A key reason forHouse of the Dragon’s success is its writing.
Here are the best of them, ranked.
Larys reveals himself to be the arch-realist, operating according to cold power calculations rather than feeling or affection.
Image via Federico Napoli
Larys proves that this is not mere talk by taking the life of his own kin.
Rather than a weakness, he sees a lack of love as a superpower.
“Love is a downfall,” he says.
“Best to make your way through life unencumbered if you ask me.
“It’s a great summary of the murderous ambition that drives most ofHotD’s characters.
9"There Is No Power But What The People Allow You To Take.”
She began as a brothel dancer before becoming Prince Daemon’s (Matt Smith) one-time paramour.
Alicent’s side is aware of these informants, setting up future conflict.
Mysaria is thus the show’s closet analog of Varys (Conleth Hill), the Master of Whispers.
Experience has taught her this, while for some of the other characters, it remains purely theoretical.
Ser Otto and the Small Councilconspire to crown Prince Aegon(Tom Glynn-Carney), punishing those who resist.
They also debate whether to imprison or exile Rhaenyra.
Image via HBO
In particular, Rhaenys says that Alicent is creating a mess for herself that will only backfire.
More than that,she accuses the lady of not wanting true freedom at all.
Perhaps Alicent fears what she has never actually possessed.
Image via HBO
It’s brutally honest, though Alicent is unlikely to take note of it.
7"We Play An Ugly Game.
And Now, For The First Time, I See That You Have The Determination To Win It.”
Image via HBO
All’s fair in the war for dominance.
In this key scene,Otto recognizes that his daughter may be a chip off the old block.
It’s not just parental bias: Alicent really does show herself to be a formidable foe.
Image via HBO
Indeed, her transformation from supportive friend to mini Cersei (Lena Headey) is remarkable.
She demands that Rhaenyra’s child lose one too.
6"This Is A Tragic World."
Image via HBO
Daemon, Episode 4
Episode 4 was a pivotal one for Rhaenyra and Daemon’s relationship.
Their sojourn culminates in Daemon making advances towards her, setting the stage for their later romance.
The line is neat, pithy, and true.
Image via HBO
He’s aware of the pain of existence; despite being highborn, Daemon is no pampered princeling.
In other words,he reveals himself to be a worthy ally and confidant for Rhaenyra.
It’ll be fascinating to see how the challenges they face in Season 2 test their bond.
Image via HBO
5"The Wise Sailor Flees The Storm As It Gathers."
This rumored illegitimacy becomes a crucial plot point and a catalyst for much of the drama.
Rather than being cowardly, this quote actually demonstrates Laenor’s astuteness.
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He correctly recognizes the peril his family faces due to the conflict with Alicent and her allies.
4"Now They See You As You Are."
A lifetime spent among royals without being royal herself has taught her to mask her true feelings.
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However, in a parallel to Cersei, the assault of her child ignites a fire in her.
Rhaenyra then delivers this cold line, acknowledging that Alicent has betrayed her true colors.
After this scene, there cannot be any reconciliation between the two characters.
Image via HBO
The exchange also emphasizes that the show’s central feud isn’t just a power struggle.
It’s deeply personal, fueled by the enmity between these erstwhile friends.
Season 2 will likely see many more of them.
3"Valyria is Gone.
We Don’t Belong Anywhere."
Daemon, Episode 6
Episode 6 readies the chessboard for the coming conflict.
The island of Dragonstone was the westernmost outpost of Valyria, home to dragonlords long before Aegon’s Conquest.
This means it’s the last geographical vestige of the Targaryens' homeland.
This return prompts Daemon to reflect on his family’s place in the world.
They may rule Westeros but they do not belong there.
This is evident in the shocked reaction to Daemon and Rhaenyra’s marriage.
Marrying blood was commonplace in Valyria but it is now looked down upon in the Seven Kingdoms.
2"The Idea That We Control The Dragons Is An Illusion.
Theyre A Power Man Should Never Have Trifled With."
He’s a contradictory figure.
He can be weak and easily manipulated, or strong and decisive.
Viserys is alone among the Targaryens in recognizing the danger of the dragons.
They subdue Westeros through fire and blood, but their dominion is shaky at best.
As Game of Thrones made clear, the royal family’s reign would end in mayhem.
Almost everyone who tries to muster the dragons winds up burned.
1"I will not suffer crows come to feast on their corpses!"
The opening episode is the most brutal, seeing the death of both Viserys’s wife and newborn son.
Worst of all, Viserys is wracked by the guilt of having sealed his queen’s fate.
His line here is poetic and well-written.
It feels almost Shakespearean.
Hopefully, Season 2 delivers on this solid foundation.
