Welcome back, my liege lords! It’s been nearly two years since House of the Dragon debuted its first season, and I couldn’t be happier to dive back into Westeros. The first season had its ups and downs: rushed pacing, excessive bloody childbirth scenes, and rapid actor recasting. However, after watching the first episode of season 2, those issues are behind us. House of the Dragon Season 2
The first episode of House of the Dragon Season 2, titled “A Son for a Son,” picks up with Westeros on the brink of civil war. Aegon II has been crowned King, while Rhaenyra Targaryen is at Dragonstone, preparing to challenge his claim. The episode delves into the escalating tension between the rival factions, the Blacks and the Greens, following the dramatic events of the Season 1 finale. Key moments include political maneuvers, dragon flights, and the start of what promises to be a brutal conflict between the Targaryen factions.
A Son for a son
Over the past two weeks, I immersed myself in House of the Dragon and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Now, as a walking encyclopedia of this fantasy realm, I can confidently say the season 2 premiere was worth the wait. Expect some of the most shocking events on television—this is the Game of Thrones universe, after all, so prepare yourself for the unexpected.
To start, let’s do a quick recap. Season 2 picks up just days after the season 1 finale, which set the stage for the series. The key point is that King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) is dead. His council conspired to place his grandson Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) on the Iron Throne instead of his chosen heir, his daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), Rhaenyra’s former friend and stepmother, believes Viserys wished for Aegon to rule. Rhaenyra, escaping to Dragonstone, assembles an army to reclaim her throne.
Dragonstone
House of the Dragon Season 2
We begin season 2 with Rhaenyra’s son, Jacaerys (Harry Collett), flying north to Winterfell to secure an alliance with Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) at the Wall. Despite Stark’s warning of “Winter is coming,” he agrees to support Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne, bolstering her forces with Northern fighters. Jacaerys learns of his brother Lucerys’ (Elliot Grihault) murder by Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) for the first time.
Back at her stronghold, Rhaenyra mourns. Daemon (Matt Smith) is driven by immediate revenge on King’s Landing. However, Rhaenys (Eve Best) and her dragon intervene, holding him back. They emphasize the necessity of confirming Lucerys’s death. Later, Rhaenyra discovers her son’s clothes and a torn-off dragon wing on the beach. Filled with vengeful rage, Daemon blames Rhaenys for not assassinating Aegon II during his coronation. He believes such an act could have averted these tragic events.
Meanwhile, Rhaenys and her husband, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), enforce a naval blockade to protect their territories. Corlys, who is recovering from an offscreen battle with pirates, is presented with a sword hilt intended for Lucerys by his rescuer, Alyn (Abubakar Salim). This recalls the arc where Corlys’s brother, Vaemond, challenged Lucerys’s claim to Driftmark and was killed by Daemon in front of everyone, highlighting the ongoing conflict within the family and the realm.
King’s Landing
House of the Dragon Season 2
On the other side, King Aegon II brings his young son, Jaehaerys, to a small council meeting, emphasizing the boy’s future as king. At the meeting, they discuss the forces supporting Aegon: the Baratheons, Lannisters, and Otto Hightower’s family. Jaehaerys distracts the council with his play, but Aegon II is eager to act against Rhaenyra. His advisors caution him against leaving King’s Landing.
Alicent converses with the manipulative Larys Strong, who admits to murdering untrustworthy staff and suggests he replace Otto as Hand. Meanwhile, Aegon II listens to commoners’ pleas, showing a mix of tyrannical and concerned behavior. A blacksmith named Hugh requests funds for dragon-killing crossbows, hinting at his future importance.
This season feels like a significant improvement with better pacing, compelling side characters, and a clear buildup to war. The impending conflict promises dire consequences that no one can avoid.
Expanded Details
King Aegon II’s Council Meeting
King Aegon II insists on bringing his son, Jaehaerys, to the council meeting, highlighting the importance of grooming the boy for future kingship. The council discusses the allegiances they have secured: the Baratheons of the Stormlands, the Lannisters of Casterly Rock, and Otto Hightower’s family from Old Town. Jaehaerys distracts the council by playing with the large stone marbles each member has, a curious tradition whose purpose remains unclear.
Eagerness for War
Aegon II’s impatience is palpable as he expresses his desire to ride out and confront Rhaenyra directly. However, his advisors warn him against leaving the safety of King’s Landing, fearing the risks to his life and reign. This scene showcases Glynn-Carney’s strong performance, suggesting he will be a standout this season.
