara because he knows his brother wasn’t lying about the prophecy

[@DreOrozco]

I think this was a pretty good setup episode. Excited for next weeks even more now.

[@KitwithoutaKat]

I believe the cuts on Rhaenyra's cheek happened then the pot was broken during the fight because you can see her hand wrapped from being cut as well. With Seasmoke, the most popular theory is that Laenor is now dead and that Seasmoke is mourning him. That would mean that the brief look Rhaenyra gives Mysaria would be her possibly realizing that Laenor is truly dead. In the scene with Ulf, it could have also been his mother who said his father was Baelon and Ulf just believed it.

[@akasha924]

Agreed!

[@DatBoiChris420]

It's not a theory it's common sense that Laenor is dead.........Hence the line, "it's lonely"

[@samuelburton302]

Not really common sense since we have no reason to believe his death (didn't see it). Not even a hint besides SeaSmoke being restless. ​@DatBoiChris420

[@TrissTess]

Can anyone of you look if the tapestry symbol for Laenor has changed ? Maybe there could be a sign he's dead? Otherwise Seasmoke could be restless cause dragons can smell war and Seasmoke has war experience?

[@MARYWTHER]

To me, Ulf was just showing off, and he isn't a "pure bastard", rather maybe the son of a bastard.

[@MaraJadeSkky]

23:22 Criston would definitely NOT tip his barber.

[@nyceflix]

Yeah he'd just make him feel guilty.

[@the_zaan]

I love how the show integrates emotions that the book lacked, like how Rhanaerys approaches with the hope of stopping the war but in vain. I hope the wars are great to watch visually though in episode 4.

[@Megafreakx3]

You do know that the book that HotD is based on is written as history book, so having stuff like character development isn't a thing xad

[@filmgnome]

Do you think Ser Criston felt the weight of being the Hand in his appearance this episode? It felt almost as though the necklace he was wearing added a physical burden upon him? It felt like hands on the necklace symbolized a feeling of pressure, like hands around his neck slowly closing in on him?

[@alexanderdumas-]

Alicent swore “on the memory of her mother,” mocking Rhaenyra for doing the same about sleeping with Daemon

[@imani6938]

Oohhhh damn

[@DemiDemon94]

Rhaenys is honestly my favorite character in the series if she was just giving the crown when she was supposed to the country would b so much better. She's wise, kind, caring, but not afraid to fight when needed she's by far the best character of the series.

[@Warpig9]

Viserys the peaceful was a great King, there was no need.

[@DemiDemon94]

@@Warpig9 not really though I mean yeah he was kind n cared for his subjects but he was a pushover unlike Rhaenys especially by the end which is y all this is now happening

[@Warpig9]

@@DemiDemon94 He was old and fell ill.. Like Joe biden.

[@howardmighty6764]

GILF lover🤢

[@jamesallred460]

Dude, Criston Cole is such a bastard! That said, Fabian should be getting awards for this performance because it's straight up 🔥

[@eshanmohotty3704]

Its just good writing not that great acting

[@awhartig5847]

Seasmoke 11:28 sounds like the last puppy left on Adoption Day at a rescue :( I believe the previously bonded dragons are prone to get lonely when unpartnered. Hopefully this Good Boi gets his new person soon.

[@tbunating1451]

The “your grace” rules are a little different in Westeros, cuz they call Cersei your grace and also allicent, and neither of them were ruling

[@malloryjostes2129]

I cant remember. Didnt people refer to Cersei as "your grace"?

[@LynetteCarter-xu6tx]

yes

[@thenedsmmachannel8970]

Yes and alicent and Haelena are referred to as your grace

[@seda6968]

But Daemon is king consort? Viserys said Rhaenyra needs a king consort in s1e3. Westerling at s1e6 wedding called Laenor "the future king consort". Corlys and Rhaenys talks about Daemon in s2e2 saying "he is the king consort".

[@99rainingflame]

I didn’t understand that either cause they call Alicent your grace too

[@shakeelali20]

I think that is coming from Erik's understanding of real world English Royal protocol, which the shows and ASOIAF universe is influenced by. In our world, only the Monarch is given the title Your Grace because of the whole God thing. Whereas in their universe, both kings and queens, past and present maintain the title Your Grace.

[@NYcDcG]

Also Cersei in GOT was called “Your Grace”

[@nikhileshkillada4217]

39:06 When I saw this scene, my interpretation was that Cole noticed the clouds blowing over too quickly for it to be by natural wind and so, assumed that a dragon was around.

[@joj2994]

Helaena would be Jace's aunt and he would be her nephew. They are not cousins. They are more like Dany and Jon.

[@RSquaredOnline]

53 minutes?! LFG New Rockstars! Thanks for your hard work and dedication for our entertainment!

[@DatBoiChris420]

Hard work? Lmfao they literally just watch all the other videos from other channels through out the day then make their own video with everyone else's shit Sometimes it's word for word

[@austintoelle102]

@@DatBoiChris420 you still watched it

[@muhammadhabibieamiro3639]

I was wondering where the episode was

[@johnarnebeck2155]

Thank you Eric you are my breakdown hero!!! I hope you read this because my wife and I have watched you since you started on new rockstars and have been fans since the beginning. So thank you for all your knowledge and beginning awesome!!😊🎉

[@johansmallberries9874]

With Daemon talking about poisoning by enemies, it’s interesting that they’d have one of Aegons past victims serving him wine.

[@cnmcnm5853]

Love Fabien’s performance of Criston Cole, Compared to the other actors he has a one dimensional character and the writing limits his range but the man is carrying that character and PERFORMED. He make us love him at first and after ep.5 pure hate and sadly the mentally ill fans are Projecting hatred of a character onto the actor is insane. I hope the sane fans show him some love in his IG.

[@SANYATUBE7]

Rhaenyra sneaking into King's Landing felt like an Assassin's Creed mission.

[@EBlank3807]

Maesters can absolutely forge a link for mastery of the art of war, which orwyle probably has. Tyland is just being a Lannister

[@CindyA715]

Love your last line about Tyland. 😂

[@really-Now]

He was pointing out that he didn't have warfare links on his chain, as Viserys isn't a big fan of warfare of any kind.

[@alexanderdumas-]

That Valyrian steel armor will be a double edged sword for Aegon in Rooks Rest 🚩

[@kensredemption]

Feels like this episode was the Rubicon…and Erik was right: There was no need to sympathize with Alicent. Her ambition is all she is now.

[@jenyusDINGUS]

So many of the recaps of this episode have missed Layrs in the brothel. So did Aegon because he walked right past him and didnt notice. Layrs probably heard Aegons drinking buddies tell him they are going to the brothel for the new squire and he should come. He would have been right outside of the door after he named him the Master of Whispers.

[@mackrevinack]

nobody mentioned it because Layrs wasnt in the brothel. you might want to adjust you tv :D

[@shockmesane4158]

My big question was why were the twins buried in their kingsguard armor? That armor would cost an unbelievable amount of money and I doubt Rhaenyra even has access to a blacksmith that can replicate it on Dragonstone. It's like burying a tank driver in their tank, feels a bit frivolous during wartime. :)

[@MC-gj8fg]

Daemon's actions at Harrenhal made no sense. Was he going to invade a place that he must have assumed was heavily garrisoned by himself? He was just going to stroll, sword drawn, into the warrens of the keep, where Caraxes couldn't back him up? He would have been killed. Either he stays outside or he comes in peace. Did he just watch the wedding scene from Monte Python Holy Grail or something?

[@luisaguilar9909]

Been waiting for this video all day 🥲

[@DewkChronic]

Stokeworth...is that the place Bronn was going to get? lol

[@kizzijoseph6132]

All I can say is both actresses are phenomenal! Specifically Emma

[@hugorivera1247]

53 Minutes of Erik being Erik. I’m here for it.

[@gammakap]

Aemond took Vhagar, not Aegon… oopsie

[@jptkelly9]

Was wondering if anyone else caught that!

[@ksjcardinal4052]

@@jptkelly9same

[@alexanderdumas-]

That small counsel meeting on the Brackens/Blackwoods shows us how Alicent and Rhaenyra differ. Alicent prefers to use today’s signs to decide where their ancestral power ends between the two families. Rhaenyra argues that historical boundaries should be respected and are recorded however she doesn’t want to acquiesce to Rhaenyra and it lead to the battle of the burning mill from which not even the victor can claim victory. It speaks to what will happen to the house of the dragon.

[@SMLL-crow]

I think Criston Cole is of dornish descent, but iirc in S1 he says hes from the dornish-marshes which are in the stormlands but right next to dorne, and they produce the most martial lords and knights

[@jeffhidalgo6037]

I'm looking forward to see what I missed. Thanks to the whole team for the vid!!!

[@HankyV2]

In the brothel I’m sure Larys was stood behind Aegon when he was looking for someone for the squire. Haven’t seen anyone mention it so not sure if I’m seeing things 😂

[@user-pg2ms8ox2c]

If queens are addressed as "Your Grace," why can't a king consort be addressed the same way?

[@julioulloa5403]

I agree with you, and posible daemon there too. But I supose i doesnt work, just like a consort is a prince not a king consort but a queen is a queen, not a princess.

[@jptkelly9]

Because it isn't just queens that are called "grace". It is only for whoever is the blood monarch which in this case is a queen.

[@julioulloa5403]

@@jptkelly9 alicent, cercei, margaery are called "your grace"

[@timothylangston3560]

You wouldn't call the presidents partner the president, right? Same difference.

[@jptkelly9]

@julioulloa5403 Good point. Possibly because they become a duchess upon marriage? They haven't had a male consort before so maybe no one is sure on what to call him.

[@SIMPGODCLIPS]

I’m team black. There is no reason To root for Aegon and the greens

[@SE-gs6gd]

I don’t think Caraxes vocalizations are pathetic at all. In fact I think they are kinda creepy. Poor Helena is the most tragic figure here

[@CindyA715]

I think they’re awesome and unique… A higher pitched screech definitely defines which dragon we hear.

[@DiamondWoodStudios]

It’s actually grown on me now, the imperfectness is what makes it so unique

[@jmillz666]

I'm here for Erik's bangs at the opening 🫡👑

[@r0za808]

The pov of daemon flying in on caraxes was very cool Also I love caraxes

[@BrettCarisio]

Do you not get the videos early or do your breakdowns just take longer? Sometimes I watch more than 1 review but I always watch your, Erik. I think it is BS if you don't get them early but if it just takes you more time that makes more sense because yours are better.

[@AC-ms9jx]

Am I the only one who didn’t hear a single thing when he said you could hear things in the background?

[@jimmipadge]

“You will die here” could be a referencing a figurative “death”, metaphor and prophecy seem to go hand-in-hand….

[@angelasatheesh3412]

Damn I kept refreshing KZbin hoping your video would drop😌

[@rashelleobey7626]

You always point out things I don't see and i love that! It will always keep me coming back! 😎😎

[@Ken.Kaleidoscope]

Y’all do the best breakdowns!

[@Pattayy]

wouldn't haelena be jace's aunt not first cousin?

[@chaos1061]

I think the real family hatred started when aemond lost his eye, but really it started when Alicent married Vicerys

[@mezeiun8304]

The only breakdown and explaination video we need. You are the absolute best Eric!

[@FWbaracuss]

This season is far exceeding my expectations! Truly incredible writing with just as good acting!

[@esporev]

46:40 the overhead shot does look like the table at harenhall but I think it was meant to reflect the burnt windmill at the beginning

[@_Tree]

This season just keeps getting better!! 💯💯💯💯

[@MrDodoman99]

Alicent was called by others "your grace" before Aegon's corronation if I'm not mistaken ? Or is it different for Daemon in some way ?

[@LizSanchez]

I love your detailed work on each episode break down! Wish you did it for Interview with a Vampire 😊

[@jaimevelez4861]

Daemon going through the castle has a very Dirk from Dragon's Lair feel

[@markknopfler-mp1jl]

Harren hall

[@jaimevelez4861]

@@markknopfler-mp1jl If you want to be pedantic it’s Harrenhal. Still doesn’t change that it feels like Dragon’s Lair. If you are old enough to remember that video game.

[@misha9397]

I think the scene with heleana and alicent, si more about the confrontation with rheanyra and alicent. Heleana forgives her mother for starting this war..

[@MrTrip666]

Showing Luke falling on the intro tapestry instead of being eaten makes me believe all the theories about him surviving the fall 🤔

[@avamarlow5989]

I thought Alicent has been called “your grace”…maybe I’m remembering wrong.

[@99rainingflame]

Yea I was thinking the same thing

[@ssotkow]

7:57 Cole was drowning in his own guilt

[@kevinrivera2656]

What’s the time of the crow getting cheese’s eye? I keep seeing the ward going straight to cole

[@wesleymons]

Thats not Samwell Blackwood..its Davos Blackwood

[@mercedesmasong6095]

35:25 I think it is also showcasing the operation that the white worm still has because I recognize one of the girls from the previous episodes

[@Gunbudder]

i love the There's Something About Mary hair style lol

[@Paul94096]

32:51, one of the single most stunning shots in all of Game of Thrones. SOO gorgeous, and and yet so haunting.

[@bakdpotato143]

15:00 I can imagine his characters mind is cosplaying right here. His whole mindset on his way to Harrenhal his character was probably feeling exactly like Aegon, and he thought he'd take it just like Aegon did.

[@MrKevinHolm]

Excellent as always!

[@NurseHarley299]

Master of Whispers; Varys and Larys... that's ironic 😂

[@jonathanbutler1131]

Have been waiting for this drop!!!! Lol

[@lordodysseus]

Bruh an hour long video?! Amazing!

[@jabunzama]

Does anyone notice Larys in the background when Criston wants Alicent's favour

[@gwheele3]

If a consort isn’t called “your grace” why was Cersei called “your grace” the entire GoT series?

[@andredennis9045]

Been waiting for this

[@poketke5839]

41:51 didn't mention daemon's tearful eyes as to say "what have I done"

[@carlosg2541]

I'm obsessed with the world of game of thrones I made a miniature polymer clay glass and styrofoam Lannisport and CasterlyRock for my hallway 🥰🦁 🏰"Hear me Roar!"

[@CaptainPikeachu]

That wasn't Samwell Blackwood, the closed captioning labels him as Davos Blackwood.

[@dieverss]

Such a good episode!

[@jimmckinney1935]

Both cersei and Joffery were called your grace when Robert was king

[@purfectangelboy]

i love you i’ve been waiting for this

[@TolliverHiker]

Rushed here from an Emergency Awesome breakdown. New Rockstars has the best reviews!

[@yux.tn.3641]

33:30 damn, that could have prevented the whole war to begin with

[@The..Commenter]

I loved the haunted feeling they gave harrenhall

[@bluey8302]

"Traded Knights in this game of chess" Nicely said Sir.

[@jonny-b4954]

I'm confused, so who's going to the Vale and who's going to Pentos? That was confusing to me. There's only 3 boys, right? So, one of the boys and 2 dragons are going to the Vale, then Rhaena is taking Rhaenyra and Daemon's kids to Pentos with the 4 dragon eggs?

[@crd88918]

i’m so excited to see who they announce to play daeron… such an incredible character

[@logansummer2788]

You all dropped this in the middle of the night but I’m here 😂

[@jimmipadge]

4:28 …Bracken of _Stone_ _Hedge,_ not Stone Henge.

[@hamsters7760]

Daemon's got a lot of bad ideas this season, but boy was he on the money saying he and Rhaenys needed to draw out Aemond and kill Vhagar together, immediately.

[@nabaker25]

Foreshadowing. Aemond keeps putting that coin directly in front of the eye he has left. Like how they put coins over the eyes of the dead.

[@TreborPaulson]

1:05 why would you think they wouldn’t? 40:59 What’s your fascination with what they used?