House of the Dragon Episode 5 has been released. We are at the halfway point in the series and things have begun to heat up. It has become pretty clear that a Civil War is looming especially now that Queen Alicent and Ser Criston Cole are ready for war. All that tension finally crescendos in episode 5 with an ending that is sure to have a lasting impact on the viewers. So here’s the good and the bad.

The magnificent cinematography 

Right from the very first scene of House of the Dragon episode 5, the view is breathtaking. The lush green hills and the seas of Driftmark and the rustic yet magnificent halls of the High Tides were truly a sight to see. The shots of the seas and the dragons soaring in the sky were definitely the highlights of the episode.

Bloodied violence returns once again 

In the very first moments, the episode did well avoiding the murder of Lady Rhea Royce, wife of Prince Daemon and heir of Runestone at the hands of her very husband. After all unnecessary gratuitous violence does rob House of the Dragon of some of its subtlety. However, by the end of it, there was another bloodied face bashed in by Ser Criston Cole right in the middle of the wedding festivities of Princess Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor Velaryon.

Emily Carey shines throughout the episode 

This episode was a momentous one for Queen Alicent as she slowly figured out where her loyalties lay. With her father no more the Hand of the King, she feels conflicted. This is beautifully portrayed by Emily Carey. As a matter of fact, she requires no lines to express what she is feeling as her eyes say it all. The simplicity with which she has portrayed the turmoil within her is commendable. Especially considering that we will be having to say goodbye to her as Olivia Cooke will take on the role from hereafter in House of the Dragon.

Costumes and colors

We already know how important the costumes and colors are to House of the Dragon. In previous episodes too, they have been used to signify the houses, the traditions and symbolism. This episode is no different as it has brilliant costumes made by Jany Temime. Prince Daemon continues to wear Red and Black as is the tradition of House Targaryen. Princess Rhaenyra looks stunning with her hair done similar to the day she was announced as heir. She is clad in white signifying the upcoming wedding. There is of course, Queen Alicent who wears green signaling her change of heart regarding the matter of the future heir. Ser Laenor in the meanwhile wears a suit with gold thread embroidered. This gold thread is said to be brought from Myr.

New characters take center stage

There have been a few new characters introduced within the episode although quite hastily. We do not know much about them yet which will hopefully change with the upcoming episodes. There is Ser Joffrey Lonmouth who was killed off just as quickly as he was introduced. Then there is Lord Larys Strong who remains quite a mystery but helps stir the pot nonetheless.

All in all the episode of House of the Dragon was not much of a surprise. Except for maybe the murder of Princess Rhea. But it has set up some important storylines including Daemon and Lady Laena, Ser Criston Cole’s newfound loyalty to Queen Alicent and of course the Dance of the Dragons.