Summary
House of the Dragontakes fans back to Westeros during the Targaryen rule.
But it isn’t a straightforward adaption.
Still, the series did so successfully.
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.
Though many of these choices worked in favor of the series, some made less sense.
She misunderstands him, and that incites the war.
But,Season 2 gives the mysterious prophecy more purpose.
There is plenty of self-interested family drama that Rhaenyra’s changed motivations do not remove that crucial element.
Much of the early episodes focus on their decaying friendship after Rhaenyra’s father marries Alicent.
However, it led to many more changes, including the infamous miscommunication that started the war.
But when circumstances force them to return, Rhaenyra and Alicent nearly reconcile.
Rhaenyra feels for her old friend and promises to return and help despite their bitter feud.
In a single night, they seem to put years of anger and resentment behind them.
Then, just as Rhaenyra leaves, Viserys dies, his last words discussing Aegon the Conqueror’s prophecy.
For Alicent’s part, the war is about Viserys' wishes.
Even when an unexpected meeting with Rhaenyra reveals the truth, Alicent does not relinquish this belief.
However, the last-minute change of heart and the subsequent insertion of the prophecy devalued that.
Doing so detracts from their character.
The show makesAlicent beholden to her husband’s final wordsrather than her own desires.
Image via HBO
Rhaenyra and Alicent don’t need another excuse to desire the Iron Throne.
The two fell out years ago, and things only got worse from there.
Viserys disregards the pain of Alicent’s son to defend Rhaenyra, sowing even more resentment.
ButHouse of the Dragonhas both Rhaenyra and Alicent’s motivation rooted in something neither of them can control.
Rhaenyra fights the war to create unity against the eventual threat.
But, it becomes more significant to Daemon in the Season 2 finale when he sees it for himself.
There is still some resentment there, and it comes to the forefront in Season 2.
Daemon’s many hallucinations leave him in a strange place, butthe prophecy is what finally brings him back.
House of the DragonSeason 2 premieres on June 16.
Season 1 is available to stream on Max in the U.S.
WATCH ON MAX
