House of the Dragon fans have expressed disgust after the latest episode featured another sexual assault against Alicent Hightower, portrayed by Olivia Cooke. In season 3 episode 2, Alicent is attacked by Lord Jasper, played by Paul Kennedy, but is saved when Grand Maester Orwyle and guards burst into the room. Viewers have criticized the scene as pointless and gratuitous, adding to a pattern of exploitation the character has endured throughout the series.
A history of exploitation
Since the show's inception, Alicent has suffered near-constant abuse from men. As a teenager, her father Otto Hightower manipulated her into seducing King Viserys, leading to a marriage where she was forced to sleep with a man 30 years her senior and bear four children. Later, she was exploited by Larys Strong, who demanded she show him her feet for sexual gratification in exchange for information. After Viserys' death, Alicent entered a consensual relationship with Criston Cole, her first opportunity to explore her sexuality freely.
Season 3 escalates the abuse
In season 3 episode 1, Alicent's son Aemond kisses her on the lips despite her clear discomfort. Episode 2 escalates with the attempted rape by Lord Jasper. The scene has sparked an uproar, with many fans questioning its narrative purpose. One X user, elumaxluv, commented: 'Literally no reason for the Alicent Jasper SA scene. Really disappointed in Ryan and Sara,' referring to showrunner Ryan Condal and executive producer Sara Hess, who wrote the episode. Another user, Promiseishim, added: 'Alicent SA scene made me sick. I genuinely have no words at how sad and sick I feel. It didn't even serve a purpose.'
Criticism of narrative choices
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration. User _allyriadayne remarked: 'The Alicent assault scene was sooo pointless,' while cronagod stated: 'I'm so serious the SA Alicent goes through adds NOTHING to her as a character or her arc so what is the point besides to humiliate her.' The backlash follows a TVLine interview with Olivia Cooke, where she commented on season 3: 'Sometimes I'm reading these scripts, and I'm like, 'What has Ryan and Sara got for me this season?!'' She also told Entertainment Tonight: 'It's sort of the humiliation of Alicent and Olivia Cooke by default, this show. The feet wasn't great. And then there's many more in season 3.'
Viewer reactions and resources
House of the Dragon airs on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic, and NOW, with new episodes released on Mondays. For those affected by the themes in the show, Rape Crisis England & Wales offers support via its 24/7 helpline at 0808 500 2222.
