As the dragons spread their wings once more across the tumultuous skies of Westeros, the highly anticipated second season of House of the Dragon roars into view. With the realm still reeling from the gripping events of its debut season, fans and critics alike have eagerly awaited the continuation of this epic saga. Now, as the first three episodes of season 2 unfold, viewers are thrust back into the heart of a realm fraught with power struggles, betrayals, and the enduring legacy of dragons. Here, we delve into a review of these initial episodes, exploring how the series builds upon its foundation while promising even greater intrigue and spectacle in the battles for power that define House Targaryen’s tumultuous reign.
CINEMATOGRAPHY… JUST A WOW!
The cinematography in House of the Dragon season 2, particularly in the opening sequence of the first episode featuring Jace flying to Winterfell, is nothing short of breathtaking. Going back to Winterfell, the wall and seeing the sigil of house Stark felt like home for us, GOT fans. The seamless blend of aerial shots capturing the vast, majestic landscapes of Westeros with intimate close-ups that evoke the character’s emotions is truly commendable. The use of light and shadow enhances the dramatic tension, while the vibrant colors of the scenery create a visual feast for the audience. Every frame feels meticulously crafted.
HOUSE OF THE DRAGON: A PERFECTLY WRITTEN SCENARIO
The very first convo held in the second season between Jacearys Velaryon and the lord of Winterfell, Cregan Stark, was a great kick-off. While GOT’s strength as a drama lies in the plot and the diversity of characters, the script of HOTD plays the main part in making it a success.
CHARACTERS’ DEVELOPMENT: WE LOVE AEGON LOWKEY
We may have taken Aegon for a jerk in the first season of House of the Dragon. But as the third episode of the second season unfolds, we get to see the complicated side of his character, we get to see the struggle to be a loved and feared king, the grieving father. Other than Aegon, we get to see the soft side of Prince Aemond in the scenes where he takes his bold face off with the woman at the brothel.
CAN SER CRISTON COLE SHUT UP?
Like, why is he so annoying? Ser Criston was initially presented as a dornish commoner and ended up named Hand of the King. We’ve seen Alicent turn evil, witnessed Aegon’s character development, but Cole remains the furious, vindictive knight who couldn’t get over the princess’s rejection. While Cole might play a major role in the Dance of the Dragons, his character remains a flat one, with no deeper sides.
ALSO, WHEN DID COLE AND ALICENT BECOME A THING?
The closing scenes of the first two episodes, featuring intimate moments between the queen dowager and the lord commander, left us intrigued: when did romance ignite between Alicent and Cole? Unlike Daemon and Rhaenyra, whose entire journey from courtship to conflict was meticulously portrayed, the directors chose to unveil Cole and Alicent’s clandestine affair abruptly, without preamble. This narrative choice contrasts sharply with the gradual development of other relationships in the series, prompting viewers to ponder the implications of their secretive bond on the broader political landscape of Westeros.
WE FORGIVE THE ROGUE PRINCE.. NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES
We all cherished Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones, despite his moral ambiguities. In House of the Dragon, Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen takes on a similar complexity, portraying a character who indulges in various moral transgressions. Daemon, renowned throughout Westeros as the Rogue Prince, exhibits his ruthlessness openly throughout the first season. However, as season two unfolds, Daemon’s priorities shift significantly towards vengeance. It becomes evident that his ambitions for the throne have waned; instead, he wages a relentless war to secure not only his queen’s rightful rule but also the future of his children. This evolution paints Daemon as a multifaceted character driven by deep-seated motivations, navigating the treacherous waters of power and legacy in the tumultuous realm of Westeros.
