Movies News Talk
Alert: Features SPOILERS for "A Son for a Son," the second season's episode 1.
House Of The Dragon Season 2, episode 1 is finally here after over two years, and it is generally well worth the wait. Just days after the finale of House of the Dragon season 1, the season 2 opener focused about handling the aftermath from Lucerys Velaryon's death, restoring different components back in place, and appropriately starting the Targaryen civil war. Though I thought there were a few mistakes, it's a good indication of what lies next.
For most of its running duration, House Of The Dragon Season 2, episode 1 runs similarly to many a Game Of Thrones season opener. It mostly does a decent job at the slow build, which prepares the board for the chess game to start. After so much set up for the Dance of the Dragons already, some viewers may find the pace somewhat irritating; yet, patience and caution are ingrained in the narrative since some desire faster action while others demand it.
Feeling like entering the kind of detail George R. R. Martin enjoys, I really enjoyed Aemond Targaryen and Criston Cole's planning of the war and targeted sites. That benefits the premiere since we do have some fun sequences featuring military tactics and strategy. Feeling like entering the kind of detail George R. R. Martin enjoys, I really enjoyed Aemond Targaryen and Criston Cole's planning of the war and targeted sites. Likewise, I hope it may find more space for the brief interlude with the smallfolk among the battling of the nobles. It helps us to better understand the results of the activities we are seeing, so deepening and more lived in the world seems.
Though Emma D'Arcy as Rhaenyra is one obvious star in "A Son for a Son," House of the Dragon's ensemble is outstanding all around. Of course, they produced outstanding work in season 1; but, in the season 2 premiere, they transcend mere excellence. Even while the Queen attempts to keep it together, Rhaenyra's sadness is evident in every thread of D'Arcy's performance. You can feel it on screen.
Rhaenyra must strike a balance between attempting to dominate and being a mother-in-mourning, juggling vengeance with reason, and it produces a stirring performance from D'Arcy. It's even more remarkable as Rhaenyra's look says more than words could, and it means when she does truly have a point to make - like "I want Aemond Targaryen" - it lands flawlessly. It's also quite often silent.
Though I came away from the premiere feeling a little letdown, I was eager for the return to Winterfell and the arrival of Cregan Stark in House of the Dragon season 2. Though I wouldn't say Cregan was expected to be a main character, I believe there was room for more than the three to four minutes of screen time he gets, which would have better highlighted his character and revealed more of Jacaerys also. The latter would be crucial since, with the battle under way, he should be assuming a more major role this year.
We sadly don't really feel anything about Cregan and Jace's relationship. Though none of it is horrible, it was all somewhat Starks-by- numbers without any distinctive quality. Given it more space to breathe and allowed for more character development, I believe adding scenes of the two, say, hunting and drinking at Winterfell, would have helped it stand out.
The ending of House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 sees Blood and Cheese slay Prince Jaehaerys, a moment long-awaited does not quite feel right considering what happened. Still, definitely discussed a lot by book fans. At any rate, it should and should have been one of the most memorable events of the entire program. Sadly, I found it to be very disappointing.
Part of the issues are related to choices on adaption. Helaena has three children in the book and is obliged to pick between her two boys while begging Blood and Cheese to kill her instead. House of the Dragon muted the intensity and horror, but the effect is a lack of emotional impact. That's especially true since Helaena has become such a fascinating character thanks of course. Phia Saban gives a decent performance, but by design feels too detached. This should have been a visceral, unforgettable scene, and although what transpires is horrific and will significantly affect the show's future, it closed the otherwise really good solid premiere on a somewhat lackluster note.
Set before Game Of Thrones is House of the Dragon, although time leaps left viewers perplexed about its coverage span. This is the HotD chronology broken out. About 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon chronicles the ascent of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to withstand the Doom of Valyria. Milly Alcock and Emily Carey originally starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the adult versions of the characters, took front stage. Along with King Viserys Targaryen, Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra's father also feature in the show.
Season 2 of House of the Dragon is certain to be dramatic and exciting. Major battles, political intrigue, and tragic betrayals are expected of viewers when the Dance of the Dragons is fully under progress. Already proving to be a fitting predecessor to Game Of Thrones, House of the Dragon season 2 promises to carry on the heritage of engaging narrative and striking cinematography. Prepare for a season of dragons, conflicts, and the always lurking chaos in Westeros.
Sundays at 9pm ET on HBO and Max will see the debut of fresh House of the Dragon season 2 episodes.
Episode # | Date of Release
—| —mone
First episode on June 16
Episode 2, June 23
Third episode | June 30
Fourth episode | July 7
Fifth episode, July 14
Episode 6 | July 21
Seventh episode: July 28
Episode 8: August 4