House of the Dragon has delivered a long-anticipated death in its third season, with the demise of Ser Criston Cole in episode six marking what many fans regard as the show's version of King Joffrey's downfall in Game of Thrones. Cole, the former Kingsguard turned Hand of the King, has been one of the franchise's most widely despised characters, his descent following Rhaenyra's rejection of him years earlier having driven a campaign of cruelty against her and her family. His death is being framed by critics as a cathartic payoff for viewers who have long wanted to see the character face consequences.

In the episode, Cole is shown leading a dwindling, aimless army after losing contact with Aegon and Aemond, seemingly deluded about his own prowess as a warrior. He is eventually caught by the combined forces of the Starks and Tullys, and after a final gesture involving a keepsake given to him by Alicent Hiveren, he is killed by arrows in a manner that echoes the death of Jace, the young prince he had previously mistreated. Reviewers describe the ending as understated rather than dramatic, but fitting for a character so thoroughly reviled by the show's audience.