‘House Of The Dragon’ viewers laud “fucking poetic” character death in latest episode

**Major spoilers for House Of The Dragon season three episode two below**

House Of The Dragon has killed off another major character in season three following a spate of deaths in the recent premiere.

The Game Of Thrones prequel returned for its third run last weekend, showcasing the Battle Of The Gullet – touted as the bloodiest sea battle in Westeros history.

The episode also saw the demise of Jace Velaryon (Harry Collett), the son of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy), and dragon Vermax, as well as Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn), Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall) and likely Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall).

However, this weekend’s (Sunday June 28) follow-up featured another big death, which came after Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith) took King’s Landing while Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) was convinced by Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) to go to Harrenhal.

However, she was captured, while her father Otto (Rhys Ifans) – who had been held prisoner in the Red Keep – was offered up as a gift to Daemon. He pushed Rhaenyra to behead Otto, which she tearfully did after a few hacks, before Alicent arrived to see his bloody corpse on the floor.

Otto’s death has sparked many reactions on social media, many fans pleased to see the back of the character after three seasons.

“I literally started the episode crying then ending smiling Otto BEEN needed that!!!” one wrote on X. “He literally started all this bs and then his dumbass daughter doubled down and made it worse!”

“Yes!!!! Otto is GONE,” another beamed, a third adding: “Seeing Otto get beheaded was the highlight of my life. That bitch was the reason for all of Alicent’s suffering and I’m glad he’s dead. I will miss him serving cunt though.”

“The main responsible for the war. Forced Alicent into marrying the king. Manipulated and took advantage of Viserys selfishly to put his own line on the throne. Usurped Rhaenyra and planned to have her killed. Her being the one to finally take him down was FUCKING POETIC,” a fourth said.

However, some others were less enthusiastic, one sharing: “As a show viewer, Otto deserved being beheaded however he will be missed as a great character who was well played and embraced by Rhys Ifans.”

A further person mused: “I gotta say i didn’t like Otto’s death…. Such a good character to die in such a sloppy way.”

I literally started the episode crying then ending smiling Otto BEEN needed that!!! He literally started all this bs and then his dumbass daughter doubled down and made it worse! #HOTD

— Leeleee (@LeeThePrincess) June 29, 2026

Yes!!!! Otto is GONE #HOTD pic.twitter.com/9fAv8qCeRh

— Joseph (@friezsnake) June 29, 2026

Also seeing Otto get beheaded was the highlight of my life. That bitch was the reason for all of Alicents suffering and I'm glad he's dead. I will miss him serving cunt though

— Dakota team tradgedy (@dakota_theartis) June 29, 2026

the main responsible for the war. forced alicent into marrying the king. manipulated and took advantage of viserys selfishly to put his own line on the throne. usurped rhaenyra and planned to have her killed. her being the one to finally take him down was FUCKING POETIC. pic.twitter.com/QeUbX0meyJ

— rhaenyra targaryen's lawyer (@Targ_Nation) June 29, 2026

as a show viewer, otto deserved being beheaded however he will be missed as a great characther who was well played and embraced by Rhys Ifans. #Hotd

— helena (@kemivault) June 29, 2026

I gotta say i didn’t like Ottos death…. Such a good character to die in such a sloppy way.#hotd pic.twitter.com/tmKvBRyPH5

— 𝓙𝓪𝓷𝓮||| HOTD3 SPOILERS! (@T0astedEverlark) June 29, 2026

Last week, fans also shared their reactions to a “gross” mother-son kiss between Alicent and Aemond amid a tense conversation, one viewer admitting: “That was easily the most uncomfortable kiss I’ve ever seen on TV.”

Elsewhere, viewership of House Of The Dragon season three is down from season two, the first episode racking up 21.5million viewers across three days on HBO and HBO Max as compared to the previous season’s 23.4million viewers.

Season three consists of eight episodes, which will air through to August on HBO Max, Sky Atlantic and NOW TV. Beyond that, the series will run for two more seasons, concluding its run with season five.

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