According to Variety, House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 7 features Gayle Rankin’s character, Alys Rivers, directly integrated into a complex Targaryen incest sequence at Harrenhal, marking a stark tonal shift for the HBO Max series. The episode opens with Alicent Hightower arriving at Harrenhal to execute Rhaenyra’s plan to lure out and eliminate Aemond, only for the narrative to subvert expectations through a hallucinatory sex scene.
Behind the Scenes of the Harrenhal Hallucination Sequence
The sequence initially presents Alicent greeting Aemond with maternal praise before transitioning into an intimate encounter, which is subsequently revealed to be a hallucination experienced by Aemond while with his lover, Alys, according to Variety’s reporting. Actor Gayle Rankin described filming the technical and complicated scene as “very intimate and very odd but very professional,” noting that the cast used humor to maintain a lighthearted atmosphere on set.
Did you know? Gayle Rankin humorously compared the mysterious nature of her character’s deep lore to the audience’s questions, noting that Alys’s true age could span centuries, stating, “I think she’s like 400 years old. Like, I believe her, that’s the thing.”
Alys Rivers and Aemond Targaryen’s Fragile Alliance
Following the opening hallucination, the plot intensifies as the real Alicent arrives at Harrenhal, leading to what Rankin characterized as an “unbearable” family dinner designed intentionally by Alys to push Alicent to leave. As reported by Variety, Alys is ultimately proven right when Alicent poisons Aemond and flees into the night, leaving a desperate Aemond to seek help from an annoyed Alys.
Despite Aemond’s lack of a full-grown dragon—with Vhagar’s whereabouts remaining unknown—Alys shares her hidden supply of dragon eggs with him, a level of trust she never extended to Daemon. Rankin noted to Variety that Alys views Aemond as unapologetically himself, forming what she describes as a “dark power couple” heading into the season’s final episodes.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on dragon movements as Season 3 concludes. With Aegon successfully reuniting with Sunfyre while Vhagar remains missing, the power balance at Harrenhal hangs by a thread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Alys Rivers’ feelings for Aemond genuine in Season 3?
According to Gayle Rankin in her interview with Variety, Alys’s feelings for Aemond are genuine, though complicated by the realities of war and her status as a prophetic figure.
Why did Alys show the dragon eggs to Aemond instead of Daemon?
Rankin states that Daemon never truly let his guard down and ultimately broke Alys’s heart, whereas she instinctively trusts Aemond differently.
Where is Vhagar during Episode 7?
According to the cast and narrative updates, Vhagar’s current location remains completely unknown to both the characters in the show and the actors portraying them.
Join the Conversation
What do you think will happen to Alys and Aemond in the Season 3 finale? Drop a comment below and share your theories on Vhagar’s whereabouts!
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