‘House of the Dragon
‘ Season 2 dives straight into the aftermath of Season 1, showcasing how the Targaryen civil war spirals further due to unchecked male egos and power-hungry ambitions. Episode 1 starts only a couple of days after Season 1’s turmoil and just hours pass between Episodes 201 and 202. This tight timeline throws viewers into the chaotic consequences of young Jaehaerys’ death, impacting not just the royals but commoners too.
The Panic Sets In
The opening sequence is an unsettling portrayal of panic among servants and small folk, evacuating their unsafe spaces. The frantic camerawork and an eerie score by Ramin Djawadi perfectly capture the chaotic environment when tragedy strikes. Djawadi, known for memorable themes, steps out of his usual style with an unsettling solo violin in this scene, heightening the tension.
In a move that’s both reflective and heartbreaking, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) is seen grappling with her own complicity in escalating the conflict. As pointed out in IndieWire’s review, her character is thrown into a what hath I wrought
arc from season one. Despite the conflict originating from various sources, Alicent’s suffering and shock are palpable as she watches events unfold beyond her control.
The Distress is Real
This episode hinges on making the audience feel for characters like Helaena (Phia Saban) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney). Where Aegon expresses his rage destructively, Helaena mourns quietly—a stark contrast that showcases their different coping mechanisms. Helaena’s sorrow unfolds during a tense funeral procession, reinforcing her preference for privacy even in public grief.
The tension between Daemon and Rhaenyra intensifies in an electrifying altercation. Their previously united front cracks dramatically in this episode as Daemon’s refusal to face his errors leads to a gripping scene where his obstinate nature becomes prominent.
When Power Corrupts
The quick brothel scene with Aemond reveals two crucial moments: his half-hearted admission about business with Luke
, the least remorseful declaration possible, and a significant quote from his companion: When princes lose their temper, it is often others who suffer — small folk like myself
. This underscores how noble tempers lead to civilian suffering—Aemond’s temper resulted in catastrophic events that ripple through society.
Sacrifice on the Battlefield
The climax features knights Arryk and Erryk Cargyll facing off in a tragic culmination of brotherly discord. Acting under Ser Criston Cole’s hot-headed orders, Arryk disguises himself to infiltrate Dragonstone—a dangerous mission doomed from the start. The confrontation between brothers is brutal and emotionally charged, highlighting the human cost of war driven by egos at play.
A Too Familiar Pattern
The uneven part of this episode is perhaps the peculiar relationship evolving between Alicent and Ser Criston Cole (Pairing Ser Criston Cole and Alicent
). Their intimate scenes feel unnecessary, adding little to their backstory while coming off superficial amidst the intense political drama unfolding around them. It’s a plotline that treads familiar territory without offering new insight into their characters or motivations.
‘House of the Dragon‘ continues to set itself apart from ‘Game of Thrones‘ through its tight narrative focus on ambition and ego driving conflict. This season’s early episodes keenly illustrate how these personal agendas spiral into larger wars affecting all walks of life in Westeros.
Follow Us
