‘House of the Dragon’ Episode 2 Review - Marriage and Betrayals

I was not as highly disappointed as the countless other fans with the last few seasons of Game of Thrones, but I couldn't deny that there indeed was a significant dip in quality. It's normal to get frustrated at something on which you have spent a lot of time, and Game of Thrones was that rare show that united millions of fans around the globe. All this means that I was not really looking forward to House of the Dragon - a spin-off that focuses on the Targaryen dynasty. But after watching the first two episodes, I was reminded of how great Game of Thrones used to be. It's too early to put House of the Dragon on the same level as Game of Thrones, but I can't deny that the new show definitely looks promising.

In the first episode, we were informed through an opening text that the show would take place 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. So if you couldn't get into Game of Thrones but would like to watch this new show, go ahead. One of the most memorable scenes from the first episode was the back and forth between two moments of violence - childbirth and knights fighting one another. In both cases, blood flowed like a river as the bodies were violated. We also came to know how patriarchal the kingdom is. King Viserys (Paddy Considine) roots for a boy and doesn't consider her daughter, Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), to be his heir. That is, until the final moments when he decides to name her his heir, giving her the title of princess.

However, in the second episode, we find out that the title means nothing much in a place where men hold power. When Rhaenyra suggests flying dragons over the Stepstones to prove their superiority, her opinion is rejected. The awkward silence underlines that the council would prefer the princess merely carry their cups and not give out suggestions. No one really wants to serve a woman, and Rhaenyra's claim to the throne is undermined by the proposal that Viserys marry someone else. We know Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey) is seducing the king on the behest of Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), who is the Hand of the King. In the second episode, Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussant), commander of Westeros' Navy, offers the hand of her 12-year-old daughter to Viserys for marriage. It's one of those sick moments where you realize how heartless people can be for politics.

 
The new episode mostly belongs to Rhaenyra, who continues to prove she is more capable than the men around her. She ignores Otto's advice and chooses Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) as a Kingsguard because he is the only candidate with military experience. At Dragonstone, she successfully retrieves the egg stolen by Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) without giving rise to any bloodshed. Rhaenyra holds herself with respect and confidence. She walks with a look of authority, which makes her tower over the surrounding men - an image that becomes literal when she arrives riding on the dragon.

The second episode ends with the announcement of the arrival of greater threats. Feathers are ruffled, alliances are changed, and we end with the image of a creepy figure known as Crabfeeder. Overall, it makes you excited about the upcoming episodes and simultaneously leaves you with a promise that it will continue to burn with excellence. Fingers crossed.

Final Score – [8/10]
Reviewed by - Vikas Yadav
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