The recent premiere of the second season of The House of the Dragon – 82% on the MAX platform returned viewers to the intriguing world of the Targaryens. The series, based on the work of George RR Martin, continues to explore the internal and external conflicts of one of the most powerful families in Westeros.
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With an impeccable production and a script full of twists and surprises, the new season has started strong, once again capturing its audience with its mix of drama, politics and action; However, there were some buts along the way.
“A Son for a Son”, chapter one of season two, concludes with one of the most anticipated moments by fans of the book: the murder perpetrated by Blood and Cheese. This scene, full of violence and tension, left viewers shocked, however, it did not meet the expectations of those who hoped to see this crucial part of the story adapted to the screen.
Why did the Blood and Cheese scene change?
Ryan Condal, showrunner of House of the Dragon – 82% explained the reasons behind the modifications made to this scene compared to the book Fire and Blood. In the original work, Daemon Targaryen’s plan involved murdering one of Aegon II’s sons in retaliation for the death of Lucerys Velaryin. However, in the series, the focus is on a failed attempt to kill Aemond, ending in a tragic confrontation with Helaena and her children.
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Condal mentioned for The Wrap that legal and ethical restrictions related to working with children on set significantly influenced these changes:
It wasn’t really possible, given the age of those characters, to realistically represent what’s in the book. There are things you simply can’t do with children on set, both from a decency and legal standpoint.
How was the scene adapted for television?
Adapting this crucial scene required a careful balance between staying true to the spirit of the book and making it viable for television. county He explained that there was a lot of conversation about how to structure the scene so that it was satisfying and producible. Ultimately, they opted for a version that maintained tension and emotional impact, but also respected the practical and legal limitations of filming with young actors.
In the television version, Daemon turns to a former Citadel guard known as Blood and a rat catcher named Cheese to infiltrate the Red Keep. Although they fail to find Aemond, they run into Helaena and her children, leading the scene to a brutal and heartbreaking denouement that has resonated deeply with viewers.
What makes House of the Dragon so successful?
The series addresses universal themes such as power, loyalty and betrayal, all wrapped up in a rich and complex narrative. The series was able to capture the essence of the work of George R.R. Martin, offering deep, nuanced characters facing moral dilemmas in an unforgiving world. This approach has allowed the series to not only appeal to Game of Thrones fans – 59%, but also gain a new audience.
The success of the series also lies in its ability to surprise and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode is filled with intrigue and character development, making every moment unpredictable and exciting. The quality of the production, along with the commitment of the cast and creative team, has solidified The House of the Dragon as one of the most outstanding series on contemporary television.
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