House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 2 is the second instalment 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.
S P O I L E R S
Entitled “The Rogue Prince”, House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 2 takes place six months after the death of Queen Aemma. This episode makes a point of coming across as close to Game of Thrones as possible, with its focus on political machinations within and without the court of King Viserys I. Which makes this episode quite intriguing with a considerable set-up for the inevitable conflict to come.
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House of the Dragon Season 1 Ep 2 gives centerstage to the King and Princess Rhaenyra as they attempt to navigate the growing agendas around them. Although Rhaenyra is being developed to be a strong female protagonist, sad to say that actress Milly Alcock is unable to convey the power and strength that the characterisation demands. Most of the time, she looks half-asleep!
Which is a pity because by the end of the episode, Rhaenyra establishes herself as a force to be reckoned with but Alcock is not able to keep up with that characterisation. Most of the other characters are ably served by the designated performers though. It’s hard not to make comparisons to Emily Clarke’s performance as Dany in Game of Thrones. Alcock fails miserably in this respect.
The conflict is ramped up when the King decides to marry Lady Alicent of Hightower, placing him in the camp of his Hand Lord Hightower, her father, and forcing Lord Corlys Velaryon to side with Prince Daemon – Matt Smith sadly under-utilised in this episode! – against the King. With the conspiring pair keen to take on the dreaded Crabfeeder (!) there’s probably gory action to be had in the next episode. Recommended!
Now streaming on HBO Max.
… still there’s more …