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The following incorporates spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 1, “The Heirs of the Dragon,” which aired Aug. 21, on HBO.
The new HBO collection, House of the Dragon, launched Alicent Hightower in its premiere episode, “Heirs of the Dragon.” In addition to being the daughter of Otto Hightower, the present Hand of the King, Alicent can be a pal and companion to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. First impressions painted her as a correct court docket woman, dutiful and amiable, if considerably bland. The bond between Alicent and Rhaenyra was depicted as shut, and the pair appeared destined to be allies initially of the episode.
However, close to the top of “Heirs of the Dragon,” in a creepy, nearly Machiavellian scene, Otto Hightower all however orders his daughter Alicent to go to King Viserys Targaryen and luxury him over the deaths of his spouse and new child son. The underlying tone, and the intent of Alicent being displayed as new spouse materials for the widowed king, foreshadows her story arc of being Viserys’ new queen, and thrust her into the function of a Cersei-style character for House of the Dragon.
In the early seasons of Game of Thrones, Cersei fought for the throne by way of her kids, the identical storyline Alicent is heading into for House of the Dragon. Presented initially as likable, Alicent is definitely poised to be one of many antagonists of the present. If House of the Dragon follows the supply materials, then Alicent’s future son will problem Rhaenyra, the present inheritor to King Viserys, usurping her place that was solidified in “Heirs of the Dragon.” And with Otto Hightower already proven to be a schemer, Alicent is destined to comply with in her father’s footsteps.
Any political maneuvering on her half will surely echo Cersei, and stick with it the Game of Thrones legacy of parental manipulation to achieve energy for his or her kids. With previews of upcoming episodes showcasing Alicent as fierce and combative, she seems to be to reside as much as that custom. How viciously she’s going to battle for energy stays to be seen, however she appears to be in rivalry to match Cersei’s aspirations.
Like Cersei, her son’s proper to rule will likely be in query (though for various causes) as Rhaenyra was invested because the rightful inheritor and isn’t going to forfeit her declare in favor of her half-brother. In order to place her son on the throne, Alicent must resign the friendship between herself and Rhaenyra and attempt to persuade her husband to spurn his daughter’s rights to the Iron Throne.
That means betrayals, back-stabbing and cultivating allies; all of the scheming traits Cersei honed to perfection. Most definitely she will likely be inspired and coached by her father, and it needs to be fascinating to see what different allies will likely be pulled into the Hightower net of stratagems. Rhaenyra will discover her personal allies, with Prince Daemon Targaryen heading the record, and Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Velaryon possible candidates as properly. It will likely be Targaryen towards Hightower with the simmering feud highlighted in Episode 1 bursting into all-out struggle. That places Alicent as a motivating energy behind the throne and setting her up because the villain followers will like to hate.
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on HBO and is streaming on HBO Max.
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