A significant plot twist in the second season of "House of the Dragon" escalated the tension between the Blacks and the Greens. Following the gruesome murders by Blood and Cheese, readers of "Fire & Blood" would have anticipated an increase in the death toll.

Episode 2 intensified the tension by showcasing the tragic deaths of the twin brothers, Erryk and Arryk, who killed each other, solidifying the emergence of this season's unpredictable character: Ser Criston Cole.

Episode 2 Highlights

Prior to episode 2, Aemond and Daemon seemed poised to be the key figures in the Targaryen civil war. Aemond's actions, which led to Lucerys' death, and Daemon's rogue behavior indicated their pivotal roles in the conflict. However, episode 2 shifted focus to Cole, revealing his potential as the most dangerous man in Westeros.

Aemond's remorse over Lucerys' death and Daemon's claim that he only intended to kill Aemond, not Jaehaerys, indicated their complex motivations. Aegon's unbridled rage contrasted sharply with Cole's calculated actions. Unlike Alicent, Cole harbored no guilt over his past, suggesting he had no moral boundaries.

Ser Criston Cole's Pivotal Role

Cole's actions in episode 2 were particularly telling. He was in crisis mode, trying to cover up the prince's murder while hiding his affair with Alicent. His statement that there is no path to absolution for his actions implied he is ready to cross any moral line. His decision to send Ser Arryk, a member of Aegon's Kingsguard, on a near-suicide mission to kill Rhaenyra highlighted his ruthlessness and strategic mind.

Ser Arryk infiltrated Dragonstone by impersonating his twin brother Erryk, who serves in Rhaenyra's Queensguard. Though close to succeeding, Arryk's mission was ultimately doomed, emphasizing Cole's dangerous and unpredictable nature. The tragic duel between the Cargyll brothers, where Erryk killed Arryk and then himself, stemmed from Cole's plan, showcasing the devastating impact of his schemes. This incident also underlined why Otto Hightower was furious about Aegon appointing Cole as Hand of the King.

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Slate Writers agreed in an interview that Cole is the show's worst character following the release of episode 2. The reviewer pointed out that Criston, feeling guilty about his affair with Alicent, directed his aggression toward the Cargyll twins. His orchestrating of the twin duel highlights his manipulative and resentful nature.

These actions solidified his status as a significant antagonist. His resentment, guilt, and manipulative behavior, coupled with his ongoing affair with Alicent, made him a dangerous character. The reviewer also stated that these actions have set a chaotic course for Aegon's reign, with Cole's influence likely to lead to further turmoil.

Differences Between the Show and the Book

For fans of "Fire & Blood," the show's portrayal of Cole as the wild card is a twist from the source material. In the book, Aemond and Daemon are clear wild cards due to their dragons and direct involvement in significant events. However, the show softened their early actions, portraying Luke's death as an accident and Daemon's intention to kill Aemond, not Jaehaerys, as a mistake.

Conversely, Cole's deliberate and calculated moves in the show made him a more unhinged and unpredictable force. His willingness to send Arryk on a likely fatal mission and indifference to seeking absolution made him a formidable player. Compared to its failure in the book, the show's depiction of Arryk's mission as nearly successful further emphasized Cole's dangerous potential.

Unlike the ambiguous accounts in the book regarding whether Arryk's mission was to kill the Queen or her children, the show explicitly targeted Rhaenyra. A crucial addition to the prequel was Mysaria's intervention. In this version, Mysaria, also known as the White Worm, was on Dragonstone rather than in King's Landing, enabling her to notice the impostor. She spotted Arryk approaching from the shore, knowing he could not be the same knight she saw protecting the Queen inside the castle. Her vigilance prevented Arryk from assassinating Rhaenyra in her bed, showcasing her crucial role in foiling the plot.

Overall, the new episode has set up Cole as a significant and unpredictable threat, diverging from the book's portrayal. His actions suggested he is a wild card whose moral flexibility and strategic ruthlessness could have far-reaching consequences in the Targaryen civil war.

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