House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Dragon Riders Rise

In a season that has often prioritized political maneuvering over spectacle, Episode 7 of "House of the Dragon" finally delivers on the fiery promise of its title. Titled "The Sowing," this installment offers a thrilling display of dragon might that stands as one of the show's most visually impressive sequences to date.

Dragons Take Center Stage

The episode's standout sequence revolves around Rhaenyra's (Emma D'Arcy) risky gambit to recruit new dragonriders from among the common folk. This "sowing" of potential Targaryen seeds culminates in a breathtaking and terrifying scene on Dragonstone, where the mighty dragon Vermithor puts the candidates through a trial by fire – quite literally.

Director Loni Peristere and the visual effects team deserve immense credit for bringing this sequence to life. The variety of dragon-induced carnage on display is both horrifying and oddly beautiful, showcasing the raw power and danger these creatures represent. It's a stark reminder of why dragons are the ultimate weapon in this world, and why controlling them is so crucial to the ongoing civil war.

Character Developments and Missteps

While the dragon-centric plot takes center stage, the episode still finds time for some intriguing character moments:

• Jacaerys (Harry Collett) expresses reservations about recruiting commoner dragonriders, revealing his own insecurities about his legitimacy.
• Young Lord Oscar Tully (Archie Barnes) stands up to Daemon (Matt Smith), offering a refreshing challenge to the prince's bullying tactics.
• Ulf and Hugh, two of the commoner dragonrider candidates, are given backstories that make their motivations clear and add stakes to their attempts.

However, not all character arcs land as successfully. Alicent's (Olivia Cooke) storyline feels particularly directionless, with her woodland excursion adding little to her overall character development. Similarly, Daemon's continued visions of Viserys, while atmospheric, tread familiar ground without offering new insights.

Pacing and Structure

The episode's pacing is somewhat uneven. The first half leans heavily on exposition and setup, which, while necessary, can feel sluggish at times. However, this slower build pays off in the episode's latter half, which delivers a sustained sequence of dragon-centric action and tension.

Technical Mastery

Beyond the impressive visual effects, the episode shines in other technical aspects:

• Ramin Djawadi's score continues to elevate the material, with new themes complementing the dragon-focused action.
• Cinematographer Vanja Cernjul captures both the intimacy of character moments and the epic scale of the dragon sequences with equal skill.

Verdict: A Fiery Ascent

"The Sowing" represents a high point for "House of the Dragon" Season 2, finally delivering on the dragon-centric promise of its premise. While some character arcs still feel underdeveloped, the sheer spectacle and tension of the dragon-claiming sequence more than make up for these shortcomings.

This episode proves that "House of the Dragon" can soar when it fully embraces its fantastical elements. As we head into the season's final episode, the stage is set for an explosive finale that will likely see these newly claimed dragons put to the test in the ongoing Targaryen civil war.

What are your thoughts on the emergence of new dragonriders? How do you think this will shift the balance of power in the ongoing conflict? Share your opinions in the comments below!