House Of The Dragons (S2) portrays the family history of the ruling House Targaryen of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Season 2 depicts the ongoing battles between the friends turned foes, Queen Alicent Hightower and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, for the Iron Throne.
This show is loosely based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book. A year ago, we reviewed the Season 1 of the “House Of The Dragons” (HOD) on FM. Therein, we shared the review and the bonus information about the Dragons in season one of the HOD.
‘House Of The Dragon (S2)’ Continues With Brutal & Intriguing War Of Succession Among Targaryen Family Members
Spoiler Free Review: House Of The Dragon (S2/2024) Series
The synopsis/summary
Taking place two centuries before the narrative of the “Game of Thrones” (GOT) series, the “House Of The Dragon” (HOD) series explores the history of House Targaryen. They are the renowned lineage that governed the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. This fantasy drama chronicles the Targaryens’ evolution from their origins as the final family of dragonlords to their ultimate decline. It comes to a climax in the same way as the events depicted in the “Fire & Blood” book.
The designation of the realm as the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros is somewhat misleading, as there are only six kingdoms presently. The main events of the narrative transpire between the years 112 and 132, during which Dorne remains autonomous and does not officially become the seventh kingdom until the year 187. This is not an error; every Targaryen king had laid claim to Dorne long before it merged with the other kingdoms.
It primarily focuses on the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys I Targaryen’s children battling for control of the Iron Throne. Thereby, it portrays the beginning of the end of House Targaryen, the events leading up to and covering the Targaryen civil war of succession, known as the “Dance of the Dragons.” Furthermore, it is worth noting that the series takes place 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen in the “Game of Thrones” series.
Focal Point: Queen Alicent Hightower versus Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
After King Aegon II’s ascension to the throne and the tragic loss of Queen Rhaenyra’s son, House Targaryen finds itself split into two factions. In the capital city of King’s Landing, Aegon II governs from the prestigious Iron Throne, backed by Alicent and the Green Council, safeguarded by the mightiest dragon in all of Westeros. Meanwhile, Queen Rhaenyra and her Black Council strategize their next steps while in exile on Dragonstone. The looming threat of civil war grows as both sides vie for the support of the powerful noble houses of Westeros, gathering armies and dragons in preparation for the inevitable conflict.
If you wish to learn in-depth about the Targaryen family tree, then check out the following tweet or this HBO link: https://www.hbo.com/house-of-the-dragon/character-guide
In season 2 of this series, almost the entire family members (children and relatives) of the two queens – Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) are involved in a bitter secession battle to ascend the Iron Throne.
What did we love about this series?
There are quite a few changes in the storyline of the “House Of The Dragon” series from that of its source material “Fire & Blood” book by George R.R. Martin. But that is what makes it more interesting. Also, the makers of “HOD” have tried to stay true to the hit “GOT” series.
Somewhat unusual, the series recycles the title theme (with minor modifications) from its parent "GOT" show. Composer Ramin Djawadi explained that this decision was made to "bridge the old content with the new," linking all the narratives within the "GOT" franchise. In addition, for instance, the weirwood (a species of deciduous tree found all over Westeros) that Rhaenyra is seen at in the "HOD" show is the stump of a weirwood that Sansa is seen praying at in the "GOT" series. And, furthermore, we catch a glimpse of "Daenerys Targaryen" in the "GOT" series.
Like the “GOT” series, this “HOD” show also delves deep into the characteristics and behaviours of its various players. When the stakes are so high, decency and morality are the first casualties at the altars of personal ambition. The pursuit of power often makes people blind and rudderless. There are no clear-cut black-and-white elements in it. Lots of grey areas dominate this tale. The court intrigue and the literal cut-throat competition among the Targaryen family members make for a compelling human drama.
Besides the compelling tale, the acting performances are captivating too
We loved the imaginative tale of the monarchy. And it seems to have been inspired by a real piece of British history. Not surprisingly, most of the shooting has taken place in rugged but beautiful locations in the United Kingdom. The story of politics and power is entertaining.
We loved the way, the two lead actresses Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen) and Olivia Cooke (Queen Alicent Hightower) played their roles of ambitious women. Besides, watching their tactics, strategies and manipulations played out in the two seasons is wonderful.
The ensemble cast consists of Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), Rhys Ifans (Ser Otto Hightower), Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys ‘The Sea Snake’ Velaryon), Matthew Needham (Lord Larys ‘The Clubfoot’ Strong), Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria ‘The White Worm’, Mysaria), Kurt Egyiawan (Grand Maester Orwyle), Tom Glynn-Carney (King Aegon II Targaryen), Harry Collett (Prince Jacaerys ‘Jace’ Velaryon), Ewan Mitchell (Prince Aemond Targaryen), etc. Almost all of them did a fine job in it.
The conclusion
House Of The Dragon (S2) is more about plotting and scheming by all the characters (named in the above paragraphs) to get to the top and stay at the top to rule the commoners. The battle scenes between the two queens’ armies (and dragons) have limited screen time. So it was underwhelming to watch. Especially for those, who wish to see more of the action scenes involving the powerful Dragons, that we all read (and heard) so much about.
Still, season 2 acts as a necessary bridge between the past (season 1) and the future (season 3 onwards); so a HOD fan cannot afford to miss it. Furthermore, the season 2 finale suggests that we might see much more action and bloodshed in the upcoming season 3 of the show. As the battle lines are drawn between the two warring parties, the intriguing war is just waiting to take place. It sets up season 3 perfectly at the knife’s edge. But, then the big question is when season 3 of HOD will be released. Maybe, we will need to be patient like Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and wait for Dragons to be unleashed in the upcoming civil war.
Rating: House Of The Dragon (S2-2024) Series
| FM Rating | 4.00/5 |
Key Details: House Of The Dragon (S2-2024) Series
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance |
| Original Language | English |
| Season | Season (S2) Two |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes |
| Creators | Ryan J. Condal & George R.R. Martin |
| Writers | Sara Hess, Ti Mikkel, Eileen Shim, & David Hancock |
| Directors | Geeta Vasant Patel, Clare Kilner, Alan Taylor, Loni Peristere & Andrij Parekh |
| Cast | Emma D’Arcy (Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Queen Alicent Hightower), Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen), Fabien Frankel (Ser Criston Cole), Rhys Ifans (Ser Otto Hightower), Steve Toussaint (Lord Corlys ‘The Sea Snake’ Velaryon), Matthew Needham (Lord Larys ‘The Clubfoot’ Strong), Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria ‘The White Worm’, Mysaria), Kurt Egyiawan (Grand Maester Orwyle), Eve Best (Princess Rhaenys Targaryen), Tom Glynn-Carney (King Aegon II Targaryen), Harry Collett (Prince Jacaerys ‘Jace’ Velaryon), Ewan Mitchell (Prince Aemond Targaryen), etc. |
| Taglines | All must choose. |
| Network | HBO |
Trailer: House Of The Dragon (S2-2024) Series
Spoilers Alert: Summary of 8 Episodes
Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin
It is the first volume of the definitive two-part history of the Targaryens in Westeros.
Centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones, House Targaryen—the only family of dragonlords to survive the Doom of Valyria—took up residence on Dragonstone. Fire and Blood begin their tale with the legendary Aegon the Conqueror, creator of the Iron Throne, and goes on to recount the generations of Targaryens who fought to hold that iconic seat, all the way up to the civil war that nearly tore their dynasty apart.
A Targaryen History #1 | Source: Goodreads
Summary of the Eight (8) Episodes of the Season (2) Two
A Son for a Son (S2, E1) | June 16, 2024
Westeros is on the brink of a bloody civil war as the Green and Black Councils take up arms for King Aegon and Queen Rhaenyra, respectively. As Alicent grows concerned by Aegon’s Small Council, Rhaenyra arrives at a fateful decision.
Rhaenyra the Cruel (S2, E2) | June 23, 2024
Both Alicent and Rhaenyra are facing the consequences of the murder of King Ageon’s heir; Otto schemes to turn the public against her, and Rhaenyra questions Daemon´s loyalty. As Otto schemes to turn the public against her, Rhaenyra questions Daemon’s loyalty. Meanwhile, Ser Criston Cole concocts a misguided plan for revenge.
The Burning Mill (S2, E3) | June 30, 2024
As ancient grudges resurface, Rhaenys suggests that Alicent may see reason while the men around her seek bloodshed. Ser Criston proposes a bold scheme. Daemon arrives at Harrenhal to raise an army for the Blacks.
The Red Dragon and the Gold (S2, E4) | July 7, 2024
In Rhaenyra’s absence and with no word from Daemon, Rhaenys tries to keep the peace on the Black Council as Cole mounts a campaign into the Crownlands. In King’s Landing, Aemond continues to undermine Aegon’s fragile hold on authority.
Regent (S2, E5) | July 14, 2024
Amid whispers of bad omens, the Greens consider how to fill a void on Aegon’s Council. Jacaerys sets out on a rogue mission to strike a deal. Daemon enlists Lord Willem Blackwood to help persuade the Brackens to bend the knee.
Smallfolk (S2, E6) | July 21, 2024
With few options left, Rhaenyra embarks on a risky venture while Aemond takes steps to reshape the Green Council.
The Red Sowing (S2, E7) | July 28, 2024
The war for the Iron Throne escalates, and Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, in a crucial gamble, is prepared to risk everything in her urgent quest for dragon riders.
The Queen Who Ever Was (S2, E8) | August 4, 2024
As Aemond becomes more volatile, Larys plots an escape, while Rhaenyra looks to press her advantage.
Poster, Featured and Other Images of the House Of The Dragon (S2-2024) Series are credited to the HBO.
Olivia Cooke (Queen Alicent Hightower) and Ewan Mitchell (Prince Aemond Targaryen) are in the Featured image.