Warning: Includes minor SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 3, based on Fire & Blood.
House of the Dragonseason 3’s Daemon story should fix one of the most significant problems with season 2, and I can’t wait for it. Despite being one of the most abrasive human beings inGeorge R.R. Martin’sA Song of Ice & Fireworld, actor Matt Smith’s portrayal has made Daemon Targaryen a fan favorite in the HBO prequel series. WithHouse of the Dragonseason 3on the way,the series will hope to put its divisive sophomore run behind it and start fresh, offering several battles and, hopefully, a return to the critically acclaimed quality of its first season.
In a 2024BuzzFeedinterview (with puppies), Matt Smith talked somewhat solemnly about how he was separated from the rest of the cast inHouse of the Dragonseason 2. Heshared his memories of filming season 1, with the majority of the cast being under one roof for episodes centered around weddings and funerals, describing it as being almost like a play. While I interpreted Smith’s comments as just missing working with the rest of theHouse of the Dragoncast, I also feel like it’s inadvertently a rather profound assessment of one of the show’s biggest issues.
Daemon Was Separated From The Main Cast For Most Of House Of The Dragon Season 2
Daemon’s Harrenhal Isolation Was A Common Season 2 Critique
Daemon Targaryen spent the majority of season 2 in Harrenhal, amassing an army that he ultimately turned over to Rhaenyra. His narrative was consistently accused of being boring, with most of his arc unfolding in dreams and visions of characters like his brother, his mother, anda younger Rhaenyra. I can understand the complaint thathis time at Harrenhal didn’t move the plot forward very much, but I’m always hesitant to back anyone saying “nothing happened.” A lot happened, at least in terms of him reckoning with his past.
The biggest problem with Daemon’s season 2 arc was that he was isolated. Rather than demonstrating his growth through compelling conversations like in season 1, the writers were forced to handle it all through dreams. He had some enjoyable scenes with Ser Simon Strong, but he lacked his most enjoyable screen partners: Viserys, Otto, and Rhaenyra. It wassatisfying watching Daemon spar with Otto, Viserys, or even Vaemon Velaryon in season 1, and it built his character in a candid way. In order to follow the source material, however, he had to be alone at Harrenhal.
House Of The Dragon Benefits From Its Ensemble Scenes
Audiences were quick to assessHouse of the Dragonseason 2 as “boring” or “slow” for its lack of promised battles, but I always found that to be a hollow take. Season 2 had more action than the most critically acclaimed seasons ofGame of Thrones, and it was far more divisive. The more accurate explanation for the season 2 lull was that, beyond Daemon, almost all the show’s characters were spread out, which ties back to what Matt Smith said aboutHouse of the Dragonseason 1 feeling like a play.
When everyone is present, the stakes are immediately higher in a poignant, operatic way.
Just like any other drama about families caught up in the middle of war and betrayal,House of the DragonandGame of Throneshave frequently been described as Shakespearean. It’s no wonder that the Red Wedding, the Purple Wedding, and Tyrion’s trial are among the most unforgettable sequences in the original show. That’swhen the bulk of the characters are grouped together, and the writers are given a sandbox of potential interactions and fascinating dynamicsto explore. When everyone is present, the stakes are immediately higher in a poignant, operatic way.
Consider Rhaenyra and Alicent’s argument at the end of “Driftmark,” following the mutilation of Aemond, where Alicent draws a knife on her former friend. Consider Criston Cole attacking Joffrey Lonmouth at the end of “We Light the Way,” and how a congregation of Westeros nobility quickly turned raw and animalistic. The potential for drama when all the show’s characters are together in one room is outstanding and consistently creates the most shocking, emotional outcomes.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Lacked Compelling Dynamics
Season 2 Lacked Meaningful Character Pairings
Even beyond just mass gatherings, theGame of Thronesfranchise has often thrived with one-on-one dynamics. Arya and the Hound. Cersei and Tyrion. Jaime and Brienne. This is whyHouse of the Dragonseason 2 embraced some of the most absurd contrivances we’ve seen in this universe to bring Alicent and Rhaenyra togethernot once, but twice, hoping to evoke some of that season 1 magic. None of season 2’s more authentic dynamics were on the level needed to maintain interest, despite younger characters like Aegon, Jacaerys, Baela, and Helaena stepping up their game.
The absence of Viserys left a massive void to fill, and none of the new characters were given much to fill it with. Each of the main new cast members was essentially given one trait to define their characters, with Alyn of Hull giving a particular video game NPC vibe, appearing at the same exact location, and retreading the same conversation in every scene. This is no fault of the actors, of course;the show seemingly struggled with time management and budgetary issues, preventing these characters from having enough time and flexibilityto deliver anything.
Daemon’s Return To King’s Landing In Season 3 Is A Great Sign
House Of The Dragon Can Benefit From King’s Landing Drama Once Again
Following his reunion with Rhaenyra, Daemon’s most likely course inHouse of the Dragonseason 3, based on the books, is to help her capture King’s Landing. Aegon has fled the capital, and Aemond plans to light the Riverlands ablaze, as Alicent has shared with Rhaenyra. Once Rhaenyra retakes the Iron Throne, we’ll see the most extensive assortment of main characters in the same space since season 1, which should allow the series to continue pursuing the interpersonal narrative threads that season 2 was forced to postpone.
Once Rhaenyra retakes the Iron Throne, we’ll see the most extensive assortment of main characters in the same space since season 1
Alicent and Rhaenyra will finally be allowed to explore the decades of tension between them without someone being smuggled into a highly fortified location. Daemon and Otto might finally get another crack at each other, once Otto’s mysterious imprisonment is sorted out. Not to mention, the addition of the dragonseeds creates some tension, which was already teased during the dinner scene in season 2’s finale.House of the Dragonhas some compelling stories to look forward to, and I’m hoping for a return to form.
