“House of the Dragon” цувралын 4-р бүлэгт өрнөх гол үйл явдлууд

House of the Dragon Season 3 is officially finished, and the action-packed and intense finale sets the stage for some interesting developments in Season 4. The Game of Thrones spinoff concludes its third outing with an episode befitting the original series. It has plenty of intense political maneuvering and character interactions, but it’s also packed with action on the battlefield and in the skies. SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 8.

After seven episodes of build-up, it finally comes to war at Tumbleton — and things take a turn for the worst pretty quickly. Although Rhaenyra wants Daemon and her armies to take the city without making her look tyrannical and violent, Ulf’s betrayal from House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 7 causes that to backfire. Choosing to answer to no one, he and Silverwing burn Rhaenyra’s forces and Tumbleton indiscriminately. Alongside the events unfolding at King’s Landing, it lays the groundwork for a swift downfall for Team Black. Here’s what “The Treasons at Tumbleton” sets up for House of the Dragon Season 4.

It Prepares King’s Landing to Riot Against Rhaenyra

The people of King’s Landing already seem to be at their wit’s end with Rhaenyra, and this finale all but guarantees they’ll riot in Season 4. Rhaenyra’s assault on the Great Sept and speech may seem like a power grab to her, but it’s clear the onlookers aren’t really having it. Once they get wind of Tumbleton burning, they’ll view Rhaenyra as a ruthless tyrant. The commoners have no reason to support her, as they’re not gaining anything — and, in many cases, are actively losing because of her reign. In Fire & Blood, Helaena’s death also serves as a turning point for the people, pushing them into full-blown rebellion. As the finale ends with that tragic House of the Dragon loss, it’s only a matter of time before they take to the streets.

It Pushes More of Rhaenyra’s and Daemon’s Close Allies to Turn on Them

The people are closer than ever to turning on Rhaenyra, but the commonfolk aren’t the only ones she needs to worry about. She and Daemon are doing an impressive job of alienating their closest allies, and the finale continues that trend. Lord Corlys Velaryon may come back for Daemon at Tumbleton, but he’s unlikely to forget that he turned down a peace treaty on Rhaenyra’s behalf — and tried to imprison him. Baela is clearly unhappy with Rhaenyra’s treatment, and Rhaena is already among the people she’s pushed away. Even Addam is questioning the “dark path” she’s on, and Mysaria certainly doesn’t appreciate being sent away. There are a lot of people who could switch sides in House of the Dragon Season 4. The poor decision-making in the finale will likely contribute to that.

Hugh Hammer Now Has a Reason to Turn Traitor Like Ulf

Ulf’s betrayal is a massive part of House of the Dragon Season 3’s finale, but while Hugh disobeys orders, he doesn’t turn so dramatically. With Kat perishing at Tumbleton, however, Hugh officially has nothing to lose. He does have every reason to lay the blame at Rhaenyra and Daemon’s feet, regardless of how they intended to handle the market town. Season 3, Episode 8 sets Hugh up to be another treacherous agent, and viewers can officially see how he and Ulf will come to the conclusion that they should be king rather than any of the nobles.

Aegon & Aemond’s Scene Gives the Greens a More United Front

Following Sunfyre’s surprising return, Aegon flies to Harrenhal in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 8. There he confronts a surprisingly regretful Aemond, whose help he demands. With the two of them working together, the Greens will have a much more united front heading into Season 4. That’s more bad news for Rhaenyra, who just lost two of her biggest dragons and will now have two dragon-riding heirs to the throne to contend with. Daeron’s absence in the finale’s final moments raises questions about how he’ll be involved. And following Helaena’s death and Aemond’s failed assassination, we can assume that Alicent won’t be too happy with her queen either.

Rhaenyra Is Ready to Go Down the Dark Path She’s Destined For

Speaking of Helaena’s death, Rhaenyra’s response to it is truly chilling. Although she initially seems stricken, she looks upon the tapestry that Helaena’s been weaving and sees herself depicted unfavorably. She then takes on a grim expression and closes the windows, seemingly closing off her heart to any grief or guilt she feels. And after growing increasingly more paranoid and ruthless — and ordering an attack on the Great Sept — it seems Rhaenyra is finally on the path to becoming a darker version of herself. Despite controversial deviations from Fire & Blood, the show does a decent job of showing how she gets to that point. It’s getting harder to root for her, and even the fans might turn on her in House of the Dragon Season 4.