We've reached the halfway point of House of the Dragon season 3. The HBO TV series' most recent offering has seen some of the George R.R. Martin story's most pivotal moments come to fruition in just four episodes. From Rhaenyra and Daemon's return to King's Landing - and the Iron Throne - to the infamous Battle of the Gullet, it's been an edge-of-seat experience from start through to where it's currently at.
That has also resulted in a number of character deaths over the course of the past few episodes, which really highlighted the stakes of the situation (but let's be honest, those were never in question!). And it goes without saying that we are going to see some more of them throughout the course of the third season - especially as we head towards the season finale.
That was especially true in House of the Dragon season 3 episode 5, which surprised viewers with a death that nobody saw coming. Here's all of the events leading up to that ending, explained.
*** This article contains MAJOR SPOILERS from House of the Dragon season 3 episode 5. Do not read on if you haven't seen the episode and would prefer it wasn't spoiled. ***
A whodunnit in King's Landing
Throughout the fifth episode of House of the Dragon season 3, there is mounting concern over the fact that two of Daemon's men - the Gold Cloaks - were found dead in the streets. They had been killed and their intestines had been pulled out of their bodies to ensure that their deaths were painful and graphic. It was clearly someone sending a message to Queen Rhaenyra and the new Targayen crown. And it was one that Daemon was taking very seriously.
Although Rhaenyra wanted someone else to take care of it so that Daemon could focus on other matters, the Rogue Prince considered this more pressing of a matter. Not only was someone out there questioning Rhaenyra's rule, his men were counting on him and he had no intentions of abandoning them. And, with that, he and Ser Luthor Largent launched an investigation in order to get to the bottom of what was happening (and figure out if it really was Lord Ormund Hightower responsible for the killings).
Later on in the episode, Daemon and Ser Luthor Largent make their way through the streets of King's Landing to look for answers. Unfortunately, they only find more questions; with the help of the townsfolk, they discover the bodies of two more Gold Cloaks, who had been slain in similar fashion. And with that, the threat level is raised. Rhaenyra herself even admits that she got it wrong and attempts to remind Daemon of who he is in a bid to nip the problem in the bud as quick as possible.
Daemon raises the alarm and rallies his men. Despite the fact that they had yet to be paid, they were hungry, and growing fed up with their current situation, they all felt uplifted and rallied by the Rogue Prince, creating a sense of hope. But that was merely temporary, for the sight that Daemon would encounter next made his blood run cold,
Ser Luthor and the Gold Cloaks' shocking deaths explained
When returning to the Gold Cloaks' barracks, Daemon couldn't find Ser Luthor or his army. But a smell drew him further into the barracks, where he found Ser Luthor and his whole army dead at the table, arranged around a feast. The word "A Feast for Traitors" is written on blood on the wall behind them, providing viewers with a haunting image as the episode cuts to the credits.
Although Ser Luthor wasn't a main character in House of the Dragon, his relationship with Daemon made him an important part of the storyline. He was a reliable ally for the Queen and the Prince and incredibly efficient at what he does, so to see him struck down like this is certainly shocking. And it once again confirms that someone really is out to get Rhaenyra and all who bend the knee to her.
Who killed Ser Luthor? Well, the fingers are very much pointing at Ormund Hightower right now. The question is: Will he attempt to strike again at Rhaenyra and Daemon, or are the dragons going to be send to Tumbleton to return the favor in fire? We'll have to wait for season 3 episode 6 to find out!
House of the Dragon season 3 airs on HBO and streams on HBO Max on Sundays.
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