Smallfolk
"Smallfolk" is the sixth episode of the second season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones.
In the episode, Aemond orders Criston to march on Harrenhal, dismisses Alicent from the Green Council, and instructs Larys to summon Otto Hightower back.
It received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, character development, Paddy Considine's guest return as Viserys, the riot in King's Landing, and cast performances (especially Ewan Mitchell, Emma D'Arcy and Matthew Needham).
Dismissing Jason Lannister's request for protection, Aemond plans to ally with the Triarchy leaders to break the Velaryon shipping blockade.
Aemond sternly rebuffs Larys' suggestion to be appointed Hand of the King and orders him to summon his grandfather, Otto Hightower, back to court.
As Gwayne is about to leave for Harrenhal with Criston's troops, Alicent asks about her youngest son, Daeron, who resides in Oldtown.
Needing more dragonriders, Rhaenyra asks Ser Steffon Darklyn, who has distant Targaryen ancestry, to attempt to claim Seasmoke, Laenor Velaryon's dragon.
Walking through the Vale, Rhaena notices scorched earth and charred animal carcasses, indicating a nearby dragon.
The title of the episode refers to the common people of King's Landing who starve due to the Blacks' shipping blockade and riot against the Greens.
The episode stars Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Emma D'Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Matthew Needham as Lord Larys "Clubfoot" Strong, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria,Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen, Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen, Phia Saban as Queen Helaena Targaryen, Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Phoebe Campbell as Lady Rhaena Targaryen, Jefferson Hall as Ser Tyland Lannister and Lord Jason Lannister, Freddie Fox as Ser Gwayne Hightower, Gayle Rankin as Alys River, Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull, Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, Kurt Egyiawan as Grand Maester Orwyle, Kieran Bew as Hugh Hammer, Ellora Torchia as Kat Hammer, Tom Bennett as Ulf White, and Simon Russell Beale as Ser Simon Strong.
The site's critical consensus says, "Taking stock of how dynastic war impacts the people who don't sit on thrones, 'Smallfolk' effectively fleshes out the characters existing on the margins -- while feeling a bit like a detour.
While it can be easy to get bogged down by the ever-revolving door of new and recurring characters, this installment at least keeps things moving fairly quickly, reminding us who these people are and why we should even care about them in the first place.
"[7] Also giving it 4 out of 5 stars, Jonathon Wilson of Ready Steady Cut wrote in his verdict: "'Smallfolk' is packed with strong character moments but is light on big developments.
"[9] James Hunt of Screen Rant gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars, noting "[The episode] continues the fallout from Rook's Rest and the gradual build to the finale with another solid, if unspectacular, outing.
"[10] Also giving it 3.5 out of 5 stars, Fay Watson of GamesRadar+ summarized her review by saying, "The latest episode keeps the well-trod routine of council bickering and strange visions, but interesting character choices set up a tantalizing end to the season.
"[12] Helen O'Hara of IGN scored it 9 out of 10, writing, "A strikingly well-written episode with some beautifully drawn moments of interpersonal drama.
"[7][15] Regarding D'Arcy, Arens called their performance "incredible", commending the way they "subtly and overtly portray Rhaenyra's restlessness bubbling toward the surface.
Such was the case in [the episode], in which Matthew Needham deployed Larys' precise, quiet manner of speech to frightening effect at Aegon’s bedside.
[17] Several critics highlighted key moments from the episode, such as Seasmoke claiming Addam as his rider,[15] Considine's return as King Viserys Targeryen in Daemon's visions, the smallfolk uprising, the royal drama in King's Landing and Aemond's conversations with Alicent, Larys and Aegon,[10][11] as well as Rhaenyra and Mysaria's kiss.
"[21] Screen Rant's James Hunt called the review bombing "ridiculous" and said that the series should have been praised for Rhaenyra and Mysaria's story.
