Warning: Contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, “The Burning Mill.”
Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 3, “The Burning Mill,” introduces Davos Blackwood, but it leaves a big question mark over another member of the family, Benjicot. The Blackwoods and the Brackens have long feuded, going back thousands of years, and it’s now making its impact onHouse of the Dragonseason 2.
A disagreement over markstones leads into the two sides revealing who they’ve declared for in theDance of the Dragons- the Blackwoods supporting Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Brackens Aegon II Targaryen. Eventually, that leads into theBattle of the Burning Mill, with heavy losses on both sides, though the action happens off-screen. Davos seemingly dies in the battle, but what does his appearance mean for the show?
The Returning Actor In Daemon’s Vision In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 3 Explained
House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 features an important return, and it has a deeper meaning for one main character’s story going forward.
Davos Blackwood Doesnt Exist In Fire & Blood
Leading up toHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 3,there had been speculation on social media that Benjicot Blackwood would be appearing. It was clear the feud between the houses was going to be a factor in some way, but the appearance of actor Kieran Burton suggested we might see Benjicot. He certainly looked the part (based on art from George R.R. Martin’s companion bookThe Rise of the Dragons), and the actor himself teased it when quoting a question about him being Benjicot on Instagram stories [viaCollider]. However, subtitles revealed his name is actually Davos.
Benjicot becomes Lord of House Bracken after his father’s death… fighting in (and winning) multiple significant battles, and becoming known as Bloody Ben for his fierce nature…
There is no Davos Blackwood inFire & Blood, so the character is a show creation. Benjicot, meanwhile, is the son of Lord Samwell Blackwood. In the book, Samwell was slain at the Battle of the Burning Mill, though doesn’t appear to be present in the show’s version. Benjicot becomes Lord of House Bracken after his father’s death, and goes on to be a key part of the Blacks' campaign in the Riverlands, fighting in (and winning) multiple significant battles, and becoming known as Bloody Ben for his fierce nature in the conflicts despite his young age.
Benjicot Blackwood Can Still Appear In House Of The Dragon
Season 3 Could Introduce The Character, But The Great Casting Likely Won’t Be Kept
Although the use of Davos Blackwood instead of Benjicot causes some concerns that the character has been replaced, there’s a good chance that isn’t the case.Davos is seemingly killed in the Battle of the Burning Mill, but could quite easily be revealed to have been an older brother of Benjicot. In the book, Ben was only 11-years-old when the fight happened, and he took over House Blackwood and started fighting in the war after that point. This could well mean it’s setting up his introduction, likely inHouse of the Dragonseason 3.
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It is a shame that Burton presumably won’t get to play Benjicot, unless they do make the decision to bring him back and just say he’s a different character (which wouldn’t be the worst decision, despite some potential confusion). Even with a different actor, Ben aging up a few years wouldn’t be a surprise, since the show may not want an 11-year-old fighting in multiple battles. However they do it, there’s reason to be hopeful Bloody Ben will still appear inHouse of the Dragon, even if it wasn’t the introduction that had been hoped for in this episode.
New episodes ofHouse of the Dragonrelease Sundays at 9pm ET on HBO and Max.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
