SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 2.
Summary
Alicent Hightower and Criston Cole’s relationship has become the twisted “will they/won’t they” inHouse of the Dragonseason 2 that just keeps getting worse. InHouse of the Dragon’sensemble character cast,Criston Cole has arguably become the show’s most hated character, with a lifetime of pettiness and hypocrisy stemming from his and Rhaenyra’s season 1 fling. Cole continues to rise through the ranks, even becoming Hand of the King in season 2, episode 2, despite being the opposite of everything a Westerosi knight is intended to embody.
One of the biggestHouse of the Dragonseason 2 book changesis thatthe show has developed a sexual relationship between Cole and Alicent Hightower. This narrative may seem gratuitous, but it serves as an important continuation of the psychological examinations of their characters and their relationships with Rhaenyra. Many of the differences betweenHouse of the Dragonand theFire & Bloodsource material book regard the interpersonal relationships between characters, which provides vital context to the actions and motivations causing and perpetuating the Dance of the Dragons.
Why Alicent & Criston Cole’s Relationship Continues At The End Of House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 2
Alicent & Criston Cole Use Each Other As Outlets For Their Volatile Emotions
The end ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 2, shows Alicent turning her back to her weeping son to return to her chambers and have sex with Ser Criston Cole. Before doing so, she slaps Cole and pushes him multiple times.It seemed like the pair had reached rock bottom at the end of episode 1 when Helaena walked in on themduring the Blood & Cheese incident. Throughout most of episode 2, Alicent and Cole keep things Red Keep professional, with Cole waiting outside as she bathes, hinting that they’ve halted their relationship.
Alicent clearly has anger toward Cole for appealing to Aegon’s violent side and indirectly having Otto removed
However, the episode’s ending has implications for both characters, especially after Cole’s dramatic decisions and promotion to Hand of the King. Alicent clearly has anger toward Cole for appealing to Aegon’s violent side and indirectly having Otto removed, and she takes it out on him with violence. But they’re alsoboth incredibly emotional and don’t have proper outlets for it, so they use each other. While it seems like Alicent and Cole have some genuine affection for one another, much of their relationship comes from their own needs and insecurities.
How Many Children Alicent Has In HOTD (& What Happens To Them)
House of the Dragon’s Queen Alicent Hightower, second wife to King Viserys, bears him children who are key players in the Dance of the Dragons.
House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 2 Makes Alicent & Cole’s Relationship Even More Toxic
Alicent Ignores Her Crying Son To Go Be With Criston Cole
Criston Cole was alreadyHouse of the Dragon’smost hated character, so anything he’s involved with is bound to be seen as toxic. Now, with Alicent turning away from her crying child to be with him, there’s an element of cruelty on her end.There’s a violent dynamic to their relationshipthat comes from their unfiltered emotions, andHouse of the Dragonindicates that matters aren’t going to get better between them.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
