House of The Dragon succeeds in breathing new life into the world of Westeros. Hoping to make viewers forget about the mess of an ending Game of Thrones had, no expense is spared in setting the stage for a new epic tale.
We begin with some Targaryen family history, informing us that we’re currently in the ninth year of King Viserys I Targaryen’s reign. The Targaryen family we see here is 172 years prior to the birth of Daenerys. Viserys (Paddy Considine) has a younger brother, Daemon (Matt Smith) – and if Viserys has no male heirs, Daemon is likely to challenge his brother for the Iron Throne. Another possible challenger is Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) who was passed over by King Jaehaerys in favor of Viserys simply because Rhaenys is a woman.
Throughout the hour House of the Dragon throws in the usual shock value scenes of murder, dismemberment, a brutal cesarean scene with the odd sex scene mixed in. Our main characters are well fleshed-out and positioned to fight for their right to the Iron Throne.
Viserys currently has one living child: His daughter, Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) and it's easy to compare young Rhaenyra to Daenerys. We first see her soaring through the skies on the back of a dragon named Syrax, while the folk below are unfazed. Her long white hair is a Targaryen staple. She is a smart young woman who cares deeply about those she loves most. It’s impossible not to admire her strength and cheer her on in her destined path to the Iron Throne.
The rogue prince of the family is Daemon, brother of Viserys and Uncle to Rhaenyra. Daemon clearly enjoys being the star of the show and considers himself next in line to become King. In his capacity as Commander of the City Watch, Daemon punishes thieves, rapists and murderers by cutting off limbs in the middle King’s Landing, much to his brother’s dismay. Matt Smith certainly has a talent for playing royals, and oddly makes me like Daemon despite him being an asshole.
House of the Dragon reminds us that the world of Westeros is often plagued with death and loss, as we see a dragon used to light a funeral pyre. Yes, there are deaths already in episode one. Viserys watches on, realizing that his greed cost him someone he loves most. A beautiful but sad scene when you notice the smaller pyre alongside the main one. I’m intrigued to see whether Viserys will be forced to kill his brother to secure the succession of his daughter, now his named heir. With her path set, what twists and turns will come her way?
The first episode is well-paced throughout, and I hope the show keeps this pace throughout the rest of the season. I look forward to seeing what Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik have in store for us.
Photo Courtesy: HBO
