If your biggest complaint about Season 1 of House of the Dragon was that it dragged, you’ll be happy to know that the opening of the next episode is absolutely the opposite.
Season 2 of the Game of Thrones prequel series doesn’t get bogged down in exposition, time jumps, or endless character introductions. Like the climax of the original series, we’re thrown into the action almost immediately with minimal hand-holding, as the final moments of Season 1’s offshoots catch up with the Targaryens and the Hightowers.
Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 1 below
If you need a refresher, Rhaenyra Targaryen sent her two sons across Westeros to gain support for her claim to the Iron Throne against King Aegon II, whose coronation was shrouded in confusion due to uncertain final words of the late King Viserys Targaryen III, relayed unreliably. by his wife, Alicent Hightower.
His second son, Lucerys, arrived in Storm’s End to try to convince the Baratheons but was defeated by Aemond (the second son of Alicent and Viserys), who had already conquered Lord Borros. These two share a storied history, as Luke caught Aemond’s eye during a confrontation many years ago.
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
As Lucerys leaves on his dragon Arrax, he is pursued by Aemond and the overbearing giant Vhagar, in a ploy of intimidation. However, both riders lose control of their beasts, and when the smaller dragon begins to fight back, Vhagar breaks and brutally tears Luke and Arrax apart. Aemond is stunned, realizing that he may have started a war by accident.
Although the political consequences of this act are grave, Rhaenyra’s parental grief overshadows everything else. Emma D’Arcy only has one line in the first episode, A Son for a Son. And yet, that’s all it takes to show the pit of despair into which the Dark Queen sank after losing her boy.
Grief and mourning are common themes in the early episodes, with more calculating characters pulling the strings of the more vulnerable, forcing them into performative actions in an attempt to gain the upper hand in the public eye. Human empathy is at odds with logical power plays – the king’s conniving hand, Otto Hightower, remains one of the greatest puppet masters.
These dark feelings also cause characters to lash out and make rash decisions. Some do so in the hope of strengthening their position, while others mask their feelings of guilt and unfairly place the blame elsewhere.
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
As in real historical battles, some of the most disastrous consequences of the opening of House of the Dragon arise from mistakes and misunderstandings, particularly on the part of some of the series’ most loathsome men, including Ego hinders measured judgment. These mistakes only deepen the animosity between the Greens and Blacks and, in turn, plunge the kingdom into even greater chaos.
Of course, this comes with a lot more violence. Thankfully, there are no needlessly traumatic birthing scenes (fingers crossed later episodes won’t prove me wrong), but House of the Dragon still holds to its gruesome nature, making you want to look behind your fingers, especially during the climaxes of both episodes. .
The bloodiest scene in the second episode is slightly absurd – the writers here are asking us to suspend our disbelief. However, as soon as the action started, I was sufficiently gripped. It reminded me of how I felt when I watched ridiculous battles with the Mountain, or when Tywin Lannister was killed by a crossbow bolt while sitting in the bog.
We also – finally – get to see other Houses that have been neglected, like the Starks, albeit quite briefly. Nonetheless, the world of Westeros finally feels like it’s expanding beyond the main bloodlines that dominated Season 1. Dragon fans are also treated to a bit of action and the promise of new beasts and new riders.
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
Verdict: Should You Watch House of the Dragon Season 2?
Many of my friends missed House of the Dragon, either because they were still burned out from the car crash that ended Game of Thrones or because they started it and gave up halfway through when the plot seemed stagnant or downright confusing.
If you’re one of those people, I implore you to catch this epic show while you still can. These first few episodes left me on the edge of my seat, and the war hasn’t even really started yet.
House of the Dragon returns Sunday June 16 on HBO and Max in the US, and Monday June 17 on Sky Atlantic and Now in the UK.
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