In the dramatic unfolding of House of the Dragon‘s second season, Olivia Cooke, portraying Queen Alicent Hightower, has opened up about a significant scene that didn’t make it to the final cut. Industry buzz had been building around a particular intimate scene described by Cooke herself as “animalistic” and “messy.”
A Sudden Unveiling of Emotions
As the second season premiered, viewers witnessed widowed and newly minted Queen Dowager Alicent become romantically involved with Ser Criston Cole, played by Fabien Frankel. Reflecting on this transition, Cooke revealed: It sounds horrible, but I think for Alicent, there was a little bit of liberation with that death. She was no longer this caretaker.
This new dynamic portrayed Alicent exploring an unprecedented sense of agency over her sexuality post-Viserys’ death. The transformation was pivotal in her character development, navigating through grief and newfound freedom.
A Scene of Intensity Cut Short
An emotionally charged sex scene between Alicent and Criston was filmed but didn’t make it into the final screenings. Fans were left to imagine the raw and visceral encounter. Elaborating on this moment, Cooke commented on the shoot: It’s almost teenage and it’s obsessive[,] like Alicent’s going through a second puberty, almost.
The intensity captured in this relationship gave viewers insight into Alicent’s turbulent emotions.
The Complexity of Character Dynamics
Alicent’s evolving connection with Criston Cole brought out mixed feelings within the narrative framework. Speaking to Digital Spy, Cooke articulated how this newfound control over her life and body was stirring an internal storm for Alicent: She’s never had these feelings, and it’s all-consuming…
This complexity is further amplified by Criston’s background and his former entanglement with Rhaenyra. The depth added to their storylines greatly enriched the series.
The Oath-Breaking Knight
Fabien Frankel’s portrayal of Criston Cole adds layers to his conflicted character. He transitions from an honorable knight to someone deeply caught in forbidden desire. Frankel himself reflected on Criston’s morally ambiguous position, acknowledging that times have changed since his initial entry into King’s Landing: I suppose he’s morally ambiguous as a character…
Cole’s struggle with his Kingsguard oaths against his desire for Rhaenyra—and later Alicent—highlights his tumultuous journey. As fans continue to digest these events, they can revisit Season One to see Criston juggling his emotions while adhering to sworn duties.
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