Criston Cole, often referred to as the "Kingmaker," met an unceremonious end in the sixth episode of "House of the Dragon" Season 3, a death that aligns with his character's core identity, according to actor Fabien Frankel.
Frankel explained his character's perspective to Variety, stating that Cole began as a soldier and wished to conclude his journey in the same capacity. "In his mind, the only honest version of himself is the soldier. Everything else is pretense," Frankel said. He viewed his roles as a diplomat, Hand of the King, and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard as "psychological, brain-led jobs" that did not reflect his true self. Cole, he elaborated, was "very much led by his sword and his fighting instinct."
The narrative of Cole's death, therefore, was the only authentic conclusion for a character who consistently prioritized his martial identity. The idea that his end would be remembered in such a manner "feels honest" to Frankel, reflecting the character's lifelong adherence to his soldier's ethos. This pivotal moment in Season 3, Episode 6, brings a definitive close to a complex arc, underscoring the series' commitment to character-driven storytelling.