George R. R. Martin was never short of surprises in his past works, including the unexpected twists in Game of Thrones. His recent creation, the House of Thrones, is a widely spoken-about prequel that continues to grace the screens of fantasy show lovers with unending drama and mystical scenes. Anyone familiar with the richness of the book Martin bases this shows off does not need explanations of how breathtaking the fire and blood sections are. The TV series is bound to be much more gratifying. While no one can dispute its captivating cinematography, Martin incorporates several unlikeliest moments in season one alone.
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Agony and Birth-Related Deaths
Fantasy shows have a notoriety for grossly making blood a commonplace spectacle. Perhaps, this approach reflects the brutal nature of ancient wars that often comprised dismembering foes’ bodies with swords and axes. The setting of House of Dragons, just a hundred years after Targaryen’s unification of the kingdoms, is the perfect timeline for such bloody scenes. What’s more, the presence of dragons says just how brutal fighting scenes would get. Although bloody wars would seem quite normal for most viewers, the sight of gory births is an unsettling display for this show. The gruesome dissection of Veserys wife, Aemma, leading to her death, and that of the unborn son could quickly come out as uncalled for and largely distasteful for many viewers struggling with the sensitive issue of traumatic childbirth.
Martin further brings up an extended scene in the subsequent episodes involving a wearying walk as Rhaenrya carries her newborn through long palace corridors and up long stairways while bleeding and soiling herself. Although a bit disturbing, the scene speaks more about the callousness of the time. As if the two events were not enough, Martin closely followed Rhaenrya’s suffering with Laena’s agony while laboring endlessly, prompting her suicide by the dragon’s fire. He displays a lack of worry revisiting his particular liking for showcasing women’s suffering and sexual violence as is believed to have manifested in the era.
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Viserys Last Court Ruling
Many incidents in the House of Dragon are eye-grabbing, settling the debate about whether this spinoff would live up to the expectations of its predecessor, Game of Thrones. Viserys unannounced entry into his court, and the enervating walk to the iron throne, is, perhaps, the most captivating scene filled with suspense and awe at Martin’s designs. It’s another of the long shoots reflecting an arduous walk similar to Rhaenrya’s but involving her father as he grasps for air, a step at a time, and groans in pain with each stride. The shooting creates a worry that the King’s efforts could end prematurely with him lying lifeless on the floor, but he masters his energy and stamps his authority seated on the throne.
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The Last Supper
The fantasy allowing Viserys to have a go one last chance in trying to unify the house of dragons does justice to his character. Martin consistently presents him as a king determined to leave a solid kingdom similar to his ancestors and goes to any length, including naming his daughter, contrary to the traditions to see this vision come to fruition. Although Viserys falters in many ways throughout season one, Martin’s decision to cast him, making the last attempt framed as the last supper, is a scene to admire. It gels together diverse concepts of rivalry, family, betrayal, and bond-mending, ending with a dappled relief from Visery’s that he could have finally achieved what always seemed beyond reach – bringing his blood together. If he somehow managed this quest, Martin is yet to reveal it because the tension-filled supper was not short of telltale signs to betray the concealed differences.
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George R. R. Martin affirmed his liking for surprising twists in his shows with the unpredictable events in the Games of Thrones. It appears he is neither slowing down nor cowing from any criticism arising from his approaches to making his shows. The House of Dragons is packed with similar signs, leaving the viewers in suspense and speculating about the twists and turns on his sleeves.
As it is, the House of Dragon is already a master of the art. Any surprises will only keep the audience longing to see how the Fire and Blood story progresses.
