is alicent hightower evil

Much of Alicent's status as an antagonist comes from her personal and political rivalry with Rhaenyra. Either way, the two are depicted as childhood friends divided by the course of politics and . This post contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 1! Even when Alicent does terrible things, House of the Dragon doesn't show her to be an evil villain. When Viserys dies, most of the Small Council spring into action with their coup. ", RELATED: Alicent Hightower's House of the Dragon Betrayal Is Worse Than Anything in GoT. Alicent tries to negotiate with Rhaenyra several times before and after the Dance, and Rhaenyra corresponds because of their shared history. Martins Fire & Blood, namely that the history books are told from the perspective of the victors. Alicent seems to be House of the Dragon's resident evil queen, but the truth is more complex. Most people seem to blame him for the disasters that have befallen his reign because hes weak. But if were going to blame Viserys for not being strong enough, we cant also condemn a character like Aemond for fulfilling what constitutes strength in his world. Alicent is visibly frightened of Larys and even looks like she might feel guilt for his actions. "We Light The Way" is packed with twists, most of which . Aegon was 10 years younger than Rhaenyra, but the proposal would've effectively prevented the Dance. He focuses on TV shows and movies. Alicent misunderstands the king's final words as she and Otto decide on Rhaenyra's fate. Who exactly is saying that? I completely agree with your comment that, had Daemon and Rhaenyra not been so hot for each other, she might have thought twice about ordering a hit on what was essentially her only true friend and ally. Alicent had blood in her hands, but so did everyone else in Westeros. They were headquartered in the Red Keep at King's Landing or alternatively in the equally prosperous Hightower-held city of Oldtown. She runs on coffee and classic movies, taking pride in having watched every film on AFI's 100 Greatest Films list and every Best Picture Oscar winner. Queen Rhaenyra I Targaryen is the closest thing House of the Dragon has to a single protagonist. I had such high hopes for her treachery to be interesting and smart, but no, its just rash and emotionally broad. In short, Alicent's children would've never been safe. For instance, she spent considerable time with Jaehaerys the Wise before his death, reading and caring for him. Alicent begins House of the Dragon episode 5 still defending Rhaenyra, but her mind changes once Otto tells her the unwanted truth: Viserys will die, the realm will not accept Rhaenyra as queen, war will follow, and Alicents children will have to be killed. That's why there's a "potentially" in front of his name. Alicent Hightower was a member of House Hightower who became the second wife to King Viserys I Targaryen. When Viserys dies, she takes this news to the Small Council. At this point, Rhaenyra has done nothing wrong and is simply defending her rightful claim, so as the one preemptively beginning the Targaryen civil war, Alicent comes off as House of the Dragon's villain. House of the Dragon: Season 1 The go-to source for comic book and superhero movie fans. Alicent was the mastermind behind the Dance of the Dragons an Alicent Hightower's best moments. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2020 with a B.A. Alicent Hightower is hated by the fandom because she is seen as basically Cersei with dragons - an ambitious and conniving schemer who committed treason, started a war and (in Alicent's case) exploited murky succession law to put her son on the throne. Therefore, they have about five or six generational distance between the two. After all, he really was the antagonizing force that started most of this weeks drama. What do you think? RELATED: 10 Winners Of House Of The Dragon Season 1. House of the Dragon executive producer Sara Hess challenges the notion that Queen Alicent Hightower is the villain of the Game of Thrones prequel. After all, Daemon killed his first wife simply because he was fed up with her. Margaery was born exactly 150 years after Alicent passed away. Send me updates about Slate special offers. Its not like she hates Laenor. On the contrary, the Targaryens do as they please because their name allows them to, whereas Alicent, as a Hightower, was to be smarter. Alicent misinterprets Viserys' last words, thinking that he wants Aegon to ascend to the Iron Throne. Even so, the two former friends don't hate each other; they just deeply distrust one another. Indeed, Alicent is a complex and layered character, and it's not an exaggeration to say fans have the wrong idea about her. Her eldest son, Aegon, would always be a threat to Rhaenyra, and his existence would incite provocation. However, not everything is as it seems in Westeros, and House of the Dragon will soon make it clear. Otto isn't really a villain and neither is Unwin Peake. Much later, she makes an earnest attempt to reconcile with Rhaenyra. She comforts Dyana, gives her contraception and compensation, and confronts Aegon for it. Please try again. These guys are just doing what any man in their position will do (increase the strength of their house) hanna1214 5 mo. Goffe: Im not sure we should let Aemond off the hooksoeasily. It comes after King Viserys dismisses the injury to Aemond's eye, preferring to focus on the rumors of Rhaenyra's sons' illegitimacy. Otto Hightower and his Small Council have active plans to assassinate Rhaenyra, Daemon, and their children. Game of Thrones was famous for its smart villains, some of which became fan favorites. So far, the show has proved to . She literally comes at child with a knife in this episode! While Emily Carey's character is raised in court, is very elegant and . In addition to showing power plays, "House of the Dragon" ("The house of the dragon" in Spanish) also had several love relationships between the main characters. Even when her father praises her for it, Alicent admits to being ashamed of her actions. Even if Rhaenyra hadn't moved against her half-brother, Daemon and Corlys would've. However, she had enough agency to see through his schemes and willingly bonded with and eventually married Viserys. Alicent's furious treatment of Aegon, contrasting her gentle treatment of Dyana, shows that she's genuinely sympathetic to the victim and less callous than many other characters. Warning: This post contains spoilers for Fire & Blood.For all terms and purposes, Alicent Hightower is the de-facto "villain" in House of the Dragon. When Alicent learns that Aegon has assaulted Dyana, one of Helaena's maids, she's quick to respond. Alicent had a history of caring for others. I think there are a few different takes on her and Rhaenyra's picnic scene. Similar to how Jaime Lannister was a major villain in Game of Thrones season 1 before becoming one of the show's best anti-heroes, Alicent could still revive her sympathetic portrayal later in House of the Dragon's story. Queen Alicent Hightower is the second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen. Vinyl Figure (RS) #01. If they werent so hot for each other, Laenor might not have seemed so expendable to her. Alicent really betrays herself by trying to take Lukes eye, as well as simply behaving with monstrously violent intent. Later, she becomes a key member of the Greens faction. 3rd episodes have passed Alicent is still shown to be an innocent daughter of a bad power hungry man. Alicent Hightower takes on an antagonistic role in most of House of the Dragon's first season. Alicent Hightower's shift in House of the Dragon episode 5 teases the beginning of her villain story ahead of the Dance of the Dragons. POP House of Dragon - Daemon Targaryen Funko Pop! Although the show paints her in an overwhelmingly positive light, Fire & Blood's portrayal of Rhaenyra is much more complex. The best of movies, TV, books, music, and more, delivered to your inbox. . This week, book critic Laura Miller and editorial assistant Nadira Goffe answer the call. New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, House of the Dragon Producer Casts Doubt on Alicent's Villainous Role, Alicent Hightower's House of the Dragon Betrayal Is Worse Than Anything in GoT, Why a Female Lead Writer Was Necessary for House of the Dragon. However, Alicent isn't the worst character in House of the Dragon, not by a long shot. One of the most upsetting things about Alicent to me is that she had such potential to be an iconic Big Bad, but I find her to be mostly annoying? But as Rhaenyra points out, mutilating an 8-year-old for vengeance is not exactly Alicents brand. Related: House Of The Dragon Makes Alicent's Story Far More Tragic (& That's Good). Funko Pop Resident Evil Action Figures & Accessories, Funko Marvel Universe Pop Action Figures & Accessories; Additional site . Alicent and Rhaenyra's friendship only falls apart when Rhaenyra flat-out lies to Alicent. She is as mercurial as her second husband, Daemon Targaryen, and becomes bitter. Jordan Williams is a Movie/TV Feature Senior Staff Writer for Screen Rant. It's another clear sign that Alicent has more morals than most House of the Dragon characters. And Just Like That, Alicent Fully Becomes House Of The Dragon's Villain, House Of The Dragon Makes Alicent's Story Far More Tragic (& That's Good). It could be easy to discard Alicent as "the bad guy" because the show is going to great lengths to establish Rhaenyra as a typical heroine. NEXT: 10 Worst Things That Happened To Rhaenyra Targaryen In House Of The Dragon. Alicent Hightower is one of the most complicated and misunderstood characters in House of the Dragon, and many fans have the wrong idea about her. However, the loyalties in Westeros (and audiences) will be split between the Targaryen green party and black party, with the former supporting Alicent/Aegon and the latter Rhaenyra. However, by Westerosi standards, she goes above and beyond. $16.15 + $16.76 shipping. Although Alicent Hightower married Viserys Targaryen, there is a part of her story that was not told in the HBO Max series.. Daemon Targaryen had several partners throughout the first season: Rhea Royce, Mysaria, Laena . Not to mention, her sons lives had already been quite openly threatened. Im not up on Westerosi history, but he seems like exactly the sort of person who will ultimately end up on the Iron Throne. 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Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Jodee is an avid content creator, sports lover and occasional poet in his spare time, as well as a huge Black Panther fan. Have you ever been to a family reunion more tense and dismal than the funeral and wake of Laena Velaryon? War might not have been the best option, but inaction wasn't either. ago. House of the Dragon has brilliantly undone one of the major drawbacks in George R.R. However, these steps involve setting a fire at Harrenhal to kill Lyonel and Harwin Strong: Larys' father and brother. Alicent still tries to reject this future, but once she realizes that Rhaenyra lied to her about sleeping with Criston, her intention to place Aegon on the Iron Throne is confirmed. Jodee Brown is a Freelance Movie/TV News writer at CBR. These people live in a world where fair play doesnt really count for much. Maybe my WPiW is the writers for dashing all of my hopes that a woman, like Cersei inGoT, at least had a chance of winning or being more influential than whoever physically sits on the Iron Throne anyway. They are doomed to fail and be targeted, though they show great heart (they remind me of the Starks in that way). Alicent is among the show's most misunderstood characters, and while she will commit numerous ruthless acts throughout the Dance, she is far from just an evil stepmother. RELATED: 10 Game Of Thrones Characters Who Deserved A Redemption Arc. She wanted to represent the Queen in a more positive yet realistic light for House of the Dragon's first few seasons. Once the accusations of Rhaenyras sons bastard parentage were launched by and in front of the highest-ranked successors to the crown, the cat was officially out of the bag. What did you think of Aemond this episode, Laura? Free shipping . And heres where I also admit that, given all of your aforementioned reasons of boldness and bravery, I actually like Aemond. RELATED: 10 Worst Things Alicent Hightower Does In House Of The Dragon. House of the Dragon doesn't make Alicent blameless in the matter, as she does decide to support the Greens' coup. Though thats no excuse to kill him, I can understand it? Hess spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her feelings on how the character has been perceived by audiences. And though Viserys ordered to quell such rumors, he didnt outright say they were preposterous, either. However, House of the Dragon has already established that this will largely be Rhaenyras story, so even if she earns an anti-hero status through vile atrocities, the series appears to ultimately be rooting for the Targaryen blacks. Alicent drops the dagger almost immediately and lambasts herself for the attack later. Yeah. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. The show does not plainly explain why Alicent Hightower picks her fingernails and skin during House of the Dragon 's events, but the context clues are there. Known for his considerable knowledge, Otto was adamant about placing his blood on the Iron Throne and saw Alicent as the best way to do it. $16.99. Entdecke FUNKO POP! "I think in her mind, all this was a necessary evil ," the filmmaker said. When Alicent shows Rhaenyra concern for her wellbeing, Rhaenyra lies about her tryst with Ser Criston Cole. The scratching and picking seemingly start when Alicent begins to feel stressed, anxious, or even uncomfortable. But is that true? Alicent would be Margaery's great-great-great-great-great-aunt if she were descended from Alicent's cousins. As House of the Dragon episode 6 jumps ten years into the future, the children of King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Alicent are finally given the spotlight; here's what happens to each. Still, it's clear that like Thrones's best antagonists before her, Alicent's characterization is not black or white. She genuinely thinks she's doing what Viserys wants, and the others are only interested in power. It seems like, though she has plenty of the most cunning and resourceful characters at her disposal, like Larys and Otto, she cant seem to do anything right. Hes willing to give up a lothe says hed willingly marry the insect-obsessed Helaena, a girl as creepy as he is, to do his dutyand he considers the loss of his eye worth it to gain Vhagar, who I believe is the biggest dragon in the known world. "Were not going to kill Rhaenyra, thats ridiculous, shes Viserys daughter, he would never have wanted this, Im not gonna let that happen," Hess said. In fact, Alicent seems to be more shrewd than Viserys (who wants tranquility above all), Daemon (who wants power at any cost), and even Rhaenyra. Hi, guys! She develops an enmity with Rhaenyra Targaryen that causes most of the conflict in the season's latter half. Jace was the one who arranged for Aegon and Viserys to be safe. I was equally annoyed and appalled by Aemonds behavior this week, especially considering last episode made him seem like such a nonevent. She's pushed into forming a relationship with Viserys. He also seems better suited to rule (in the Targaryen style) than Aegon, who is just a wastrel. From siding with the Greens to falling out with Rhaenyra, Alicent Hightower has done bad things in House of the Dragon, but she's not the villain. Furthermore, Alicent knew Rhaenyra's husband, Daemon, and their close ally, Corlys Velaryon, had long set their sights on the Iron Throne. "I think in her mind, all this was a necessary evil," the filmmaker said. It's only when Alicent realizes that she can't trust Rhaenyra that their friendship fails. In the books, Alicent is the first to propose a solution to the problem, suggesting Rhaenyra marries Aegon, but both the Princess of Dragonstone and Viserys reject the offer. Warning: Contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 5, and the book Fire & Blood. Miller: What Im always thinking of Aemond is, Isnt that Chlo Sevigny? The resemblance is startling. "We were able to step back and go: The history tellers want to believe Alicent is an evil conniving bitch. She wants Rhaenyra to have power and influence, and she could use that friendship to lessen the control Otto has over her. In truth, Alicent was right not to trust her former friend, especially considering how much Rhaenyra changes when she's under stress or cornered. New episodes of House of the Dragon release Sundays on HBO/HBO Max. The fallout between Alicent and Rhaenyra kicks off the show's events. The self-serving and diabolical queen of Westeros was a force to be reckoned with, responsible for some of the cruelest acts in the show. New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, 10 Times Alicent Hightower Proved She Wasn't The Villain In House Of The Dragon, 10 Most Tragic House Of The Dragon Characters, 10 Worst Things Alicent Hightower Does In House Of The Dragon, 10 Best Things About Aemond Targaryen In House Of The Dragon, 10 Winners Of House Of The Dragon Season 1, 10 Worst Things That Happened To Rhaenyra Targaryen In House Of The Dragon, REVIEW: IDW Publishing's TMNT: The Armageddon Game - The Alliance #1, REVIEW: Marvel's The Amazing Spider-Man #13, REVIEW: IDW's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #134, The Walking Dead Finally Addresses a Major Negan Issue, Was The Rings of Power That Bad? Alicent immediately comes off better than the other members of her faction. New episodes of House of the Dragon release every Sunday on HBO and HBO Max. And for what its worth (which is not much), I do believe she genuinely cared for Laenor as a friend. Alicent & Otto Hightower Father-Daughter Duo Ser Otto Hightower, Alicent's father, was one of her biggest supporters. And while she did it out of duty and didn't love him, she did grow to care for Viserys, and his feelings were similar. That was Otto. Before Alicent attacks Rhaenyra in "Driftmark," she makes a short speech about her lot in life. Lots of bad behavior, from Aegon boozing it up and leering at the serving wenches, to Aemonds dragon-stealing and assault on his cousins, to Alicents dreadful reaction in the castle, to Rhaenyras extremely cold-hearted ordering of the assassination of the husband whos just pledged his devotion to her and her reign. Alicent's moves are precise, calculated, and come from a place of deep understanding of Westerosi politics. However, Alicent's motives make sense, and her actions are easier to understand, even if viewers don't sympathize. Alicent is among the show's most misunderstood characters, and while she will commit numerous ruthless acts throughout the Dance, she is far from just an evil stepmother. Jordan is based in Seattle, Washington and enjoys exploring the natural beauty the PNW has to offer. Making it worse, Alicents arrival sees her kiss Viserys on the cheek while calling Rhaenyra stepdaughter, which is a clear power play and assertion of dominance in front of the most important houses in the realm. 10/10 Alicent Sincerely Believes That . Alicent Hightower is the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King. Her grudge against Rhaenyra took her too far this time, and in a crazed attempt to mutilate Luke, she accidentally cuts Rhaenyrathe heir to the throneinstead. Furthermore, Aegon, not Helaena, is Rhaenyra's threat and will always be, and her solution conveniently leaves him out. Thats part of the thing were playing with in this and in season two. That fight was very disturbing, and Aemond was responsible for escalating it by picking up that rock. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. But now they see you as you are. And one of the people who likes what he sees is Otto Hightower, her father, who thinks shes finally showing the gumption it will take to win at what he admits is an ugly game. Maybe a queens gotta do what a queens gotta do, but still Is Rhaenyra the worst person in Westeros? Everything she did was to protect her eldest son from Rhaenyra's mercurial and violent husband, Daemon. Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, The Leading Source for Gaming News, Reviews, and Interviews. RELATED: 10 Best Things About Aemond Targaryen In House Of The Dragon. RELATED: 10 Most Powerful Hands Of The King In Westerosi History. As such, Alicent Hightower and the greens are written as the villains, but the narrators dont take into account how she came to agree on defying Viserys will and the role that the patriarchy played in such developments. She cant scheme, and when a schemer like Larys signs on to her cause, shes scared of him instead of recognizing that he could be useful (although her remarks to him on the ship at the end suggest this could change). Assuming Rhaenyra is the typical hero, then Alicent's antagonistic actions towards the heiress to the Iron Throne will surely earn her the scorn of fans and critics. Id like to propose someone for Worst Person who really ought to know better: Alicent. Its possible that the tides will turn once House of the Dragons 10-year time jump occurs, with the unseen decade perhaps corrupting Rhaenyra to the same extent as Alicent. Alicent Hightower has been a key character in House of the Dragon since the beginning and has only grown in power as the episodes have progressed. She gets absolutely nothing out of trying to harm Luke, just the reputation for being a madwoman. But here he becametheevent, racking up a list of offenses including dragon stealing and attempted child murder. Alicent comes from a noble lineage as her father, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), was the Hand of the King and she grew up around nobility, becoming the Old King's companion in his later life . Despite the comparison from fans, Alicent is not Cersei. It's a sharp contrast to characters like Aegon, Daemon, and Larys, who commit violence without showing any regret at all. Sara Hess, House of the Dragon 's writer and executive producer, doesn't believe Queen Alicent Hightower is as villainous as some fans believe. This same evil Rhaenyra managed to raise sons that were so honorable, and loved each other. Alicent Hightower takes on an antagonistic role in most of House of the Dragon's first season. Rhaenyra interrupts Alicent's attack, and Alicent ends up slashing her with a dagger. Alicent arrives late to Rhaenyra and Laenors wedding celebration wearing a green dress, which symbolizes the beacon of Hightower calling Oldtowns banners to war. I just dont think Alicent has it in her, making all of her misdeeds for nothing. What do you think? In his free time, Isaac can be found gaming, reading, playing D&D, walking Birmingham's lengthy canals, and catching up on movies. It is obvious and everyone knows its true, as Aegon said. I don't think Alicent Hightower is at fault as much as it is her father. After each episode ofHouse of the Dragon, HBOs prequel toGame of Thrones,Slate writers gather to answer an age-old question:Who is the worst person in Westeros? Hes bravethat dragon isbig!and hes ruthless, which is what seems to be called for in a Westerosi ruler. It seems like the whole first 15 minutes of Episode 7 ofHouse of the Dragon,titled for its setting, Driftmark, the castle of the Velaryon clan, consists of the characters in this extended family staring at each other meaningfully across terraces, full of regret and thwarted yearning and resentment. This post contains SPOILERS for Fire & Blood and House of the Dragon season 1, episode 5!House of the Dragon did an incredible job making young Alicent Hightower a sympathetic character, but her actions in episode 5 finally turn her into the villain from the book. In lieu of keeping a watchful eye on Aemond as WPiW for the following episodes, I will agree with you that Alicent is the clear worst Westerosi left. All contents 2022 The Slate Group LLC. Alicent is one of only two people to voice any dissent. Rhaenyra is also proud and self-aggrandizing, believing herself superior to everyone. She was the mother of King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond and Prince Daeron. Laura Miller: Nadira! Alicent con Jaehaerys I en sus ltimos das por Douglas Wheatley En 101 d.C., Alicent lleg a la corte del rey Jaehaerys I Targaryen a los quince aos de edad cuando su padre, Ser Otto Hightower, fue nombrado Mano del Rey.Alicent se convertira en la compaera constante del Viejo Rey, cuya salud estaba fallando; llevaba la comida al rey, ayudaba a lavarlo y vestirlo, y lea para l. She is the mother of King Aegon II Targaryen, Queen Helaena Targaryen, Prince Aemond Targaryen and Prince Daeron Targaryen. The episode "Driftmark" is a low point for Alicent. After Alicent marries Viserys, she goes out of her way to try to patch things up and briefly succeeds. Hiding under the cloak of your own righteousness? Otto was regarded for his famed knowledge in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood novel, having served as Hand of the King under both Jaehaerys I and Viserys I. The Game of Thrones prequel series is coming to an end with the tenth episode.