Criston parades Meleys' severed head through the city, though he is baffled that the smallfolk, near-starving due to the shipping blockade, consider it a bad omen and do not celebrate the victory.
Alicent nominates herself as regent, citing her experience, but the Council instead elect Aemond, primarily due to his sex, saying that the choice demonstrates strength.
Aemond orders the city gates shut just as masses of citizens, including blacksmith Hugh Hammer and his family, attempt to flee.
After the Blackwoods have looted and ravaged the Bracken's lands while displaying Targaryen banners, a delegation of Riverlords arrive at Harrenhal and denounce Daemon as a tyrant.
Lady Jeyne Arryn is displeased at not receiving an adult dragon to protect the Vale in exchange for sheltering Rhaenyra's youngest sons.
Without Rhaenyra's consent, Jace meets Lord Forrest Frey and his wife, Lady Sabitha, who control the river Trident crossing between the north and the south.
Rhaenyra admits being untrained in warfare but notes that the all-male council is equally inexperienced due to the previous kings, Jaehaerys I and Viserys I, having peaceful reigns.
On Mysaria's advice, Rhaenyra sends her maid Elinda Massey to King's Landing as a spy; she also dispatches council member Ser Alfred Broome to Harrenhal to confer with Daemon.
[1] The title of the episode refers to the regent position discussed by the Green Council to fill the vacancy on the Iron Throne resulting from King Aegon Targaryen's inability to rule due to his severe injury in the battle at Rook's Rest.
[1] It marks her fifth directorial credit for the series, following "King of the Narrow Sea", "We Light the Way", "The Green Council",[2] and "Rhaenyra the Cruel".
The site's critical consensus says, "Clearing the air after the previous episode's blockbuster cliffhanger, 'Regent' reshuffles the status quo to intriguing effect.
This wasn't an action-packed episode like last week's, but a ton of really important things took place as the Greens and Blacks left Rook's Rest licking their wounds and preparing for whatever comes next.
"[13] Fay Watson praised Cooke for masterfully handling the frustration, despair, and rage of her character,[14] while Erik Kain lauded the presence that Mitchell brings to the role of Aemond.
[12][13] Other aspects lauded by critics included Kilner's direction,[9][10][14] Mikkel's writing,[18] prosthetic makeup and special effects,[9][20] as well as the Harrenhal scenes,[12] which one reviewer regarded as the standout storyline.