‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 teases a major fix for Aegon II’s war arc: From brat to burdened king?

As

House of the Dragon

gears up for its third season, fans are buzzing over a new tease that suggests Aegon II Targaryen may finally move beyond his reckless, impulsive persona. Actor Tom Glynn-Carney, who portrays the troubled king, hinted at a deeper, more introspective arc that could correct one of Season 2’s biggest criticisms—the lack of emotional complexity in Aegon’s leadership during the

Targaryen civil war

.

Aegon’s Season 2 struggles: All fire, no depth

In Season 2, Aegon’s portrayal leaned heavily into chaos—his immaturity, insecurity, and rash decisions were on full display, but there was little room for variation or emotional nuance. While entertaining, this depiction left audiences questioning the depth of his character, especially in a war as morally grey as the Dance of the Dragons.

A journey of self-discovery in Season 3

According to Glynn-Carney, Season 3 will explore Aegon’s internal reckoning. “It’s a big journey of self-discovery,” he shared, suggesting that Aegon will begin to question his identity, motivations, and the darker corners of his psyche. This shift could offer a more layered portrayal—one that doesn’t excuse his past actions but critically examines them.

Read the full quote here:

“I think what we start to see in Aegon as we go through this story is this quest for an understanding of who he is, and why he is the way he is. And answering a lot of questions for himself that later might lend themselves to him kinda leveling up as a human being and taking responsibility and casting light on those areas that were otherwise very shadowed and hidden in dusty corners within himself. So it's a big journey of self-discovery... That's how his arc seems to be coming together as the tapestry keeps being woven.”

Not a redemption arc—but a human one

While Aegon’s past deeds may be unforgivable, the goal isn’t redemption—it’s realism. Much like Jaime Lannister or Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, Aegon’s evolution could make him more compelling, if not entirely sympathetic. The show’s creators seem poised to balance the scales between the Greens and the Blacks, giving both sides emotional weight rather than presenting them in black-and-white terms.