House Of The Dragon'S Criston Cole Dilemma: A Villain’S Lackluster Fate Only Book Fans Know

Criston Cole: The Hated Heart of House of the Dragon

Hey, dragon lovers, let’s talk about Criston Cole - the guy you love to hate in House of the Dragon. With a chip on his shoulder the size of Westeros, this jilted lover turned villain has carved out a notorious spot in the Targaryen saga. His petty motivations fuel a fiery conflict between Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Hightower clan, making him a key military leader for the Greens.

From political schemes to forbidden flings - yes, we’re looking at that steamy affair with Alicent Hightower - Criston’s story promises drama and epic showdowns. But here’s the tea: while his actions set the stage for the Dance of the Dragons, his ultimate fate in the books is, well, a bit of a snooze. Stick with us as we unpack this spicy problem for the HBO hit.

From Sworn Shield to Bitter Betrayer

A Romantic Ruin

Let’s rewind a bit. Criston started as Rhaenyra’s sworn shield, handpicked to join the Kingsguard - quite the glow-up for a knight from a minor house. Things got hot and heavy as Rhaenyra grew up, leading to a vow-breaking romance that left Criston smitten... and shattered.

When Rhaenyra refused to run away with him, prioritizing duty over love, Criston’s world crumbled. Nearly driven to end it all, he was saved by none other than Alicent Hightower. From that moment, he became her fiercest ally and Rhaenyra’s harshest critic, letting heartbreak turn him into a full-on villain.

His bitterness didn’t just stop at hurt feelings - it fueled his support for the Greens’ bid to steal Rhaenyra’s throne. As the self-proclaimed 'Kingmaker,' Criston crowned Aegon before Rhaenyra even knew her father, King Viserys, had passed. Talk about a savage move!

“Criston Cole’s story is a tragic spiral from honor to spite - a knight who could’ve been a legend but chose to be a villain instead,” says a dedicated fan on social media, echoing the sentiment of many who’ve followed his arc.

The Unremarkable End of a Notorious Knight

A Death Without Glory

Now, let’s get to the juicy - or rather, not-so-juicy - part: Criston’s death. As the Dance of the Dragons heats up, Criston leads a weary army of 3,600 Greens to link up with the Hightower Host. But the Blacks, with their sneaky knowledge of the Riverlands, wear him down with ambushes, poisoned water, and destroyed villages. Ouch.

By the time Criston faces off against Black leaders Garribald Grey, Pate of Longleaf, and Roderick Dustin - who’ve amassed thousands of troops - he’s toast. Desperate, he offers surrender to save his men and even challenges the trio to a duel. But Pate isn’t having it, condemning Criston’s 'kingmaking' chaos and ordering archers to end him on the spot. No epic battle, no poetic justice - just arrows and a quick, pathetic exit.

Known as the Butcher’s Ball, this massacre sees Criston’s exhausted forces slaughtered, and his head later mounted on a pike for the First Battle of Tumbleton. It’s a grim, forgettable end for a man who craved a legacy. Will fans accept such a lackluster farewell for a character so central to the conflict?

Can the Show Spice Up Criston’s Demise?

Balancing Book Loyalty and Fan Expectations

Here’s where things get tricky for House of the Dragon. Criston isn’t exactly winning any popularity contests - his petty motivations make him a villain fans love to loathe. So, there’s a certain petty satisfaction in seeing him go down without a fight, taken out by minor players in a moment that screams 'wasted potential.' It fits the books’ theme of a war with no true winners.

But let’s be real - Game of Thrones fans crave drama, flair, and poetic justice in a villain’s end. Think Ramsay Bolton’s brutal comeuppance or the High Sparrow’s fiery exit. Criston may not match their cruelty, but his death as is risks feeling flat. How do you make a pre-battle assassination feel epic?

One hot idea: give more screen time to Garribald, Pate, and Roderick. Flesh out their stories, show why they back Rhaenyra, and make their clash with Criston personal. The show’s already done this with characters like Hugh and Ulf, so why not let these minor lords steal the spotlight? Whatever path HBO takes, they’ll need to balance staying true to the books with delivering the jaw-dropping moments fans expect from a Targaryen tale.