Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon Season 3.House of the Dragon Season 3 takes the Game of Thrones spin-off to new heights, but some episodes stand out as more memorable than others. That’s inevitable with any season of television, but as House of the Dragon‘s latest features two major battles, it’s especially evident here. The third outing has other high points as well, including the standout of the season. It pays off 19 episodes of storytelling, showcasing the best parts of the Game of Thrones franchise in the process.
Season 3 also delivers a long-awaited character death, epic dragon return, and steady descent into tyranny. There are great moments in every episode, but several installments keep up the momentum of the Dance of the Dragons better than others. The strongest ones balance thrilling action with the drama and twists that Game of Thrones is known for. Hopefully, the series will produce more of those in Season 4.
Why You Should Trust Me: I’ve been writing about pop culture for a decade, and the Game of Thrones franchise is one I’ve covered extensively throughout that career. I’ve also written and edited numerous rankings, and I understand the importance of backing each placement.
“Unbowed and Unbent”
Season 3, Episode 5
House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 5 is one of the slower episodes of the season, and I’d argue it spends the most time spinning its wheels. There are great moments, including Larys Strong’s takedown of Aegon, Daemon and Rhaenyra’s lengthy conversation in High Valyrian, and the gruesome ending. Fabian Frankel’s final speech as Criston Cole is surprisingly hard-hitting, too, even if I’m still side-eyeing his assertion that he’s “the realm’s greatest warrior.“
Why It’s #8: Despite all these strengths, parts of this episode move at a snail’s pace, especially compared to the rest of the season. The Alicent and Helaena subplot is frustrating, and it begins to feel cartoonish when they start donning disguises and entering hidden passageways. The Harrenhal story also bogs down “Unbowed and Unbent,” pushing it just below “Tumbleton” — another slower chapter, but one with more exciting storylines.
“Tumbleton”
Season 3, Episode 4
As its title suggests, House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 4 centers mostly on the market town that Ormund Hightower seizes control of right under Rhaenyra’s nose. And in part, that’s why this episode lands better than the one after it: James Norton’s iteration of Ormund is one of House of the Dragon Season 3’s best performances, and it’s a delight every time he’s on-screen. Larys and Aegon’s narrative is also more memorable here, as Aegon finding Sunfyre is gutting. And both Daemon’s discovery of Rhaena and Rhaenyra’s challenges with Ulf prove entertaining to watch.
Why It’s #7: While “Tumbleton” has more interesting individual storylines than “Unbowed and Unbent” — and arguably moves the main plot forward more effectively — there aren’t a ton of big developments. Not every episode can be groundbreaking, but the ones that are tend to be more memorable. It’s also frustrating that House of the Dragon leans so heavily into yet another unnecessary sexual assault scene, a bad habit that looms over the season.
“Faceless Men”
Season 3, Episode 6
“Faceless Men” opens and closes with a bang. To start, it delivers one of the most long-awaited deaths of the Game of Thrones spin-off: that of Ser Criston Cole. Fabian Frankel’s character goes out with little fanfare, which is exactly as it should be. (It’s also a nice reminder of the show’s stakes.) Lord Corlys’s kidnapping also raises the tensions during the episode’s final moments, despite being a departure from Fire & Blood. The Tumbleton assassination plot keeps things moving and interesting, too, as does the gold cloaks storyline in King’s Landing.
Why It’s #6: All the previously mentioned elements of “Faceless Men” push the episode ahead of the slower-moving installments, but this one isn’t without pacing issues. The Harrenhal storyline continues to feel disconnected, and Hugh’s narrative doesn’t do much to make us care about the character or his motivations. These criticisms place Episode 6 lower, and it doesn’t help that even the episode’s highs don’t quite match those of the stronger chapters.
“The Dragon in the Winter”
Season 3, Episode 7
“The Dragon in the Winter” features two of the best scenes of House of the Dragon Season 3: the dragon showdown that pits Syrax, Seasmoke, and Caraxes against Sheepstealer and the return of Sunfyre. Both of these elevate House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 7 to the middle of the list, and they’re not the only strengths to speak of. Ulf’s betrayal is another fantastic cliffhanger, and Rhaenyra truly begins to unravel here. Both set up the finale nicely. The brief glimpses of the Tumbleton plot are also compelling, continuing that trend.
Why It’s #5: “Faceless Men” and “The Dragon in the Winter” are close in terms of quality, as both feature a mix of good and bad. The latter’s two big dragon scenes and betrayal lift it above the former. However, there are still issues. The Alicent assassination plot is as questionable in execution as it is when Rhaenyra first suggests it, even with talented actors leading the way. It takes up much of the episode, which prevents it from breaking into the top five. I could’ve lived without Addam creating an Addam/Alyn/Baela love triangle, too.
“Rhaenyra Triumphant”
Season 3, Episode 3
“Rhaenyra Triumphant” is a unique addition to the Game of Thrones franchise, and that makes it all the more memorable. Following an iconic sequence in which Daemon orders Lord Ormund Hightower to surrender — with three dragons in tow — the episode takes place primarily from Rhaenyra’s point of view. That’s unusual for a franchise with a large scope and multi-POV approach, but it works really well here. It drives home the harshest truth of the entire season: that seizing the throne and keeping it are two very different feats. It’s a great foundation for Rhaenyra’s gradual descent, and the way it’s shot and presented makes her anxiety palpable.
Why It’s #4: The format of “Rhaenyra Triumphant” makes it one of House of the Dragon Season 3’s most impressive episodes, but it doesn’t have the payoff of the three strongest installments. There are also minor issues with how things unfold. The opening sequence is great, but the whole fake Daeron plot pushes the limits of believability.
“Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood”
Season 3, Episode 1
House of the Dragon Season 3 kicks off with the biggest sea conflict of the Dance of the Dragons, and the Battle of the Gullet lives up to the hype. Arguably, this should’ve been one of Season 2’s final episodes. It makes for a great opening though, thrusting viewers right into the action — and concluding with a loss that sets Rhaenyra on an increasingly more determined and ruthless path. The action itself is incredible, and it’s accompanied by high emotional stakes.
Why It’s #3: While “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood” has some of the best action of the season, the first half of the premiere is spent setting the stage for what’s to come. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does lack the tensions that the first half of “The Treasons at Tumbleton” benefits from. Additionally, the choices surrounding Jace’s decision to fly for the Gullet are questionable. Locking Rhaenyra away is a book change that hurts her character and Jace’s. Not only does it play out in a way that feels unbelievable, but it removes both characters’ agency.
“The Treasons at Tumbleton”
Season 3, Episode 8
The other battle-heavy episode of House of the Dragon Season 3, “The Treasons at Tumbleton” also features epic action — and it has a solid build-up before the fighting begins. It starts off strong, with Rhaenyra reacting poorly to Aegon’s return and Emma D’Arcy giving another excellent performance. The tensions continue to build from there, with Helaena’s worsening mental state, Daeron and Gwayne’s desperate peace offering, and Rhaenyra’s acts at the Great Sept all maintaining a strong sense of dread throughout. Aegon’s reunion with Aemond is also a quotable highlight. And once the fighting at Tumbleton starts, it’s impossible to look away.
Why It’s #2: The House of the Dragon finale features several character deaths, great combat on the ground, and devastation via dragon fire — all things that make it a thrilling experience. Helaena’s death and Rhaenyra’s reaction also make for a perfect place to leave the season, setting up a tragic turn in Season 4. “The Treasons at Tumbleton” is the strongest episode with one exception: the one that actually leaves viewers excited and cheering (and also features fantastic performances and well-done action).
“Queen’s Landing”
Season 3, Episode 2
Although House of the Dragon has two incredible battle episodes in Season 3, the best installment of this outing is the one that pays off the 19 previous chapters. That would be “Queen’s Landing,” which sees Rhaenyra finally taking back the Red Keep in the wake of Prince Jace’s death. D’Arcy gives the performance of the season when Rhaenyra learns of her son’s demise. And that continues throughout the episode, adding a layer of tragedy to Rhaenyra’s win.
Why It’s #1: It’s rare to find an episode of House of the Dragon that leaves fans cheering on the characters, but “Queen’s Landing” fits the bill. This installment is a high point of this outing, even if Rhaenyra’s victory is tainted and short-lived. There’s great swordsmanship and a bit of dragon fire at Harrenhal as well. And Otto Hightower’s demise is a long time coming. “Queen’s Landing” showcases the two biggest strengths of Game of Thrones: the political maneuvering and drama, along with the high-stakes action and deaths. That’s what makes it the strongest chapter of the season, even pushing it above two grander battles.
- Release Date
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August 21, 2022
- Network
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HBO
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Fabien Frankel
Ser Criston Cole
