House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 10 is the final instalment of the first season of an American fantasy TV drama series based on the Fire and Blood novel written by George RR Martin and is a prequel to the highly successful Game of Thrones TV series. House of the Dragon will focus on the war of succession within House Targaryen, the ruling House of Westeros, almost 200 years before the events depicted in Game of Thrones.
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Entitled “The Black Queen”, House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 10 shifts focus entirely to Rhaenyra, Daemon, family and allies even as the lacklustre previous episode did the same on the “Greens”. This is entirely Rhaenyra’s moment as she suffers one trauma after another throughout the episode. From learning about her father’s death to the miscarriage of her child to the “Greens” usurping her crown to attempting to exercise restraint in a bid to preserve peace within the Seven Kingdoms, Rhaenyra reveals a mature wisdom that justifies Viserys’ faith in her to rule.
Daemon is, of course, furious and champing at the bit to burn all their enemies with their superior firepower (literally) in dragons. In yet another traumatic experience for Rhaenyra, Daemon strangles (!) her when she mentioned the Song of Ice and Fire i.e. Aegon’s prophecy, which Daemon completely dismisses. But to his credit, as much as it obviously angers Daemon, he gives in to Rhaenyra’s authority time and again, despite himself.
READ OUR ANALYSES OF HOUSE OF THE DRAGON.
However, of course, we know that ultimately civil war will break out and this has been something we have been anticipating since the first episode. The question is how? Both Rhaenyra and Alicent are reluctant to go to war but of course, there will be an inciting incident. As Rhaenyra’s eldest sons Jacareys and Lucerys ride on dragon back to send messages to potential allies, Lucerys has a fatal encounter with Aemond (brother of the usurper Aegon). It is clear that Aemond did not intend to kill his nephew but the dragons took that matter out of his hands. In the final scene, we see Rhaenyra’ tearful face filled with sadness and rage – surely, war will be the result.
House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 10 was without doubt, probably the best episode of the consistently good first season. Season 2 cannot come fast enough! Highly recommended!
Watch House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 10 on HBO GO.
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