House Of The Dragon leaves fans shocked as ANOTHER character is killed off to change the series entirely

After a season three premiere that featured multiple unexpected deaths, House Of The Dragon returned on Sunday night to give the ax to another major character in the second episode of the season – literally.

Following last week's brutal Battle of Gullet, in which Jacaerys Velaryon came to rest in a watery graveyard, one of the most prominent characters who debuted in season one met their end.

The battle cued up Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) to return to King's Landing and claim her spot on the Iron Throne, but in order to cement her leadership, she was forced to make a brutal display to her subjects.

Meanwhile, Alicent (Olivia Cooke), whose allegiance to Rhaenyra has shifted back and forth throughout the course of the season, was back on her side.

She ingratiates herself with the Gold Cloaks to help them take control of the Red Keep for Rhaenyra and her husband Daemon (Matt Smith) when they arrive.

But Daemon's bloodthirsty instincts lead him to suggest that she must execute someone respected, who was once in a position of authority, though her actions threaten her tenuous alliance with Alicent.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD 

Alicent arrived to reconnect with Rhaenyra just after the newly installed queen had executed her father, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).

Ifans's character had been absent for much of the past season, before reappearing toward the end of season two, when he was revealed to be alive and imprisoned in the dungeons at King's Landing.

Daemon, who was filled with glee when he discovered Otto was alive and now in his possession, urged Rhaenyra to make an example of him to show that she was not a forgiving leader. 

In a grisly scene, Rhaenyra was forced to behead Otto herself, but she failed to deliver a single killing blow.

After failing to properly decapitate the former King's Hand, she was forced to make a second blow to completely sever his head from his body. 

Unfortunately, moments after the final blow, Alicent arrived to find her father's dead, headless body lying on the ground while her on–off friend held the sword that slayed him.

On social media, fans commiserated over Otto's bloody demise, though several viewers took House Of The Dragon to task for how it had kept him in the shadows for much of the previous season.

'rip otto hightower you deserved to die but you were a legend for delivering this banger,' wrote one fan who recalled a withering quip Otto made to Aegon during a tense confrontation.

'Thought that episode rocked but man this would have been so much better if Rhys Ifans/Otto wasn't off screen for like 7 straight episodes,' complained one fan, echoing the sentiments of others.

'I think I'm probably the only person in the world this pissed off by the otto situation. why was he just plucked out of the show since s2e2 then brought back to be killed off??' wrote another viewer, who called the move 'weird weird weird.'

One fan suggested that Otto needed a more involved return before his character's death in order to give the execution more gravity. 

'I lowkey needed a mini trial for Otto Hightower cuz not him only reappearing to just die?? Like I needed her to say how much of a traitor he was,' they suggested. 'Being hand of the king and plotting behind the King's back to kill his heir for his own self interest. Just despicable. The realm needed to know.' 

Another perceptive viewer posited an explanation for Ifan's absence: the fee he commands.

'Otto was supposed to leave King's Landing in Season 2 Episode 2 and on his way out he's captured by Larys' agents and imprisoned in the black cells,' they reminded other fans. 'He's been in King's Landing this entire time in the black cells.

'Most like[ly] Rhys Ifans is expensive to retain all season,' they added.

Plenty of fans cheered on Otto's gory demise, with one writing, 'Rhaenyra beheading Otto was one of the most satisfying scenes in House of the Dragon. My soul has finally found peace.' 

'am I supposed to think rhaenyra is cruel or crazy for killing otto?' wrote another poster, who included a meme of Laura Dern saying, 'Not in my world. Not in the world I'm living in.'

Others thought the show was starting to hit its stride after stumbling in the previous season, including an enthusiastic viewer, who wrote, 'This chapter of House of the Dragon felt like one of the peak chapters of Game of Thrones, we are so back.'

'A targaryen woman seated on the iron throne for the very first time since game of thrones started. LONG LIVE THE F***ING QUEEN,' they gushed.

But others thought that the dramatic moment in the second episode of season three rang hollow.

'Didn't like the final scene. rhaenyra crying while killing otto, her crying while sitting on the throne, holding a sword like that & not even sitting properly – jace is dead, she is in mourning but this important moment is in front of people, it lacks confidence, it shows her weak,' wrote one fan who craved a simpler, less-conflicted version of Rhaenyra.

Some fans also joked about the absolute joy Daemon displayed earlier in the episode when he learned that Otto was within his grasp in the dungeons. 

'Daemon when he looked and realized it was Otto Hightower in the call,' wrote a user who included a gif of Steve Carrell looking astonished and pleased from The Office. 

'Daemon laughing when he saw otto in the dungeon will never not be funny like this was literally the best day of his life 😭,' added a fan who included a clip of Matt Smith peaking through the dungeon's bars.