Olivia Cooke doesn’t see Alicent as Villain in “House of the Dragon”

• Olivia Cooke character has assumed the role of Dowager Queen of Westeros.
• She was the last person to see her husband Viserys alive.
• The Olivia Cooke is plotting to install her son Aegon on the Iron Throne.

Olivia Cooke really made her final appearance of the first season in the penultimate episode of last week’s season premiere of House of the Dragon, titled “The Green Council.”

Following the passing of King Viserys (Paddy Considine), her character Alicent has assumed the role of Dowager Queen of Westeros and has been scheming and plotting to install her despicable son Aegon on the Iron Throne.

Of course, Alicent thinks her actions are totally justified. She was the last person to see her husband alive.

He spoke of the Prince That Was Promised, a King Aegon, who would unify the Seven Kingdoms and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, in his feverish visions, which were probably made worse by his dependence on Milk of the Poppy.

She completely misunderstood Viserys’ comments because he never informed her of “The Song of Ice and Fire,” the prophesy that describes the events of “Game of Thrones” and the danger beyond the Wall.

Cooke discussed Alicent in an interview with Deadline following the airing of the season finale.

Her character has even been compared to Cersei Lannister, the evil matriarch of the Westerosi royal family in Game of Thrones.

“I never played her as a villain. I know she makes morally questionable decisions and her reactions can be quite uncouth, to say the least. But I have to believe in what she does in order to play her with absolute honesty and truth.

I really have to empathize with Alicent and know that she’s coming from a place of undying love and protection for her children. I think sometimes the internet discourse can be a bit too black and white.

I read a tweet that I think summed it up really well: It’s not who’s good and evil, it’s who’s your favorite war criminal.“

The fact that Alicent’s two eldest sons are nothing short of horrible people further hinders her.

Aegon, her eldest kid, is a drunken, sexual predator who craves power just as much as he desires the elimination of his cherished child combat pits.

Aemond, her second son, may be the better heir apparent for now, but he has thrown a wrench in the plan and set the families up for civil war.

Despite maybe disagreeing with the candidates, she is now compelled to follow what she feels her late spouse desired because she had previously vowed to support Rhaenyra.

“We spoke a lot about this, how she is sort of stuck between a rock and hard place when it comes to Aemond and Aegon. She probably believes that Aemond is more suited to be king, but he’s the spare heir.

She loves Aegon, but she’s so disgusted in who he is as a person. Up until Viserys says on his deathbed that he wants Aegon to be on the throne, and she perceives it to be her Aegon …. so many Aegons! … I think she had come to terms with Rhaenyra being on the throne.

When she gives that speech to Rhaenyra saying, ‘you will make a fine queen,’ I think she really believes that. There was deep relief in accepting that and letting go of the decade’s worth of bitterness.”

When Season Two of House of the Dragon premieres, Alicent will be facing a vengeful Rhaenyra despite having good motives in her own eyes. Early in 2023 is when production is expected to start. HBO Max now offers streaming access to the whole first season.

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