House of the Dragon Season 3: Emma Darcy’s emotional performance as Rhaenyra Targaryen as she mourns Jace’s death wins the internet; sparks Emmy buzz |

Warning: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 2.Emma Darcy has won critical acclaim for her performance in the second episode of House of the Dragon season 3. Shortly after the episode aired online, fans took to social media to praise the actor’s portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen and mourn the death of her eldest son, Prince Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon.

Rhaenyra mourns Jace

The second episode of the new season begins after the devastating Battle of the Throat, with Bella returning Jace’s body to Dragonstone. In the emotional sequence, Rhaenyra is gripped by grief as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her eldest son and heir to the throne.

How Jace ended his life

Jace, played by Harry Collett, was killed during the season three premiere when he and his dragon Vermax were felled by enemy arrows. As the dragon is dragged to the depths of the ocean, Jace briefly surfaces before being struck by an arrow.After the show premiered on HBO, viewers on social media were full of praise for Darcy’s performance, especially the opening scene where Rhaenyra mourns Jace’s death. One fan wrote: “It was heartbreaking to see Rhaenyra go through the stages of grief in just 3 minutes. Now you can see why the cast has been praising Emma Darcy’s performance here.”

Fans responded enthusiastically to Emma’s performance

Another praised the actor’s performance, writing: “Emma Darcy’s performance is impeccable. Impeccable!”Others were equally moved by the emotional scenes, with one viewer posting, “Rhaenayla calling out to a lifeless Jace is heart-wrenching.”Another fan wrote: “That opening scene broke my heart. Rhaenyra you have lost so much.” Another said: “Jace. Jace? What have you done? Rhaenyra’s reaction to losing Jace breaks my heart.”

Fans back Emma Darcy for Emmy nomination

The performance also sparked early awards season talk, with many fans calling for Darcey to be nominated for an Emmy or even win for the episode. “Rhaenayla cries holding her eldest son Jace while I cry with her Emma Darcy that the Emmy is yours!” one viewer posted, while another added: “Oh Rhaenyra! Emma Darcy deserves an Emmy nomination.”Emma’s performance was critically acclaimed and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series (Drama) Season 1 and 2 and a Saturn Award nomination. However, they have yet to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for their performances on the show.“House of the Dragon” premieres on June 22. The eight-part series will release new episodes every Monday (IST).