House of the Dragon has dealt another brutal blow by killing off a character played by a well-known actor just a few episodes after he was introduced. In season 3 episode 5, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) discovers that Ser Luthor Largent (Tom Cullen) has been murdered alongside fellow members of the City Watch. Their bodies are displayed in a scene reminiscent of The Last Supper, propped up on chairs with intestines spilling onto the table and a message reading 'A Feast for Traitors.'
Character Introduction and Role
Luthor made his debut in episode two of season 3, when Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) asks him and the City Watch to allow Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) to enter King's Landing. He complies and later joins forces with Daemon, under whom he previously served, swearing fealty to Rhaenyra as she sits on the Iron Throne. After Rhaenyra begins her rule, Luthor tracks down smallfolk graffitiing slurs about her in Flea Bottom, using brutal measures to kill the supposed offenders before they confess.
Actor Background and Fan Reaction
Tom Cullen is best known for roles including Anthony Foyle in Downton Abbey, as well as appearances in The Gold, Becoming Elizabeth, Weekend, Black Mirror, Knightfall, and the Channel 4 drama Trespasses. Fans expressed devastation over his early death, especially since in George R.R. Martin's source material Fire & Blood, Luthor perishes later in the Riots of King's Landing, expected in season 3 or 4. One fan named Mel wrote on X: 'Why did they waste Tom Cullen for this?' Another viewer, Cinnamon Girl, said: 'My mood got ruined QUICK,' while Lulabeans shared: 'The way I'm PERSONALLY devastated by this one.'
Comparison to Criston Cole
Many fans voiced that they would rather see Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) meet a gruesome end instead. May wrote on X: 'RIP Ser Luthor Largent it should've been Cristin Cole.' Nora stated: 'They killed off Ser Luthor Largent so early on meanwhile that bum Criston Cole is still alive.' Another user, tkwhynot, quipped: 'Criston Cole had the audacity to say he's the best knight knowing damn well Luthor and Daemon exist.'
Season 3 Context and Future Bloodshed
House of the Dragon season 3 opened with the shock death of Rhaenyra's firstborn son, Jacaerys (Harry Collett), at the Battle of the Gullet. As the civil war between the Targaryens will end with the dragons dying out, more gruesome bloodshed is expected. House of the Dragon is available on HBO Max, Sky, and NOW, with new episodes released on Mondays.
