House of the Dragon co-creator and showrunner Ryan Condal has shared his perspective on who would be the most suitable candidate to rule Westeros following the tumultuous events of the Dance of the Dragons. Condal, speaking on Empire's Pilot TV podcast, pointed to Alicent Hightower, the Dowager Queen portrayed by Olivia Cooke, as the character best equipped with the experience and training to make sound decisions as monarch.
Condal elaborated that Alicent has witnessed a profound shift between power and powerlessness, experiencing "it all." He noted that her lack of dragon riding could be an asset for a stable leader. "I think is probably important for a sane and stable leader," he stated. While acknowledging Alicent's capacity for vindictiveness, Condal observed that she has demonstrated an ability to move past such sentiments, a trait he finds revealing of a character's true nature, especially as circumstances darken.
Lord Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint, was Condal's second choice for the throne, citing his extensive experience. Condal humorously added that he was intentionally selecting rulers who were "not blonde."
Reflecting on the season's conclusion, Condal discussed Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen's slide toward tyranny and her rival Aegon II's journey of self-discovery. He explained that Rhaenyra has been caught between two governing philosophies: Viserys's approach, which he sees partially embodied by Mysaria and Alicent, and Daemon's more uncompromising "fire and blood" style. Rhaenyra's internal conflict, according to Condal, is whether she can rule as a woman during wartime while staying true to Viserys's intentions or if she must adopt Daemon's methods to maintain control. He suggested her goal is not authoritarianism but rather maintaining stability through necessary compromises.
Condal highlighted the season's irony: Aegon, distanced from the throne, undergoes significant character development, becoming a more dimensional and potentially more suitable ruler. Conversely, Rhaenyra, in close proximity to the Iron Throne, is altered and somewhat corrupted by its influence. This observation touches upon the corrupting nature of power within the world of House of the Dragon.