‘House of the Dragon’ Finale Sets Up New Power Dynamics — But You’ll Have to Wait for Season 3

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‘House of the Dragon’ Finale Sets Up New Power Dynamics — But You’ll Have to Wait for Season 3

As a gamer who has weathered countless storms in the realm of Westeros, I can confidently say that the second season finale of House of the Dragon left me with a sense of unease akin to standing on the precipice of a windswept cliff. The ambiguity and brutality were reminiscent of the intricate chess games we’ve come to expect from George R.R. Martin, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the third season while also fearing the inevitable bloodshed that lies ahead.

[This story contains major spoilers from the House of the Dragon season two finale.]

The second season of “House of the Dragon” concluded somewhat ambiguously, just as the creatures at the core of the story do – leaving us all hanging.

At the end of the HBO drama adapted from George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood”, there was a vague conclusion with both strong and tense alliances, along with some shocking betrayals. Viewers who expected a grand confrontation between the Blacks and the Greens might have been left unsatisfied as the final scenes showed swords mostly sheathed and dragons largely tamed, despite hinting at more intense violence in the upcoming third season.

In their second season, the show House of the Dragon, penned by veteran series writers Sara Hess and Geeta Vasant Patel, took a less overtly violent but still intense approach reminiscent of its debut. Instead of Queen Helaena being forced to choose between her children’s lives in the first episode, it’s now Queen Regent Alicent who faces a similar agonizing decision. Previously, Daemon Targaryen initiated the death of Helaena’s son; this time, Rhaenyra, who once criticized such actions, realizes that taking similar steps may be necessary for her to claim the throne and bring some semblance of tranquility to the kingdom.

In the closing acts of the season, Rhaenyra and Alicent find themselves locked in a nerve-wracking confrontation, reminiscent of their previous encounter in King’s Landing. For the grand finale, it is Alicent who approaches Rhaenyra, making her way to Dragonstone where she once called her childhood friend. Growing weary of her son Aemond’s (Ewan Mitchell) aggressive behavior and believing in Rhaenyra’s righteousness, Alicent proposes a truce: if Rhaenyra arrives at King’s Landing within three days with Aemond away at war, the city will immediately swear allegiance. In return, Alicent requests only one thing: protection for herself, Helaena and her child, as well as protection for her son, the disfigured King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney).

Upon hearing the latest proposal, Rhaenyra finds it hard to accept due to its implications. She asserts that she cannot establish control over King’s Landing and bring peace to the Seven Kingdoms without eliminating Aegon, thereby ending his false claim to the throne. As a result, it is Rhaenyra who presents the offer: if Alicent wants all the benefits from their original agreement, she must sacrifice Aegon. Overwhelmed by sorrow but resolute in her decision, Alicent consents. This deal may not resemble the grisly “Blood and Cheese” event, yet it echoes that fateful choice in a sense, marking a significant turning point. With this agreement, the opposing Targaryen forces are once more on a collision course, their dispute still unresolved as we approach the end of season two.

Currently, the story has reached a point where the final scene presents a mix of various groups. For instance, Team Green is advancing in multiple ways: Jason Lannister and his followers traverse the Riverlands, while his brother Tyland (played by Jefferson Hall) returns from Essos accompanied by pirate Sharako Lohar (Abigail Thorn). Meanwhile, Team Black has its own forces active in both regions. This includes House Tully’s bannermen and the Starks, along with their northmen, crossing the Twins, as well as Corlys Velaryon and his son Alyn leading their naval force out to sea. In terms of dragons, the balance isn’t equal: Rhaenyra’s dragonseeds have expanded with three new dragons, but they are challenged by Prince Regent Aemond’s powerful yet solitary mount Vhagar. Even in the Eyrie, there’s Rhaena Velaryon, who has never had a dragon before, now considering the prospect of acquiring one in the countryside.

The two armies are relatively evenly balanced, but there’s a substantial advantage on the leadership front, leaning towards Rhaenyra. Not only has she managed to win Alicent over to her side and found King Aegon dethroned (last seen secretly escaping from King’s Landing), Rhaenyra has also triumphed over her most formidable opponent: Daemon. Through much of season two, Daemon was stationed in Harrenhal, where he underwent psychedelic experiences that hinted at a larger role in the prophetic A Song of Ice and Fire. In the final episode, Daemon encountered visions about the White Walker threat and even caught a fleeting glimpse of Daenerys Targaryen (portrayed by Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones) and the hatching of her three dragons. On the other side of these visions, Daemon no longer desires the throne for himself but pledged his unwavering support to Rhaenyra’s claim.

With fresh alliances and dragons, Queen Rhaenyra’s triumphant return to King’s Landing appears almost inevitable when season three resumes, though it may be many moons away. However, we’re discussing the world of ‘Game of Thrones’, and as a certain illegitimate one put it, “If you believe this tale ends happily, you haven’t been watching closely.”

I’m absolutely thrilled that House of the Dragon season two is now available on Max! Don’t miss out, dive back in with THR’s comprehensive season recaps and enlightening interviews.

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2024-08-05 05:24