Episode 9 of House of the Dragon, titled “The Green Council,” was released on Sunday, October 16, 2022. This penultimate episode of the first season significantly escalated the simmering tensions within House Targaryen, pushing the realm closer to the Dance of the Dragons.
Understanding the Airing Schedule
The release of House of the Dragon episodes followed a consistent schedule throughout the first season. This section provides a detailed breakdown of the timings and platforms where you could watch new episodes.
Release Timing: HBO and HBO Max
New episodes of House of the Dragon premiered weekly on HBO and HBO Max. The standard release time was 9 PM Eastern Time (ET) on Sundays. This meant that viewers in other time zones could adjust accordingly. For instance, it aired at 6 PM Pacific Time (PT) and 2 AM British Summer Time (BST) on Mondays. This consistent timing allowed for synchronized viewing experiences across different regions.
Accessing the Episode: HBO vs. HBO Max
While HBO provided a traditional linear broadcast, HBO Max offered the convenience of streaming the episode on demand. Viewers with a subscription to HBO Max could watch the episode anytime after its initial release at 9 PM ET. This accessibility made House of the Dragon easily available to a broader audience, regardless of their time zone or viewing preferences.
Key Events Leading Up to Episode 9
Episode 9 picks up directly after the death of King Viserys I Targaryen. Understanding the events that transpired beforehand is crucial to appreciating the dramatic tension within “The Green Council.”
Viserys’ Death and its Immediate Aftermath
King Viserys’ final moments were filled with ambiguity, as he muttered about the “Prince That Was Promised,” a prophecy misinterpreted by Alicent Hightower. This misunderstanding, coupled with Alicent’s desire for her son Aegon to inherit the Iron Throne, set the stage for the dramatic events of Episode 9.
The Green Council’s Formation and Plans
The Green Council, comprised of members loyal to the Hightower faction, seized upon Viserys’ death as an opportunity to usurp Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the throne. Episode 9 showcases their strategic planning, political maneuvering, and clandestine activities as they consolidate power in King’s Landing. Their primary objective was to place Aegon II Targaryen on the Iron Throne, defying Viserys’ stated wishes and initiating a succession crisis.
Recapping Episode 9: “The Green Council”
Episode 9 focused almost entirely on King’s Landing and the immediate aftermath of Viserys’ death. Rhaenyra was notably absent, heightening the suspense and emphasizing the isolation she would face upon learning of the Green Council’s actions.
Key Character Actions and Developments
- Alicent Hightower: Believing she was acting on Viserys’ final wish, Alicent pushed vehemently for Aegon’s coronation. However, she also grappled with the moral implications of betraying Rhaenyra and the potential consequences of igniting a civil war.
- Otto Hightower: Otto orchestrated the Green Council’s machinations with ruthless efficiency, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to securing the Iron Throne for his family. He implemented a lockdown of King’s Landing and initiated a hunt for Aegon, whose whereabouts were initially unknown.
- Aegon II Targaryen: While initially reluctant to assume the burdens of kingship, Aegon was eventually persuaded by the Green Council to accept the crown. He represented a volatile and unpredictable element, raising questions about his ability to rule effectively.
- Rhaenys Targaryen: Imprisoned by the Green Council, Rhaenys ultimately escaped and made a dramatic appearance during Aegon’s coronation, riding her dragon Meleys and showcasing the devastating power that dragons represent in the upcoming conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about House of the Dragon Episode 9 and the series in general:
1. What time did Episode 9 air in the UK?
Episode 9 of House of the Dragon aired at 2 AM British Summer Time (BST) on Monday, October 17, 2022.
2. Is Episode 9 available on demand?
Yes, Episode 9 was available on demand via HBO Max immediately after its premiere at 9 PM ET on Sunday, October 16, 2022.
3. What is the significance of the Green Council?
The Green Council represents the faction within King’s Landing that supports Aegon II Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne over Rhaenyra Targaryen. They are primarily composed of members loyal to the Hightower family.
4. Why is the episode titled “The Green Council”?
The title reflects the central focus of the episode, which depicts the formation and actions of the Green Council in the wake of King Viserys’ death. The “green” refers to the Hightower family’s color, symbolizing their influence and power.
5. What happened to Rhaenyra in Episode 9?
Rhaenyra was not present in Episode 9. The episode focused solely on the events unfolding in King’s Landing, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation for her reaction to the Green Council’s actions.
6. Did Episode 9 stay true to the book, “Fire & Blood”?
While generally following the broad strokes of George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” Episode 9 made some creative liberties. For instance, Rhaenys’ dragon escape was a significant departure from the book. These changes were likely made to heighten the dramatic tension and visual spectacle of the series.
7. What role did Otto Hightower play in Episode 9?
Otto Hightower served as the primary orchestrator of the Green Council’s plans. He used his position as Hand of the King to consolidate power, manipulate events, and secure support for Aegon’s claim to the throne.
8. Why was Aegon initially reluctant to become king?
Aegon’s reluctance stemmed from a lack of interest in ruling and a preference for a life of hedonism and indulgence. He was aware of the burdens and responsibilities that came with the Iron Throne and was hesitant to embrace them.
9. How did Rhaenys escape in Episode 9?
Rhaenys used the chaos and confusion surrounding Aegon’s coronation to escape her confinement. She made her way to the dragonpit, mounted her dragon Meleys, and burst through the floor of the Dragonpit, narrowly avoiding causing further casualties.
10. What were the long-term implications of Rhaenys’ actions at the coronation?
Rhaenys’ dramatic entrance and escape on Meleys served as a powerful demonstration of the Targaryen’s dragon-riding ability and the destructive power of dragons. This highlighted the potential for devastating conflict in the upcoming civil war and further escalated tensions between the Green and Black factions.
11. What did Viserys say that Alicent misinterpreted?
Viserys, in his final moments, spoke of the “Prince That Was Promised” and the prophecy that a Targaryen would unite the realm against a great darkness. Alicent mistakenly believed that Viserys was referring to their son, Aegon, as the chosen one, thereby justifying her actions in supporting his claim to the throne.
12. How can I re-watch Episode 9 of House of the Dragon?
You can re-watch Episode 9 of House of the Dragon through HBO Max, provided you have a subscription. It can also be purchased or rented digitally through various online platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV.