5 burning questions for House Of The Dragon episode 6

As the show's big time jump approaches, we're puzzling out Damon's desires, Viserys' health and the deeper meaning behind that green dress

By Cindy White | September 23, 2022 | 2:00pm

TV Features House

5 burning questions for House Of The Dragon episode 6

Matt Smith and Milly Alcock Image: Ollie Upton/HBO

Here it comes, the big time jump we’ve all been anticipating. House Of The Dragon episode six takes us so far into the future that it required recasting some of the major roles, including Rhaenyra (played to this point by Milly Alcock) and Alicent (portrayed so far by Emily Carey). This episode will kick off the second half of the season (difficult to believe we’re halfway through already) with a major reset, so it’s hard to know what questions to even ask other than how far we’re going and what the characters will be up to when we get there. Those are pretty broad topics, so we’ve narrowed our questions down to specific things we’re wondering about following the end of episode five. There were a few hints dropped about what’s to come, so let’s follow those breadcrumbs and see where they lead.

1. Is King Viserys dead?

There wasn’t a single scene in “We Light The Way” where Viserys looked well. The Iron Throne has been literally poisoning him with each little cut and scrape. His fingers are falling off, his arm is covered in something very gross, and the maester’s preferred treatment of leeches doesn’t seem to be doing much to stop the decay. He stumbles around like a feeble old man, using a sword for a cane. Not exactly the visage of someone who demands fear or respect at court.We get that it’s a metaphor—as his body withers away so does his power—the question is how long for this world is he? Will he stubbornly stay alive just to spite the circling vultures awaiting his demise? The show seems to enjoy torturing the audience just as much, with fake-outs that make it seem as though he’s finally done for, only to bring him back in the next scene, carrying out his kingly duties. His collapse at the end of episode five seemed like the culmination of his ongoing health crisis, but you never know with this guy. He’s still a Targaryen, and as stubborn as they come.

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