House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 Review: A Slow-Burning Prelude to War
House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 1 Review: A Slow-Burning Prelude to War
This review contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 1.
After nearly two years of anticipation, "House of the Dragon" returns with a season premiere that's more simmer than boil. "A Son for a Son" picks up the threads of the Targaryen civil war with deliberate pacing, setting the stage for the conflicts to come while frustratingly sidelining its most compelling characters.
The North Remembers... But Do We Need To?
The episode opens with a jarring reminder of the show's "Game of Thrones" lineage, whisking us to Winterfell where Jacaerys Velaryon seeks the support of Cregan Stark. While it's a treat for longtime fans to revisit the iconic Northern stronghold, this detour feels more like fan service than a necessary plot point. The show has already proven it can stand on its own merits without leaning on nostalgia.
Queens in Waiting
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the premiere is the relative absence of Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke's Alicent. These powerhouse performers, who breathed such vibrant life into their characters last season, are largely relegated to reactive roles. Rhaenyra spends most of the episode in mourning, while Alicent's screen time is split between political maneuvering and a somewhat forced romantic entanglement with Ser Criston Cole.
The affair between Alicent and Criston Cole feels like an unnecessary attempt to parallel her journey with Rhaenyra's, rather than a natural progression of her character.
A King Rises
Tom Glynn-Carney shines as the newly crowned Aegon II, bringing a dangerous charisma to the role. His scenes in the throne room, alternating between youthful carousing and sudden bursts of cruelty, hint at the volatile ruler he's becoming. The dynamic between Aegon and his grandfather Otto Hightower promises to be a fascinating power struggle as the season progresses.
Daemon's Dark Machinations
Matt Smith's Daemon Targaryen remains a highlight, his scheming taking on an even darker edge in the wake of Lucerys' death. The episode's final sequence, orchestrated by Daemon, is a grim reminder of the brutality this war will bring. It's a shocking moment that will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences.
Verdict: A Measured Return
While "A Son for a Son" may not deliver the explosive action some fans were hoping for, it methodically lays the groundwork for the season to come. The political maneuvering and character work are strong, even if the pacing occasionally drags. However, the decision to keep Rhaenyra and Alicent at arm's length from the main action is a puzzling one that hopefully won't persist throughout the season.
The production values remain stellar, with the new dragon loading dock on Dragonstone being a particularly impressive addition to the show's already rich visual landscape. And despite its slow burn, the episode's final moments promise that the Dance of the Dragons is about to erupt in earnest.
"House of the Dragon" returns with a deliberately paced premiere that prioritizes setup over spectacle. While it may not ignite with the same fury as last season's finale, it smolders with potential, hinting at the inferno to come. Let's hope future episodes bring our leading ladies back to the forefront where they belong.