House of the Dragon’s second season blazes with intensity and drama, continuing the gripping intrigue that captivated audiences in its first season. Two years after the first season, the show returns to Westeros to explore whether Rhaenyra Targaryen seeks vengeance for the death of her son or strives to achieve the peace her father once envisioned. Join us in this review as we delve into what we loved about this season and discuss what we wish never actually happened.
Much can be said about the second season of House of the Dragon, but it’s nothing short of extraordinary. This season delves deeper into the Targaryen civil war, popularly known as the Dance of the Dragons. Alliances shift, loyalties are tested, and weirdly enough, Daemon Targaryen flees to Harrenhal after orchestrating the assassination of the young Jaeharys Targaryen, Aegon II’s heir.
This season also introduces us to new characters in the series, adding fresh dynamics and intrigue to the already complex world of Westeros. There’s Alys Rivers, who makes her debut as this strange woman who seemingly came from nowhere and whose only purpose was to confuse Daemon even more than he already was.
We also witness the age-old feud between the Brackens and Blackwoods, with intense scenes depicting their deadly battles—a nod to their significant roles in Game of Thrones when they join Robb Stark’s cause to establish a new kingdom in the North.
Most surprising of all, perhaps, is the introduction to the illegitimate sons of important characters in the series. We got Corlys Velaryon’s illegitimate sons, Alyn and Addam of Hull, who both discover their strengths play significant roles in Rhaenyra’s army. There’s also Hugh Hammer and Ulf White, dragonseeds, dragon riders, and appointed knights of House Targaryen.
Just as we say hello to these new characters, we also bid farewell to beloved ones. Let’s take a moment of silence for the queen who never was, Rhaenys Velaryon, who meets her tragic end in the battle against Vhagar and Aemond.
Otto Hightower also exits this season, but relax; he’s not dead—yet. He’s just been demoted as his grandson Aemond strips him of his title as the Hand. Speaking of which, how did Aemond have that power? Well, it’s because he forced his own brother off the throne.
Unfortunately for everyone, Aegon II remains alive, albeit gravely injured from the burns inflicted when Aemond unleashed Vhagar’s fire upon him.
As if those aren’t enough to shake you to your core, this season also makes sure there’s something for the shippers.
For the fans shipping Rhaenyra and Alicent, crumbs as they may be, at least we get to see the two women having meaningful interactions and seemingly recreating scenes from their childhood. It was all sorts of nostalgic, but it was also fascinating to be reminded of what they once were and to see how far they’ve diverged on their respective paths.
The biggest shock of all, perhaps, was the unexpected development of the Mysaria–Rhaenyra relationship, which surpasses every other ship in the series by a mile. The tension has been there the moment Rhaenyra freed Mysaria out of her imprisonment, but audiences are actually treated to an entire scene dedicated to the two passionately making out. What does this mean for the storyline? Before we can ponder too long, we’re snapped back to the looming war, and still, Daemon was nowhere to be found.
Not all ships fare well, however, as Alicent and Criston struggle to find support. It was infuriating, to say the least, watching Alicent actually do all the things she condemned Rhaenyra for when they were younger. Nonetheless, it all adds up to the complexity of her character, and it’s intriguing to think about how her relationship with her children and with Rhaenyra will all pan out.
Final Thoughts
The season ends strongly, with Daemon reuniting with Rhaenyra as the House of Targaryen prepares for battle. Still, when you think about it, wasn’t that just how the first season ended too—everyone bracing for war?
It’s difficult to say if this season is just dragging because each episode remains captivating, and you wouldn’t want to miss any of it—not even Daemon’s hallucinations in eerie Harrenhal, which, while they didn’t seem to do anything to move the plot forward, are still engaging. Massive credits are owed to the main cast, who made even the most ridiculous scenes work in their favor.
To sum up, we’re still seated for the next season. There remain lots of things to look forward to, with the second season building up anticipation for potential plot twists and character developments.
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