★★★★★ | And Thenn what happened?
It’s hard growing up in the shadow of a more successful sibling. Especially when that sibling redefined prestige television for over a decade. House of the Dragon is a great show, yet it can’t escape comparison to Game of Thrones.
Not that the series makes it any easier for itself. The opening theme is the same as in its predecessor. There’s the same prophecy which kept audiences guessing season after another. Now, in season 2, we even get glimpses of the future, which to us viewers is pure nostalgia. Like its characters, House of the Dragon lives in the shade of legends, and no matter what it does, there lies the question: “But is it Game of Thrones?”
After two seasons, I can honestly say, no. It isn’t. But that doesn’t mean House of the Dragon is any worse. In many ways, it’s as uniquely impressive as its sibling. It redefines once more what operatic fantasy looks like, while maintaining a fierce dedication to classic tropes. This is a grand, often poetic epic that feels as much of a return home as a new frontier.
Its biggest fault, and one that lies in the original storyteller George R. R. Martin, is that this an unfinished story. We know there is no true ending to the prophecy, and the original series conclusion divided audiences straight down the middle. I love the ending to Game of Thrones, and feel it stays true to the original mission statement that began it. But I can see why others feel differently.
In adapting a cataclysmic time in the land of Westeros, House of the Dragon has the opportunity to, if not rewrite, at least redefine history. If it can bring audiences around to the idea that the original prophecy was misunderstood — a recurring theme in the series — it has a chance to retroactively make Game of Thrones better as a whole.
But to do that, House of the Dragon has to establish an entire world over. So far, it has done admirably in keeping the pieces moving and understandable. Not an easy feat, considering most of the cast is pale and blond, with names like Rhaenys and Rhaenyra. It’s a feat of both great writing and acting that we can distinguish between the two houses. The episodes might move at a slower pace than the swashbuckling first seasons of Game of Thrones, but they don’t feel aimless.
When the series does pick up the pace, it soars to the same heights as its sibling. Dragon battles are a remarkable sight. Vast and epic in scope, with a keen eye for detail. As the mythic beasts descend upon the battlefield, we finally catch a glimpse of the wonder and horror they represent. In turn, it leads to more questions and intrigue. This is the last remnants of an ancient civilization. What did the world look like before it fell?
Luckily, the series departs from the source material more than once. Which in turn gives us a chance to glimpse further into the past mysteries of the continent. It’s also a promise that Martin’s prose, which reads more like a historical tome rather than full narrative, serves only a stepping stone towards something else. A slavish adaptation serves no one, and House of the Dragon is a better story when it breaks those bonds.
The cast is uniformly splendid, each selling the audacity with gravitas. Matt Smith has the most fun as the tormented Daemon, and he makes a meal out of his isolation in Harrenhall. Emma D’Arcy continues to impress as Rhaenyra, balancing righteous fury with the Targaryen madness at every turn. Olivia Cooke has less to do this season, which is a shame, as she’s a momentous talent. In lesser hands, Alicent could easily turn into a passive stereotype. Cooke brings her to life with deep empathy and nuance.
Season two is shorter this time around, clocking in at only eight episodes. It’s a shame, as the season feels like it’s only found its groove just as it wraps up. Combined with the glacial pace HBO puts out new seasons, it means we’re due for another two years of waiting before the story can continue.
Once again, House of the Dragon compares to Game of Thrones. In its prime, we could return to Westeros yearly. What has changed?
It’s a greedy desire, I must admit. I want more of a good thing, because this is a great series. Even with all the buildup. There is majesty here that I miss seeing regularly on television. Nothing quite compares to it.