Last night the second episode of the Game of Thrones prequel premiered.
In “The House of the Dragon” time does not pass. The first two chapters have, from start to finish, an intense and politically charged plot that nevertheless leaves some fans eager for more action. Despite the expectations generated by the previous events, the episode, titled “The Clash of the Twins”, continues to build tensions without yet reaching the climax of the expected war, which can be frustrating given that the season only consists of eight episodes. , and we are already seeing two.
Last night’s episode revolves around the same thing as the one that opened the season, it focuses on a failed assassination attempt, that of Rhaenyra. Let us remember that in the first episode the target was Aemond, Alicent’s second son, and the victim ends up being Jaehaerys. The episode opens with an ill-conceived plot led by Sir Criston Cole, who attempts to send Sir Arryk Cargyll on a suicide mission to assassinate Rhaenyra, impersonating his twin brother, Sir Erryk. This plan, clearly unrealizable, culminates in a confusing confrontation that results in the death of Erryk and the suicide of Arryk, or the other way around. The reality is that in the scene you cannot differentiate one from the other and we do not know who dies first and who commits suicide.
On the other hand, the relationship between Rhaenyra and Daemon is further fractured when she accuses him of being involved in the death of Aegon’s son, Jaehaerys. This confrontation, although dramatically powerful, continues in the vein of politics and the intense dialogue that has characterized the first episodes of this season. Daemon, in response, abandons Rhaenyra and heads to Harrenhal, signaling a new split in the family.
Aegon, for his part, is immersed in pain and rage after the death of his son. His reaction is as violent as it is impulsive: he executes the rat catchers and deposes Otto Hightower, appointing Sir Criston Cole as the new Hand of the King. These decisions, while dramatic, lack the direct action that many viewers might be expecting. Aegon acts with a recklessness that only increases the chaos in King’s Landing, but the consequences of his actions have yet to manifest in battles or physical confrontations.
Alicent Hightower is shown in a state of constant depression, taking refuge in prolonged baths that symbolize her attempt to purge herself of guilt and shame. These scenes, although emotionally charged, contribute to the feeling of stagnation in the narrative, where the action feels supported by introspection and personal drama.
Despite the promise of a more intense and concentrated narrative, the series still fails to deliver the action sequences and battles expected in a civil war of such magnitude. The inclusion of House Stark and the long-awaited “A Dance with Dragons” promise exciting battle scenes, but so far, these promises have not been fulfilled.
The series delves into the emotional and political complexities of its characters, and that makes it unique in the Game of Thrones universe, highlighting its ability to combine human drama with great sequences of tension that makes it worthy of its own narrative identity; but fans are hoping for something closer to its predecessor in terms of action.
