Review: HBO's "House Of The Dragon" Episode 2

The second episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon is a supremely well-crafted story that helps settle the exposition heave first outing with some much-needed context. It’s helped greatly because the episode itself is simply tighter, with a slightly shorter run time and more concise plots. As expected, the pacing problems of the first episode wilted because the info dump has been done and the characters now get to move forward, unencumbered.

One unique edition came during the opening credits and a familiar tune. The use of the original Game of Thrones theme is both a nice nostalgic throwback and another vexing reminder of the progenitor series and that this, at least at the moment, is a pale imitation. All things considered; it hampers the project more than it helps. A theme is often an expression of what a show aims to be, and House of the Dragon needs to form its own identity, not ride to coattails of past glory.

In terms of the events of the episode, the story progresses rather quickly, with a significant time jump taking place, about six months after the death of Prince Baelon and Queen Aemma and the opening scene, where the small counsel meets to discuss pirate raiders from the Free Cities, is an excellent follow-up to the events that capped the premiere as Rhaenyra, fresh from her coronation as the heir apparent, finds that while she may one day be called upon to rule, her voice isn’t particularly wanted at that moment, even if no one can really tell her that openly. It’s an interesting moment that lingers throughout the episode, as Rhaenyra is forced to grapple with what her life might become as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

Interestingly, she seems most at odds with Otto Hightower, who, at least in episode one, appeared to be one of her staunchest supporters. And rather than listen and learn, she once again acts impetuous, showing that the character’s overall impertinence and belief that she’s “above” it all remains an issue. The is most keenly seen when she hastily chooses a Dornish knight to take a place on the Kingsguard. While her reasoning, that he’s the most seasoned fighter, is sound, that’s not really why she did it. Rather, she made the choice because she could, because she’d be enamored of the knight, Ser Criston Cole, as played by Fabian Frankel, since the tournament in the first episode when he asked for her favor, and because it was exactly the opposite of what Otto thought would be beneficial to the realm. There was not forethought or weighing the decision for the betterment of anyone.

And certainly, this plot line will be one that dominates the series, as the show is ostensibly about the wars of succession that the Targaryens often had. And Rhaenyra certainly establishes an interesting wrinkle. During her conversation with his aunt, “The Queen Who Never Was”, Princess Rhaenys, the would-be monarch shows grit and steel. She won’t be told she’s not good enough and even if the world wants to hold her back, she’s going to take it anyway. It once again draws comparisons to Daenerys Targaryen from GoT, though this time it in a much warmer light. After all, rulers need to have a certain amount of arrogance and bravado, particularly in the Seven Kingdoms. And moreover, being the true ruler was something that Rhaenyra never thought she’d get, though it’s clear she always wanted it, and once it’s within her reach, she doesn’t want to let it go.

Parallel to this is the plot line surrounding Viserys taking a new wife, though he seems loathe to move forward, largely due to the somewhat fractured relationship between himself and his daughter, as well as grieving for his lost spouse. And the story is told authentically, with Viserys frustrated at being forced into the situation, but also understanding that he had to move forward. Paddy Considine, who plays the King of the Seven Kingdoms, is a gem with this kind of story. He provides the necessary pathos and it’s easy to sympathize with him. While the character was somewhat middling in the first episode, Considine truly shines here, showcasing why he was the right choice for this role.

But this storyline also brings everything else converging together, as Viserys chooses to take Alicent as a wife, with Otto’s strategy bearing fruit, as he knew the king would let his heart lead him, rather than his head, and since Alicent spent months building a connection with Viserys, no one else would end up standing a chance. But this also spurns Rhaenyra, as she’ll now not only be losing her best friend, but her claim to the throne will be tested going forward. Furthermore, it pushes Lord Corlys Velaryon, who offered up his own daughter as an option, into the arms of Daemon with a proposition to push them both forward.

Overall, episode two is a solid step in the right direction. It’s not a perfect episode, but it has more fireworks that the previous episode did and it’s, overall, a much more satisfying story. And all the characters are left in interesting places, with several developing complications. Rhys Ifans continues to be the standout of the series, with the character radiating power and stealing every scene he’s a part of. Particularly when he confronted Daemon on the bridge, it was easy to see why he rose to his station. Episode two is an unquestioned triumph because of solid turns by most involved and a much more compelling story, providing the rollicking start that the show needed, even if it proved to be a little delayed.