Who is Ser Criston Cole and who is actor Fabien Frankel?
Is he a knight in shining armour?
It's time to be reunited with the slimiest knight in shining armour you ever did see, Ser Criston Cole, in House of the Dragon season 2.
The knight, played by Fabien Frankel, has changed alliances, and season 2 will see him on the side of the Greens, taking an active role in plotting against Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy).
But what will season 2 hold for him?
Read on to find out more about Ser Criston Cole, who he supports, and how he has the potential to cause drama in House of the Dragon season 2.
Who is Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon?
An accomplished knight from House Cole, Ser Criston is originally of Dornish descent (one very notable Dornishman from Game of Thrones is Prince Oberyn Martell).
Criston's fame levels rose when he competed in a tourney to celebrate King Viserys I Targaryen's (Paddy Considine) heir and he defeated the confident and accomplished Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) by knocking the sword Dark Sister out of his hands.
He was being watched by an enamoured Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and he asked her for her favour afterwards.
Ser Criston was later to be made Rhaenyra's sworn shield as a member of the Kingsguard, her personal protector, and he grew close to her in the third episode of House of the Dragon when they journeyed through the Kingswood together.
In the fourth episode of House of the Dragon, Criston and Rhaenyra are shown to consummate a romance after the Princess initiates a sexual encounter. Criston was torn, as he had sworn a vow of chastity in the Kingsguard, but their desires proved too strong to resist.
In the aftermath, an affair had begun between the pair, but with Rhaenyra set to marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, this left Ser Criston devastated. Despite asking Rhaenyra to run away with him and marry, Ser Criston was left rejected and furious.
After confessing his behaviour to Queen Alicent, Ser Criston later beat Ser Joffrey Lonmouth to death at Rhaenyra and Laenor's wedding. Later contemplating suicide, Ser Criston was stopped by Alicent at the last moment.
Following a time jump, it's made clear that after these events, Ser Criston became a firm ally of Alicent in return for her saving him. He tutors Alicent's son Aemond into becoming a fearsome warrior.
Before Aegon's coronation, Criston is appointed Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by Alicent for his loyalty. Criston crowned Aegon with the crown of the Conqueror and hails him as the true heir, finishing season 1 as a firm ally of the Greens.
Who is Fabien Frankel?
Frankel had a small role in Last Christmas, opposite Game of Thrones alumn Emilia Clarke, in 2019.
He's perhaps best known for his role in the 2021 drama The Serpent, where he played Dominique Renelleau alongside Jenna Coleman.
His latest film, Venice at Dawn, is expected to be released later this year. He plays Dixon in the remake of the British stage farce.
House of the Dragon season two will air on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK from 17th June – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Helen Daly is the Associate Editor for Radio Times, overseeing new initiatives and commercial projects for the brand. She was previously Deputy TV Editor at a national publication. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Media & Journalism from Newcastle University.
