Ser Simon Strong of the House of the Dragon is “The Only Gentleman in an Insipid World”

Violence is spreading across Westeros as smaller houses begin to swear allegiance to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen or King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), fight to the death to protect their chosen ruler. As the body count rose, Rhaenyra decided to visit her old friend and stepmother in an effort to stop the violence and restore some peace. But unfortunately for the people of Westeros, the queens were unable to air their grievances.

During their meeting, Alicent reveals what King Viserys, her late husband and Rhaenyra’s father, said on his deathbed, sharing that he predicted a Prince Aegon would unite the kingdoms. Rhaenyra asked if Viserys meant Aegon the Conqueror and understood that he was actually referring to his ancestral king’s vision of the “Song of Ice and Fire”—leading Alicent to a surprising realization : She mistakenly put her Aegs in the basket.

In addition to Rhaenyra and Alicent’s secret meeting, the third episode of Dragon’s house Part two introduces us to a host of new characters who may join the fight for the crown. There’s Alicent’s brother, Ser Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox), who accompanied Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) on their journey to a neighboring town, and nearly had their cavalry blown away by Lady Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) and her dragon due to his carelessness. There is also a mysterious tavern keeper who claims to be the nephew of King Jaehaerys, the bastard brother of Prince Daemon (Carpenter), and Rhaenyra’s uncle. Although he doesn’t have the hair to prove it, he could very well be a potential heir to the throne.

Another new player we meet is Ser Simon Strong of Beale, lord of Harrenhal—a massive but ruined castle where Daemon makes camp. Ser Simon Strong is not like many malicious and aggressive men in the world Game of Thrones universe, surrendering Harrenhal and pledging allegiance to Rhaenyra as the second Daemon entered his castle.

Despite being a famous actor who has won a Tony Award, three Olivier Awards and two BAFTA Awards, Beale says no one was knocking on his door to be on the show. “I don’t think there’s any situation where they would beg me to do that,” Beale said modestly Still watching. However, when the call finally came, Beale was delighted to join the film in the rather unique role of Ser Simon Strong.

“What I found interesting about the role was that he was portrayed as the only gentleman in a world without gentlemen,” Beale said. “What I really liked was the idea of ​​a man who doesn’t want to be involved in this. He’s in charge of this huge castle where all the fighting is going on, but he doesn’t want to be involved in it himself. He’s like, ‘Leave me alone.’”

Although Ser Simon Strong would like to stay out of the fray, his family ties may prevent him from doing so. In this episode, Ser Simon Strong suggests to Daemon that Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham)—King Aegon’s new master of the whispers and a relative of Ser Simon—may have killed his father and brother in a fire. (We in the audience knew that the rumor was true.) “If he had such family loyalty, what happened to the rest of his family was a matter of great anger to him,” Beale said of Ser Simon.

While anger may be simmering inside the relatively cool and inviting Ser Simon, on the surface at least, seems intent on being a gracious host to Daemon and anyone else who might come to Harrenhal. “I think he’s perfectly capable of playing along with them if he feels the need to. Besides, I mean, honestly, everyone’s coming. I think he’s the most ethical host,” Beale said. “He’s a good host. He wants everyone to be comfortable. And it’s a shame they don’t have any redcurrants.”