Driftmark
"Driftmark" is the seventh episode of the first season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones.
While there, Rhaenyra, secretly grieving her paramour Ser Harwin Strong's death, is reunited with her uncle and Laena's widower, Daemon.
When Viserys refuses to permit such an act, a distraught Alicent grabs his Valyrian steel dagger and lunges at Luke.
Aemond claims that Rhaenyra's children are bastards, and Viserys further decrees that anyone doubting his grandsons' legitimacy will lose their tongue.
Corlys turns away from his wife in anger when she once again urges him to put aside his ambitions for the Iron Throne, stating that "history does not remember blood.
Hearing of the attack on his wife, Laenor pledges to Rhaenyra that he will serve her faithfully as Prince Consort, despite both admitting that they still do not truly love each other.
Qarl boards a ship leaving Driftmark accompanied by a disguised Laenor, as Daemon had secretly given them enough gold to run away together.
The episode was directed by showrunner and executive producer Miguel Sapochnik, making it his third directorial credit for the series, after "The Heirs of the Dragon" and "The Princess and the Queen".
It marks the final appearance of Ty Tennant, Evie Allen, Leo Ashton, Leo Hart, Harvey Sadler, Shani Smethurst, and Eva Ossei-Gerning as the young versions of Aegon, Helaena, Aemond, Jacaerys, Lucerys, Baela, and Rhaena, respectively, due to the time jump between this and the succeeding episode, in which the adult version of the seven characters is each portrayed by Tom Glynn-Carney, Phia Saban, Ewan Mitchell, Harry Collett, Elliot Grihault, Bethany Antonia, and Phoebe Campbell.
The website's critical consensus said, "While the copious day for night cinematography will prompt viewers to adjust their brightness settings, 'Driftmark' is an exceedingly satisfying excursion into family spats and taboo reunions.
[8] Reviewing for IGN, Helen O'Hara gave it an "amazing" 9 out of 10 score and summarized it in her verdict: "An expert blend of darkness and light – except in the cinematography – this is a drama-packed, satisfyingly character driven triumph.
