The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3

Fabien Frankel explains why Criston Cole cuts his hair in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3. Cole has a new role in the court of King Aegon after taking over as Hand of the King from the outgoing Otto Hightower in the closing moments of season 2, episode 2. With a new role comes a new set of responsibilities for Cole, who left King’s Landing in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3, leading an expedition to Harrenhal, accompanied by Alicent’s brother Gwayne, to take control of the key Riverlands location.

Along with his new mission, Cole also adopted a new haircut in the latest HOTD episode, and star Frankel explained the logical reason behind Cole’s newly-shorn look. Check out his remarks below (via Decider):

“Well, for me, the haircut was a really big thing because it’s a military thing. You know? It’s impractical to have long hair in a battle. It just is. And short hair is practical.”

Why Criston Cole’s New Role Could Be His Undoing

Cole’s shorter locks may make him seem like a more serious military man, after the longer hair he sported as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard (and frequent after-hours visitor to Alicent’s bedroom), but it will take more than a new haircut for him to succeed in his mission to Harrenhal. Things indeed took an immediate bad turn for Cole and his men, as their expedition across the Riverlands was interrupted by Baela and her dragon Moondancer, who chased the knights into the forest, then returned to Dragonstone to report the discovery to Rhaenyra.

Cole’s encounter with Moondancer set a foreboding tone for his expedition, likely foreshadowing more misfortune to come. Indeed, the latest HOTD episode saw Daemon arriving at Harrenhal ahead of Criston and his men, and staking his own claim to the decrepit castle, led by a very pliable Simon Strong, who immediately pledged his support for Rhaenyra. If Cole and company even make it to Harrenhal, after stumbling through the forest trying to evade further detection, they will likely have a fight with Daemon on their hands, which may not end well for the new Hand of the King.

There’s a distinct possibility that Cole and his new haircut will never return to King’s Landing, making his curt farewell to Alicent feel all the more poignant. Cole may indeed regret ever becoming Hand of the King to Aegon, who seemingly installed the wrong man in that important job, perhaps wanting someone in the position who would prove weak and inept, making Aegon look better by comparison. On the other hand, Cole has proven to be lucky so far, so perhaps there’s a chance he could still get back from his mission alive, and see Alicent again.

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 airs Sunday, July 7 on HBO

Source: Decider