The second episode of the Game of Thrones spinoff aired in the US on Sunday (August 28) and saw King Viserys (Paddy Considine) faced with a difficult decision. After the death of his wife in the first episode, which took place six months before this second episode, Viserys is asked to choose a new bride. While he wants to choose Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey) with whom, unbeknownst to his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), he has regular secret conversations, Viserys is asked to consider marrying Laena, the Lord’s 12-year-old daughter Corlys. (Steve Toussaint), who also happens to be his niece. An awkward moment shows the pair walking together discussing their potential marriage, with the 12-year-old telling Viserys: “I’d give you lots of kids.” The scene left viewers feeling “whacked”. “Not only is the pimp a child but she is pimping her child to her uncle,” one viewer wrote, while another wrote: “Watching #HouseoftheDragon and they are talking about child brides… related child brides. Gross.” Another viewer said: “They don’t want this man to marry this damn child. like what!!!! It’s a babydddddd!!!!!! Ultimately, Viserys chooses Emma, which is to cause tension with his daughter, who is left furious after the king announces his decision. Find The Independent’s review of episode two here. House of the Dragon airs weekly on Sundays in the US, with the UK premiere arriving at 2am the following morning on Sky. The episode will then be repeated at 9pm on Mondays and will be available to stream on Sky and NOW after its original run.
