House of the Dragon season two has been quite the emotional rollercoaster for viewers, with Alicent Hightower at the center of it all. As the Dowager Queen and mother of King Aegon II, she holds a position of power in Westeros, but it is evident that she struggles with a sense of control.
In a recent interview with Olivia Cooke, who plays Alicent in the series, she shed some light on Alicent’s state of mind in the latest episode, “Rhaenyra the Cruel.” The episode shows Alicent being manipulated by her father, Otto Hightower, and dealing with the aftermath of his dismissal from his position as Hand of the King by her son, King Aegon.
One poignant moment in the episode shows Alicent observing Aegon in a moment of vulnerability, grieving alone. Instead of offering comfort, she chooses to leave the room, unable to confront his pain. Cooke explains that Alicent sees in her sons the weaknesses that she despises in herself, particularly in Aegon’s display of vulnerability.
Additionally, Cooke hints at the arrival of Alicent’s estranged brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower, in the upcoming episodes. Their relationship is strained due to their different upbringings, with Gwayne being raised in Oldtown while Alicent grew up at court. This disconnect causes Alicent pain as she longs for connection and community that seems out of reach.
As House of the Dragon continues to unfold, viewers can expect more drama and intrigue surrounding Alicent Hightower and her complex relationships. The series airs new episodes on HBO and Max every Sunday, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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