Summary
House of the Dragonreturns to Westeros during the height of the Targaryen’s power.
With a large royal family and plenty of dragons, the show distinguishes itself fromGame of Thrones.
When it returns June 16, 2024,Season 2will pick up with the war officially breaking out.
Image by Collider Staff
But Alicent is not their leader, and her son is old enough to take control.
This also plays up the moral ambiguity of the world, not making Rhaenyra orAlicent a villain.
Throughout Season 1, these two women went back and forth in their relationship.
The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO seriesGame of Thrones.Based on George R.R. Martin’sFire & Blood,House of the Dragonis set nearly 200 years beforeGame of Thrones, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.
In the beginning, they were best friends, andHouse of the Dragoneven hinted at more between them.
When Alicent marrying Rhaenyra’s father, they grow apart.
And Rhaenyra lying to Alicent exacerbates things.
Their rivalry manifests in their children, who fight despite Viserys' attempts to reconcile his family.
Butthe exploration into their relationship is largely complete.
Why Rhaenyra and Alicent hate each other is established, as is why their children cannot get along.
This contrasts with Rhaenyra, who is prepared to fight for her claim.
Aegon II is crowned through the actions of others, namely Alicent and Otto.
With the war coming, it is undeniable that his brother Aemond is more suited to the role.
Image via HBO
In fact, it’s bigger than the Targaryen family.
Once people start dying, it is no longer about Rhaenyra and Alicent’s problems with each other.
Even by the end of Season 1, the scope had grown beyond these two.
With the next generation of Targaryens growing in importance, Rhaenyra and Alicent lose control of the rivalry.
Both Rhaenyra and Alicent have plots available to them outside their conflict.
Rhaenyra leads the Blacks, opposing her brother in her attempt to gain the throne.
House of the DragonSeason 2 will premiere June 16, 2024.
Season 1 is available to stream on Max in the U.S.
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