The “Game of Thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon” started off with the largest premiere in HBO historical past, then continued to climb every week till the finale. The collection is ready virtually 200 years earlier than the delivery of Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) when dragons have been nonetheless enormous and highly effective. Halfway via the season, we had a giant time bounce, and Milly Alcock, who performed Rhaenyra Targaryen, was changed by Emma D’Arcy, whereas Emily Carey, who performed Alicent Hightower, was changed by Olivia Cooke. These two characters have been finest mates as younger ladies, however the scheming of Alicent’s father, Otto (Rhys Ifans), to get her to marry Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys (Paddy Considine), ripped them aside, and now they’re on reverse sides.

Sadly, we did not get many scenes between the older Rhaenyra and Alicent, and that’s one thing Emma D’Arcy desires to treatment in season 2. In a latest interview with GQ after the finale of season 1, D’Arcy (who makes use of they/them pronouns) was requested who they needed to have extra scenes with when the present returns, and Cooke wasn’t their solely selection. 

It is smart that Rhaenyra would need a father determine. Her personal father simply died, and he or she wasn’t there. However, King Viserys actually did screw her over, even though he was making an attempt to make sure the crown handed to her. He was a great father within the sense that he beloved her and informed her the key prophecy. He believed in her as a future Queen, however he by no means really did something to make sure her rule. Plus, he put his sense of consolation over her emotions for her finest pal, sired a number of youngsters who he needed to know would problem her for the throne, and let his a lot youthful spouse Alicent, the mom of these youngsters, take over within the council, giving her energy to do no matter she needed. These are usually not the actions of a robust father determine, which might solely compound the necessity to discover one in laborious occasions. 

Otto can be a nasty selection (although I might completely like to see these two actors collectively extra in season 2) as a father determine, although what D’Arcy says is smart, having the sentiments come up for them within the scene. Corlys … effectively, that can be a lot enjoyable to observe! An alliance between them (if he will get higher) would put Rhaenyra in a robust place. Plus, Steve Toussaint is unbelievable within the function. 

It’s attention-grabbing that Rhaenyra is not on the lookout for a mom determine (which she might most likely have in Rhaenys, performed by Eve Best), although her personal mom — within the temporary time we obtained to see her within the first episode — appeared far stronger than her father. Whatever occurs, season 2 cannot come quick sufficient. 

“House of the Dragon” is airing on HBO and streaming on HBO Max.