Warning: Major spoilers for episodes 1, 2, and 3!
So we are three episodes into House of the Dragon and what a ride it’s been so far! So here is a quick recap of each episode.
Episode 1: All about heirs!
House of the Dragon starts off with Prince Viserys being chosen as heir to the throne ahead of his cousin, Princess Rhaenys even though she is the oldest living descendant of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. Why? Because she is a woman.
This theme of heirs continues nine years into King Viserys’ reign. Both Queen Aemma and his child, Baelon, died from complications during labour. Without a male heir, King Viserys’ younger brother, Prince Daemon, was next in line based on an ancient patriarchy. But Prince Daemon’s unpredictable nature troubles the King’s closest advisors.
After finding out that Prince Daemon made a mockery of King Viserys’ tragedy, the king banished him and announced that Princess Rhaenyra, his only daughter, will inherit the throne. Will the realm truly accept her as their queen when the time comes? Or will Prince Daemon stake his claim?
Some thoughts and easter (or dragon) eggs:
- The scale of the tournament between King Viserys Targaryen and King Robert Baratheon. This could be due to the show's budget difference. But we think it’s accurate. After all this was the height of Targaryen rule while King Robert’s kingdom was 6 million in debt.
- Daenerys Targaryen’s brother is also named after King Viserys. Like their names, are they both not fit to rule? We’re about to find out.
Notable quote:
“The only thing that could tear down the House of the Dragon was itself.”
Episode 2: Good people make bad kings.
Episode two picks up six months after Rhaenyra is named heir to the Iron Throne. The Crab Feeder continues to be a menace to Lord Corlys Velaryo’s ships. But King Viserys refuses to declare war because he doesn’t want to cut ties with the free cities. Lord Corlys then offers to join forces with Prince Daemon to wage war against the Crab Feeder who then agrees.
We continue to see King Viserys ruling with his heart and not his head. Though it is his duty, Viserys is reluctant to remarry for fear of eroding his relationship with Rhaenyra. And despite the council advising him on the political and military advantages of marrying Laena Velaryon (a twelve-year-old girl) to strengthen his house, he names Alicent Hightower as his bride.
Even though he is a good man and tries to do the right thing (like not wedding a twelve-year-old girl or refusing to cut ties with the free cities), the kingdom now perceives him as a weak king. Will this be his downfall?
Some thoughts and easter (or dragon) eggs:
- This is the first time we see the opening credits of House of the Dragon. The symbolism of the blood flowing is the bloodline of the Targaryans, starting from Aegon the conqueror, is not one for the faint of heart.
- When King Viserys drops a dragon statue in his chambers, is this a symbolism of the consequences of his reign?
Notable quote:
“Men would rather put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne.”
Episode 3: Is the Iron Throne earned or is it a right?
King Viserys and Alicent Hightower are married for three years and now have a 2-year-old prince—Prince Aegon II. This threatens Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne as her father now has a male heir.
Meanwhile, Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys have been at war with the Crab Feeder with no victory in sight. But with news of forces from King Viserys finally coming to help, Prince Daemon decided to go on a near-suicide mission, not wanting his brother to take the glory. He succeeds in killing the Crab Feeder and defeating his forces.
With the politicking and tension mounting in King’s Landing between King Viserys’ heirs, and Prince Daemon’s heroic feats, who will the people of Westeros accept as their king?
Some thoughts and easter (or dragon) eggs:
- Daemon’s dragon, Caraxes, doesn’t react when shot with flaming arrows. But when Daemon gets hit, it squeals.
- What is the significance of Rhaenyra encountering the white hart? Does this mean she will sit on the iron throne?
- Apart from the beginning of the episode, Prince Daemon did not say a word throughout this episode. If that’s not the epitome of acting by Matt Smith, we don’t know what is.
Notable quote:
“The road ahead is uncertain, but the end is clear.”
So… does House of the Dragon live up to its hype? After three episodes, we can say yes! In fact, some of our guys in the office prefer it over the original Game of Thrones series [jeng jeng jeng…]. So whether you’re a die-hard fan of Game of Thrones or if you are new to the series, House of the Dragon brings a gripping tale not to be missed.
You can now stream House of the Dragon on demand on Astro. Catch new episode every Monday or watch it on the same day at 10PM on HBO CH 411. It’s for all Astro Movies Pack customers.
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