The Black Queen

"The Black Queen" is the tenth and final episode of the first season of the HBO fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon. Written by Ryan Condal and directed by Greg Yaitanes, it first aired on October 23, 2022. Two days before it aired, the episode leaked online and was shared among many fans on illegal torrent websites. The plot depicts Princess Rhaenys' arrival at Dragonstone from King's Landing to deliver the news of King Viserys' death. Rhaenyra is subsequently crowned Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and opposes her faction's demands for open war, instead wanting to secure alliances. Her son, Lucerys, is sent to Storm's End to gain Baratheon support for Rhaenyra's cause. At Storm's End, Lucerys meets and is harassed by his uncle Aemond; Aemond loses control of his dragon Vhagar, who kills Lucerys. Daemon informs Rhaenyra of her son's death. The episode received critical acclaim, with praise going towards the writing, musical score, cliffhanger and set-up for the next season, the whole sequence in Storm's End, and performances of the cast, especially Emma D'Arcy and Matt Smith. Plot Princess Rhaenys arrives on Dragonstone to inform Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon that King Viserys is dead and Aegon has usurped the throne. The news shocks Rhaenyra into a difficult premature labour and stillborn birth. She declares Prince Jacaerys Velaryon as her heir to the Iron Throne. Believing King Viserys was murdered, Daemon urges Rhaenyra to declare war against the Greens. Ser Erryk Cargyll brings Viserys' crown to Rhaenyra and Daemon proclaims her Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. All present but Rhaenys bow to her.