Two years after the first season of the Game of Thrones spin-off, the second season has arrived. House of the Dragon season 2 continues on the same strong footing and builds toward an ultimate climax. And that is exactly where this second season stumbles. A real shame, because there’s no shortage of political intrigue.
The succession of King Viserys Targaryen was the central focus of the first season. He named his first child, daughter Rhaenyra, as heir. But when the time came, his second wife, Alicent, quickly placed her own firstborn son, Aegon, on the throne. The result: a fierce family feud, fought on dragons. When Rhaenyra’s son is then killed by Prince Aemond’s dragon, Vhagar, war seems inevitable.
In the second season, both sides of the family prepare for battle—gathering ground forces, cutting off trade routes, and seeking out new dragon riders. Who will emerge the strongest and take the Iron Throne?
Promised battle never comes
Unfortunately, it remains merely preparations for war. The promises of the first season are (for now) unfulfilled. House of the Dragon season 2 disappoints because of this, with the exception of episode 4.
Game of Thrones gave us a taste of dragon battles, but the fourth episode of this second season elevates it to a new high. An epic battle ensues. This is what we had hoped to see in the second season.
Political intrigue
The script is weak in terms of action but strong when it comes to the many political intrigues. Once again, the cast delivers powerful performances, led by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke.
Of course, not all of these intrigues are crucial to the plot. For instance, Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) is off on his own for quite some time, seemingly betraying his own wife Rhaenyra and attempting to claim the throne for himself. What spans several episodes is quickly resolved in a single scene when Daemon bends the knee as Rhaenyra suddenly stands before him. A meaningless subplot that, aside from gathering an army, was not necessary for the overall story.
The complex family dynamics are what make House of the Dragon stand out. Yet, it’s not enough to be convincing. The third and fourth seasons, which have already been announced, will need to do more. Will the promised battle finally arrive then? Who will end up on the Iron Throne? And who won’t survive the series? These are questions that won’t be answered until at least 2026.
House of the Dragon (2022-) – HBO Max
An internal succession war within House Targaryen at the height of its power, 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.
Cast: Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Eve Best, and others
Makers: Ryan J. Condal & George R.R. Martin
Studio: Home Box Office & WarnerMedia
