IR TV Review: HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - EPISODE 4 [HBO]
The characterization of what makes heroes or those who just are brave in certain moments and careless in the next seem to be at the cornerstone of Episode 4 of "House Of The Dragon". After such as tempest of power in the texture of the battle of the steps in Episode 3, the darkness of Daemon's soul draws inward again in Episode 4 but with more internal strife malice (even towards himself). He knows Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) is like him and as such the whims and perhaps desires that he does. She does not lack desire, she just wants to show it in her specific way. A night out of the streets to show what is really in play around the kingdom opens her eyes but, as she is young, she doesn't understand the implications in the moment. The princess is ruled by impulse and yet she is hyperaware but that passion and that fire will set themapart though it is almost antithetical for the kingdom.
The king speaks of what is right for the kingdom but he sees almost old school machinations in the context of what might be which likely will be elemental to her downfall. This is the first time we have seen the princess make what would seem to be a mistake but it is integrated in her psyche. Daemon as a character continues to swing in the pendulum. He needs fire in the battlefield or drama everywhere else to make it work for him (and in that way it is against him because he is inherently self-destructive). Elicent (Emily Carey) understands her friend in the Princess but is almost hardly in a position to move to the high ground. Rhaenyra talks about self interest to her father to which he says everyone has self interest but the key is it not overcoming the bigger goal: to maintain power. B+
By Tim Wassberg
