House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 5 Review: The Stranger Offers Us Rest
What Does Criston Cole Want?
Ah, the age-old question echoing through the halls of Westeros: what on Earth does Criston Cole really desire? Ever since our dear Dornish knight waltzed into King’s Landing by knocking Daemon Targaryen off his high horse (literally), we’ve been scratching our heads over this enigma.
At first, it looked like good ol’ Ser Criston (Fabien Frankel) was after the usual knightly trifecta: fame, respect, and glory—like a noble squire dreaming of becoming the next Ser Duncan the Tall. But lo and behold, once he secured a comfy seat in King Viserys I’s Kingsguard, he was ready to toss it all aside for love, begging Princess Rhaenyra to ditch her crown and join him on a romantic getaway to Essos. When she pulled a classic ‘no thanks,’ he went ahead and had a fling with her bestie, bumped off her fiancé’s side chick, and even crowned her half-brother king. Talk about a glow-up!
One Year Into Chaos
Fast forward about a year into the civil war his choices set off, and we’re still clueless about what makes Criston tick. Until now, that is. In this nail-biting fifth episode of season 3, it becomes crystal clear: Ser Criston Cole wants it all—honor, fame, love, power, and autonomy—but more than anything, this dude seems to be longing for one final curtain call.
A Light-hearted Episode (Sort of)
But hey, don’t let the overarching doom and gloom trick you into thinking this episode is a total downer! Compared to the likes of the infamous “Red Wedding” or the blood-curdling “Blood and Cheese,” this episode is practically a stroll in the park. Yes, we lose a few characters, but we also get the return of familiar faces like Ser Tyland Lannister and Prince Joffrey Velaryon—so, score one for the good guys?
The Kingmaker’s Dilemma
Criston finds himself in quite the pickle as he navigates guerrilla warfare against the armies of Lord Oscar Tully and Roddy the Ruin. It’s almost comical watching him and his band of bedraggled soldiers getting caught in a sticky situation, stranded without options, facing off against foes who have them outnumbered two hundred to one. Seriously, where’s that winning strategy, Kingmaker?
As it turns out, Criston’s big plan involves… dying. Surprisingly, he’s not too upset about it. In a heartfelt moment with his comrade Gwayne, he explains, “You know what? Dying beats serving others.” And honestly, after a lifetime in servitude, can you blame him?
The Beautiful Tragedy of Service
While he might not come from the lowest echelons of society, Criston is no stranger to understanding the harsh realities of life in Westeros. He knows that the real currency in this kingdom isn’t gold, or secrets, or even dragons; it’s all about who you serve. The stakes are high, and that’s an everyday reality for someone like him.
The immense pressure of servitude is symbolized well as he muses about deities—particularly the Stranger, who offers a tantalizing escape from the harshness of reality. Oh, wouldn’t life be easier if one could just shuffle off this mortal coil with a dramatic flair?
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Over in Harrenhal, there’s Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) paying homage to the fallen while fending off some not-so-bright attackers. Her magical prowess combined with a touch of wisdom positions her as a powerful player, and she’s got Prince Aemond wrapped around her finger. Honestly, he’s just begging for someone to take care of him at this point.
Sibling Rivalry and Power Dynamics
Meanwhile, Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is a hot mess of jealousy and rivalry towards his little bro. Sure, he has loads of reasons to loathe Aemond, but the digs he takes during their banter often reflect a muddled blend of childhood rivalries and a turbulent family dynamic.
What’s more, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) steps forward like a disgruntled employee, laying some stark truths on Aegon about his villainous antics and reign as a poor excuse for a ruler. Ouch! That’ll leave a mark.
Reckoning with Morality
This episode is rich with thought-provoking moments, even in its lesser scenes. Notably, Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) finds herself in a vulnerable state, pleading to the gods while grappling with her paranoia. It really makes you question who’s the real villain if corruption is hiding in plain sight.
As sinister happenings oozed through the Red Keep with anonymous murders and unsettling messages, the tension surged. Who’s behind these chilling acts? What’s their endgame?
Final Thoughts
As season 3 of House of the Dragon continues to unfold, we find ourselves marveling at the rich themes buried within imperfect execution. Even quieter moments pack a punch, subtly hinting at the deep connections between the characters.
In the grand scheme of things, Criston’s flirtations with death are just a precursor to the complexities that lie ahead for our characters. As he teeters between servitude and a flaming legacy, we can’t help but wonder where all of this chaos will lead.
New episodes of House of the Dragon season 3 premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max, culminating with the finale on August 9.