After three consecutive episodes that had fans on the edge of their seats, House of the Dragon Season 3 finally hits the brakes with its fourth installment. While the season opened with the explosive Battle of the Gullet, Rhaenyra's long-awaited claim to the Iron Throne, and a daring experimental episode, this latest chapter takes a more measured approach, focusing on character development and setting the stage for what's to come.
Ormund Hightower Steps into the Spotlight
Episode 4 dedicates significant time to fleshing out Ormund Hightower (James Norton), who has been a shadowy figure until now. After his successful ruse involving a lowborn boy posing as Alicent's youngest son, Daeron, Ormund has consolidated his forces in Tumbleton. The locals are restless under his rule, but Ormund is more concerned with the whereabouts of Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and his dragon Vhagar, who have gone missing after the siege of Harrenhal. Without Vhagar, Ormund's forces are vulnerable, as Daeron's dragon Tessarion is no match for Rhaenyra's larger dragons.
Back in King's Landing, Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) is struggling with the realities of ruling. She appoints Ser Manderly (Dan Fogler) as Master of Coin, setting him up to take the blame for the empty treasury. Seeking an edge, she turns to Alicent (Olivia Cooke) for information on Ormund, but Alicent can only offer a peculiar detail: Ormund has a strong aversion to bad smells. Meanwhile, Alicent keeps a secret from Rhaenyra—Helaena (Phia Saban) is pregnant.
Daemon's Discovery and a Dangerous Secret
Daemon (Matt Smith) travels to the Vale to secure 10,000 soldiers promised by Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin), but his mission fails. However, his dragon Caraxes senses something unexpected: Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) and her rogue dragon Sheepstealer hiding in a cave. Daemon realizes Rhaena is the rider responsible for Jace's death and decides to cover it up. He returns to King's Landing with the charred head of a shepherd, claiming the man was the rogue dragon's rider at the Battle of the Gullet. Rhaenyra is skeptical but has bigger problems, including Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint) leaving after she refused to legitimize his heirs, and rumors resurfacing about her children's legitimacy.
This episode also explores Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) as they return to Rook's Rest, where Aegon finds the corpse of his dragon Sunfyre being used as a tourist attraction. Despite the grim reality, Aegon insists Sunfyre is still alive and pockets a scale. The area is now overrun by scavengers, but Aegon decides to make it his base.
For more on the series' evolving mythology, check out our analysis of whether Alys Rivers could be a disguised version of Leaf from Game of Thrones.
A Necessary Pause Before the Storm
While Episode 4 lacks the adrenaline of its predecessors, it's a necessary breather that deepens the political and personal stakes. Ormund Hightower emerges as a formidable new villain, and Daemon's secret sets up a major conflict with Rhaenyra. The episode may not be as flashy, but it lays crucial groundwork for the battles ahead. If you're a fan of the series' slower, character-driven moments, this installment delivers. For those craving action, patience will be rewarded as the season builds toward its next big confrontation.
