House of the Dragon S1 E1 “The Heirs of the Dragon” Review (HBO)

It’s inevitable. House of the Dragon (HOTD) will always be compared to Game of Thrones (GOT.). Is it good enough? Does it live up to the standards? Are they trying to hard to be the same show? I went into this thinking that while I will most likely compare the shows, I am going in with VERY low expectations but very high excitement. One episode into the new series, my expectations just shot through the roof. It’s hard to follow up one of the greatest TV series of all time. But HOTD did so and more. Let’s get into this shall we?

Who Did We Meet?

Well, pretty much, everyone.

• Viserys Targaryen – Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Rhelm, yada, yada, yada…he’s the king
• Aemma Targaryen – Viserys wife and pregnant for the 7th time
• Rhaenyra Targaryen – Viserys and Aemma’s 15 year old daughter
• Daemon Targaryen – Viserys younger brother and leader of the City Watch
• Rhaenys Targaryen – Older cousin of Viserys, she was King Jaehaerys eldest grandchild from his first born son, known as the “Queen who never was”
• Jaehaerys Targaryen – King until the year 101, one of the most popular kings as he ruled during a time of great peace and prosperity
• Corlys Velaryon – husband to Rhaenys, Master of Ships, Lord of the Tides, member of the King’s council, Lord of Driftmark
• Otto Hightower – Hand of the King and resident douchebag
• Alicent Hightower – Rhaenyra’s BFF and daughter of Otto
• Syrax – Rhaenyra’s dragon
• Caraxes – Daemon’s dragon
• Harrold Westerling – member of the King’s Guard assigned to protect Rhaeynra
• Lyman Beesbury – Master of Coin
• Grand Maester Mellos
• Lyonel Strong – part of the King’s Council
• Criston Cole – born to Lord Dondarrion’s steward, a commoner from Dorne
• Boremund Baratheon – cousin to Rhaenys Targaryen
• Gwayne Hightower – son of Otto and brother to Alicent
• Hobart Hightower – Master of the Citadel, Lord of Oldtown
• Rickon Stark – Lord of Winterfell
• The Master of Revels – didn’t get his name but looks like a fun job
• Mysaria – Daemon’s Whore
• The City Watch (Gold Cloaks)
• Captain Randyll Barret – Captain of the City Watch
• The Kingsguard
• The Dragon Keepers

Key Areas of Westeros

This includes places we saw and heard of:

• King’s Landing – founded by Aegon I Targaryen, it is largest city and the capitol of Westeros
• The Red Keep – part of King’s Landing and the home of the monarchy
• The Dragon Pit – where the dragons live
• Harrenhal – the largest castle in Westeros, which is probably why King Jaehaerys has his announcement of his new heir here instead of Kings Landing
• Dragonstone – ancestral home of the Targaryen’s and where the heir to the throne resides and rules until they take over the Iron Throne
• The Free Cities – the nine independent states across the Narrow Sea from Westeros in Western Essos
• The Stepstones – islands in the Narrow Sea east of Dorne and west of Essos who are part of the Disputed Lands inhabited mainly by pirates
• The Citadel – home and school to the Maesters and Grand Maesters of the Seven Kingdoms
• The Vale – part of the Seven Kingdoms, eventually ruled by House Aaryn from the Eryie (the Capitol of the Vale)
• Runestone – one of the castles in the Vale
• Driftmark – an island in Blackwater Bay ruled by Corlys Velaryon
• Dorne – the southern most part of Westeros and part of the Seven Kingdoms, although I’m not sure if Dorne is part of the Seven Kingdoms at this point in history

Major Storylines

Setting the Stage

The House of the Dragon is based on George R R Martin’s book, “Fire and Blood.” I think this is important to realize because this show is not random showrunners coming in to try to capitalize on the success of GOT and give their spin on the Targaryen lineage and history. This is based on a completed book (another important factoid) and GRRM has A LOT more to do with how this series goes than he did with GOT.

With that being said, we are 100 years into the Targaryen’s monarchy. They currently have 10 adult dragons. Old Valeryia has been destroyed. King Jaehaerys is nearly 60 years into his reign when he decides to officially name his heir. He is an incredibly popular king because the people have known nothing but peace and prosperity during his tenure. However, both of his sons died leaving the heir to the thrown in doubt. Fourteen people laid claim to the throne but only two people were seriously considered. The first, is Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, who is the King’s eldest descendant as the daughter of his eldest son. The second, is her younger cousin, Prince Viserys Targaryen, who is the eldest male descendant as the son of his second son. The King called a for a council at Harrenhal to announce the next heir and because he wanted to prevent a war over his seat. And with that, Prince Viserys Targaryen was named heir to the throne, to the cheers of the crowd and the stink eye of Princess Rhaeyns who was absolutely pissed off.

The story begins nine years into King Viserys I Targaryen’s reign and 172 years before the death of Aerys I Targaryen, the Mad King, and the birth of his daughter, Princess Daenerys Targaryen.

The Issue in the Stepstones – The Rise of the Triarchy

Corlys Velaryon is worried. He is the Master of Ships, Lord of the Tides, after all. He’s concerned over an alliance rising up among the free cities that is known as the Triarchy. Their leader is Craghas Drahar, the Crabfeeder. The Triarchy is currently invading an area called the Stepstones, which is unruled islands between Westeros and Essos. It also an area mainly inhabited by pirates and other miscreants. Corlys is quite annoyed as he brings this up, because the King is more concerned over telling jokes and planning a tournament for the birth of his alleged son. Meanwhile the rest of the council couldn’t care less about a group from the free cities wiping out a bunch of pirates they deem problematic anyway. But what Corlys explains to them is that this group is messing with their shipping lanes and ports. So this problem should be taken care of or at the very least, watched closely in case the Triarchy has bigger designs in mind.

I think this gives us the first real insight to Viserys lack of leadership and vision. He’s afraid of making any hard decisions. He wants to do everything he can to maintain the peace. And while it’s admirable to want to have a culture of peace and happiness, sometimes, elements and factions force your hand and you have to make the tough decisions. That’s why you’re in charge. And if you can find a way to resolve situations that arise in peaceful ways, that what makes you not just a beloved leader, but a respected one. But keeping the peace doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to events that can become problematic for your realm and the people you serve. You have to face the issues, no matter which way they go. Viserys doesn’t seem to have any interest in solving real problems.

The Birth of a Son – The Grand Tournament

This was one of the toughest scenes I’ve ever watched. I appreciated how the scenes were filmed. It lined up with what Aemma said to Rhaenyra earlier in the episode: “The child bed is our battlefield. Going to have to face it with a stiff upper lip.” It showed the violence that ensued with the tournament juxtaposed with the violence Aemma was forced to deal with during her childbirth. And the childbirth was 100 times worse than the tournament.

Showrunner, Ryan Condal talked about showing what women have to deal with in the HOTD world. But it’s more than dealing with a difficult childbirth that resulted in tragedy. This is now the 7th time Aemma was pregnant. She gave birth to Rhaenyra, had one child die, two were stillborn, and two were miscarried. Now her 7th is breach and instead of asking HER want she wants to do or Viserys and Aemma having a private discussion on what THEY want to do, the men make it for her. Cut her open and let her bleed to death for the sake of an heir. And we’re not talking about 21st century conditions with numbing agents, doctors, equipment, and support to make sure the c section is safe and as comfortable as it can be for the mother. Oh no, they drag her down the bed by her legs and just saw her open. You can see the pure terror in Aemma’s eyes as she knows what’s about to happen. She is about to die and in one of the most painful ways possible. And she had absolutely no say in the matter. Even as she is begging for her husband to help her and stop this madness, he does nothing. Well I would hate to see what Viserys does to someone he hates if this is what he does to someone he loves. This is where I really turned on him. You don’t want to start a war in the Stepstones because you want peace (or are too chicken shit) but you’ll butcher your wife for the sake of an heir, which by the way, you already have two living options. Oh, he dies shortly after he’s born. Well done Viserys. Bravo.

Daemon/Viserys/Rhaenyra

If there is one thing I learned very quickly watching this episode, is that the Targaryen’s can say whatever they want about each other. But anyone outside their banners, should keep their mouths shut. This story is all about family. And it’s very clear in the pilot that these are people who will do anything for each other, even if they don’t like each other, because they are blood.

It starts, for me, with Daemon and Rhaenyra. Did anyone else feel like there was something more to that necklace scene than just, “hello my little niece; you’re adorable and I’ve missed you so?” It felt like courting. Now we all know the Targaryens marry their own. Inbreeding is abound! But this felt a little creepier because she is 15 years old and he’s, what, 30-35? Ew. I mean yes, uncle/niece ew comes first, but putting that atrociousness aside for the sake of the show, the age gap and her young age made it feel extra creepy. Regardless, these two have a special bond. Does it become so special that they eventually become a power couple? It’s certainly possible because now that Daemon has pissed off the King and Rhaenyra has been made heir, she is now his path to the throne. But does Daemon really care about that? I’m not sure. I think he likes to get under his brother’s skin. I think Daemon likes to stir the pot. I think he likes being a disruptor…the black sheep. But does he really want to rule? And would he use Rhaenyra to do it? I think he genuinely loves Rhaenyra. I don’t think he would intentionally hurt her. But I do think his quest to anger his brother and make his life more difficult is more appealing to him than the job itself. Which leads into the relationship between Daemon and Viserys.

I think Viserys loves Daemon. He certainly frustrates him and can be a distraction he doesn’t need. But I do believe he has his back and will continue to defend him as long as he still stays in his crooked lanes. I do think there is a line Daemon can cross that would be a point of no return for Viserys. Because we see it when he is banished for ridiculing his deceased son in a public forum. Viserys does have his limits with him. But I do respect the fact that while he may chide his brother behind the scenes, he defends him in public and with his council. Viserys does have to be careful how far he takes his loyalty to him because Daemon is certainly not revered by many people. But at the end of the day, Viserys is King and the King can do what he wants! In terms of Daemon’s feelings towards Viserys, I also believes he loves his brother, but I do not think he respects him. I also get the feeling, as with most family (especially sibling) stories, that there is back story to their issues with one another. We just don’t know them yet. But I do believe that while Daemon would protect Viserys from anyone and anything outside the Targaryen name, I also believe that Daemon feels that if anyone is going to hurt the King, it will be him.

I found the scene with Viserys and Rhaenyra to be interesting and awkward at the same time. They’ve been distant since Aemma’s death. They haven’t found a way to connect. But when Viserys tells Rhaenyra she will be named his heir, I think she was more shocked than anything. He also passes down the story that all Targaryen leaders share with the heir. Aegon’s dream/premonition of a great war during a horrific winter. “It is call a Song of Ice and Fire.” Viserys basically tells her the story of the White Walkers and to beware of that tiny disaster on the horizon. I read some people were annoyed by this tie in. I’m not sure why. This is an origin story of Game of Thrones. There is no hiding the fact that these stories are related. Hell the promos even have “Game of Thrones” above the title “House of the Dragon.” There is no distancing from that connection. Nor should there be. It would be strange, to me, if there was an active distancing. Besides, premonitions and visions are very much a part of the story’s landscape, especially with the Targaryens. So I felt the tie in was appropriate and natural.

But after the revealing of her being the heir and sharing this secret only rulers will know, it doesn’t seem to bring them closer. It’s a strange relationship as I don’t think Viserys has any idea how to be father to a daughter. I think they both struggle with that. You can see they want to be closer but don’t know how. Aemma was their connecting force and now she’s gone. Now that he has formally made her the heir, how will this affect their relationship moving forward?

The Battle for Power – HBO’s Other Succession Show

“The only thing that can bring down the House of the Dragon, is itself.”

Let’s look at the two players and how they are battling for their seat of power. First we have the slime, Otto Hightower. Otto served King Jaehaerys and now is Viserys Hand of the King. At first, Otto appears to be someone who is really looking out for the King’s best interests. He also appears to be a royal suck up as well when Corlys wants to discuss the Stepstones and Otto shifts gears to the jousting tournament. Knowing full well, that’s what the King really wants to discuss. But as we shift to the end of the episode, after Queen Aemma has died, he immediately has his daughter, Alicent (all14 years old of her,) put on one of her mother’s dresses and go visit the King to “offer him comfort.” I just want to hug Alicent because she knows exactly what this is all about and where this will head. And I will never be able to get over a father pimping out his daughter because he is so power hungry for control over a crown.

The other major power player is Corlys Velaryon. As mentioned above, he is married to the Queen that Never Was, Rhaenys Targaryen and has two children, Laena and Laenor Velaryon. He come from the other powerful house in the realm. At this point, Corlys hasn’t made any major moves other than to try to weaken the forces charging into the Stepstones and make a request for his wife to be considered heir to the throne. You can always see Corlys’ wheels turning with every event so far. He’s always thinking two to three steps ahead of everyone else. And with Viserys, that isn’t hard. He will be a player to come. It’s just a matter of how he will make his move and will people see it coming.

Major Battles

Unless we want to classify the tournament as a battle or the Gold Cloaks mutilating, dismembering, and killing the criminals of Kings Landing a battle, which I don’t, there were no major battles to discuss in this episode.

Who Died?

• Queen Aemma
• Prince Baelon
• The criminals of King’s Landing
• Some of the tournament knights

Projections

Where Do I Want To See This Go?

Since we’re only in episode one and who knows how many seasons this will go, I’ll probably have short and long term

• I want to see Rhaenyra ascend the throne
  • She is bad ass. And I think she’ll be a hell of a ruler.
• I want to see Viserys die by the end of the season
  • A macabre prediction, I know. But he lost any warmth from me with what he did to his wife. And you know the sore on his back wasn’t a one off scene.
• I want to see Corlys and Rhaenys shake some things up
  • I have no idea if I am going to like these two or not, but I know I will be royally entertained by them.
• I want Otto Hightower to get his comeuppance
• I want something for Daemon but I don’t know what yet.
  • My gut right now says, I just want to see him happy. He seems woefully sad to me. Pathetic almost. But I have a feeling he will make it hard to root for him.
• I want to see more dragons!

Where Do I Think It Will Go?

I have no idea. I really don’t. I don’t think I could even attempt it. Give me three episodes and then I’ll start with where I think it goes vs. what I want.

That’s it for the pilot. Whew, that was exhausting! But I really excited for where this show will go in the future and I hope you take the ride with me!