House of the Dragon fans were left absolutely speechless after a disturbing incestuous scene in the Season 3 premiere, according to the Mirror. The episode, titled Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood, aired after a two-year hiatus and featured the spectacular Battle of the Gullet, but one moment overshadowed the action.
Aemond Kisses Alicent: The Shocking Scene
During a calmer moment, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) kissed his mother Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) on the lips. Alicent appeared frightened but complied, seemingly trying to maintain influence over her Machiavellian son. The scene was not in George R.R. Martin's original Fire and Blood novel and was created exclusively for the television series.
Viewers flooded social media with reactions. One person posted on X: "This is worse than incest and idk what you call this [sic]." Another wrote: "AEMOND JUST KISSED HIS MOM ALICENT? ! I had to rewind three times because there's no way my eyes just witnessed that. House of the Dragon keeps finding new ways to leave me absolutely speechless." A third commented: "That was easily the most uncomfortable kiss I've ever seen on TV. There're other ways to show Aemond is damaged."
Ewan Mitchell Explains Aemond's Motive
Discussing the controversial kiss with Entertainment Weekly, Mitchell explained: "In Aemond's head, it's like he's assuming control of the family." He elaborated: "It's like, 'I'm the daddy now.' He's the new leader. I think it leaves the question of, What is the relationship gonna be with Alicent going forward?"
The scene left many viewers disturbed by Alicent's terrified submission. One fan noted: "He's sick and demented. She's terrified of him." Another echoed: "That's so creepy and scary." A fifth viewer simply said: "Wow! just wow I am speechless."
Episode Context and Availability
Episode one also featured the Battle of the Gullet, where the Triarchy commanded by Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn) clashed with Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) on open waters. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) proceeded with her strategy to seize King's Landing following her secret arrangement with Alicent in Season 2.
House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming on Sky Atlantic, NOW, and HBO MAX in the UK and Ireland.
