There comes a time in many fictional characters’ lives where they make a choice that deeply changes them. In The Walking Dead, it was Glenn killing another human, which broke his spirit deeply shortly before his demise. And in Stranger Things, it was Steve Harrington’s decision to fight a Demogorgon at the Byers’ house that took him from a self-centered high school jerk to a protective hero. House of the Dragon delivers a sobering moment with Alyn in the season three finale that will likely fracture his life in many ways.
Throughout the season, we’ve seen Alyn struggle to form a connection with his father Corlys. And, after Corlys and Queen Rhaenyra’s spat over legitimizing him and his brother Addam, Alyn continues to serve her faithfully. He convinces his father to send Velaryon forces per her request, which leads to Corlys’ capture and the loss of his ring finger. Addam even expresses his concern over Rhaenyra’s reaction to Aegon being alive, saying that she’s making dangerous decisions, to which Alyn brushes aside.
Alyn travels with Rhaenyra to see the High Septon, whom she wants to anoint her. Upon his refusal, she calls the High Septon treasonous and orders Alyn to kill him. At first, Alyn hesitates. He’s certainly no stranger to death and war, but this is completely different for many reasons. First, this is not a battle against another soldier.
They are on holy ground and this is a highly regarded religious figure who is not physically aggressive. And, the High Septon is not necessarily wrong for this stance. He anointed Aegon and, considering he’s still alive according to reports, then that means he is still the King. Furthermore, it is said that your soul will be damned if you kill someone like him.
However, he allows Rhaenyra to get into his head, leaning into the fact that his Valyrian blood means he answers to higher gods. And, we’d also heard him deem himself Corlys’ successor publicly and that he would lead his army. Considering he’s acting as Rhaenyra’s hand and deadly muscle after killing the High Septon, things don’t look good for Alyn’s future. He’s being set up to be a villain but that feels wildly inconsistent with his character as someone who is thoughtful, logical, strong-minded, and makes careful choices.
It’s clear, at least to anyone who isn’t tangled in Rhaenyra’s web, that she’s been an ineffective leader and she’s becoming increasingly unhinged. She will use a person as long as they are willing to give and follow, and if that changes, they are disposable to her. Baela calls her out on this in the finale, saying how she’s been working tirelessly for her cause, yet Rhaenyra won’t send anyone to save her grandfather. Predictably, Rhaenyra’s response is to detain her, a choice that Alyn finds out about via Addam and doesn’t show a real reaction.
This decision will put him at odds with the people who actually love him, like Addam, Baela, and Corlys. Is Alyn starting to feel the intoxication of power and societal elevation? Perhaps. Or maybe he is aware that he’s in too deep and knows opposing Rhaenyra can cost him his own life. It’s possible that he will feel some internal turmoil over his choice to kill a religious figure. No matter where he’s coming from, this moment feels like a shift for Alyn that will change him significantly in season four.
Tai Gooden is the Features Editor for Nerdist, a fictional villian apologist, and a horror aficionado who is forever waiting for her trip in the TARDIS.