“House of the Dragon” Review
If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, “House of the Dragon” should be first on your watchlist right now. “House of the Dragon” was created by Ryan Condal and is based on the books written by George R.R. Martin. The series is a prequel to “Game of Thrones” and is set 200 years before the events of the original series. “House of the Dragon” tells the tale of the House of Targaryen. The show premiered on Sunday, Aug. 21 on HBO.
Within the “Game of Thrones” fandom, there has been disdain about how the series ended. “House of the Dragon” makes up for it in various ways. The series includes a diverse cast, great graphics and CGI. It would not be a “Game of Thrones” prequel without some family drama, and House of the Dragon brings all of it!
Episode 1: “The Heirs of the Dragon”
During the first episode of the season, we are taken to King’s Landing nine years into the reign of King Viserys. In the show, we are introduced to the characters and the politics of the Targaryen reign. The opening scene of “House of the Dragon” was chosen carefully to explain the hierarchal inner workings of the crown. King Viserys was chosen as an heir to the throne over his female cousin Princess Rhaenys. This show, specifically this episode, reveals how gender roles shape the hierarchy in King’s landing. It would not be a “Game of Thrones” related show without blood and gore. The king’s decision to save his child in a bloody sacrifice of his wife was a bit much to handle. Overall, this episode gets a rating of 9/10.
Episode 2: “The Rogue Prince”
This episode reveals to us the strained relationships within the King’s Court. In King’s Landing, people will go to great lengths to ensure the success of the crown. This political unrest involves Lord Corlys Velaryon, Princess Rhaenys’s husband offering up their 10-year-old daughter to King Viserys. Rhaenyra is named as an heir to the crown and shows her loyalty by retrieving stolen dragon eggs from her uncle Daemon, who was banished from King’s Landing. Rhaenyra’s father Viserys repays her by announcing that he will take her best-friend Lady Alicent Hightower’s hand in marriage. This episode was full of treachery and betrayal. This episode gets a rating of 7.5/10.
Episode 3: “Second of his Name”
The third and most recent episode is dated three years since King Visery’s announcement to wed. The king has finally produced a male heir but is pressuring his daughter Rhaenyra to follow suit. This episode shows the dwindling relationship between Rhaenyra and her old best friend Alicent. This episode shows a possible budding romance as well. The episode finishes with a gory battle won in favor of Daemon Targaryen. The battle is a symbol of Deamon establishing his freedom from the crown and his older brother Viserys. This episode gets a rating of 10/10.