Smallfolk

"Smallfolk" is the sixth episode of the second season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. The episode was written by Eileen Shim and directed by Andrij Parekh. It first aired on HBO and Max on July 21, 2024. In the episode, Aemond orders Criston to march on Harrenhal, dismisses Alicent from the Green Council, and instructs Larys to summon Otto Hightower back. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra searches for someone with Targaryen ancestry to become Seasmoke's new rider. Addam of Hull is later chosen by Seasmoke himself. Mysaria sends Targaryen-bannered boats carrying food to King's Landing, earning the smallfolk's praise for Rhaenyra. In the United States, the episode achieved a viewership of nearly 1.3 million during its premiere night on linear television alone. It received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, character development, Paddy Considine's guest return as Viserys, the riot in King's Landing, and cast performances (especially Ewan Mitchell, Emma D'Arcy and Matthew Needham).