Spoiler Warning: House of the Dragon Season 1While it could be argued thatHouse of the Dragonburned slowly throughout most of its first episodes, the show managed to close out its initial season with an explosion of sorts. A literal explosion ended the season’s penultimate episode after Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) burst from below the ground atop Meleys in the middle of Aegon’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) hastened crowning ceremony. Subsequently, a metaphorical explosion occurred in the final scenes of the show’s finale within Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) following the untimely death of her son, Lucerys Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), at the hands of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and his dragon, Vhagar.
Such events set in motion the impending civil war with little to no chance of reversing what will likely come in season two. With blood now spilled, whether intentional or not, Rhaenyra and those loyal to her will surely resort to more than just diplomatic tactics as they try to secure her rightful place as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Cooler heads might have prevailed if Lucerys had been able to carry out his mission to the Baratheons without issue, but his demise now means all bets are off in the upcoming season. In trueGame of Thronesfashion, season two is likely to kick it up a notch, and as a result, there are quite a few things viewers want to see.
Lots of Dragon Battles
Fans ofGame of ThronesandHouse of the Dragonhave seen plenty of scenes with a dragon scorching the ground below and killing every living thing in its path. However, viewers have yet to see a true battle between an army of dragons. Fans of the show have witnessed warring armies, but there have never been opposing armies in which both sides have multiple dragons as a part of their arsenal. Season two is primed for such a scenario.
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Audiences were granted a taste of what battling dragons could look like when Arrax and Vhagar duked it out. However, such a scuffle was more nuanced than a regular fight. It was clearly one-sided and bound to end in Vhagar’s favor. There was no real battle to enjoy watching. Furthermore, the scenetugged at the heartstringsof viewers, which isn’t the kind of “dance of the dragons” audiences want to see when season 2 unfolds.
Justice for Lucerys and Arrax
Although it was clear that Aemond did not intentionally set out tomurder Lucerys, he did nonetheless. He was unable to control Vhagar once the dragon went rogue, and in turn, has set in motion a bloody civil war. Furthermore, given that he taunted his nephew nearly every chance he could, no one is likely to believe such a tragedy wasn’t purposeful. As a result, the death of such an important character is bound to be avenged, and rightfully so. Surely when Daemon (Matt Smith) learns the details of his great-nephew/stepson’s murder, he will seek to respond to Lucerys and Arrax’s death in kind. It’s doubtful that Rhaenyra will be opposed to such a response.
A Different Side of Rhaenyra
Following the news of her son’s death, Rhaenyra showed viewers a glimpse of what season two might have in store for the usurped queen. She’s maintained grace and calmness in response to Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her half-brother Aegon’s betrayal, but Lucerys’s demise will likely change how she approaches her precarious situation.
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While she has worked to keep the Realm united just as she promised her father, all bets are off now that the first blood spilled was that of her son. While she’s worked hard to keep all-out war off the table, the death of Lucerys changes everything. The cooler head she’s managed to maintain in a room full of trigger-happy men, is sure to shift. Viewers can hope to see amore ruthless Rhaenyraas season two plays out.
A Deeper Dive Into the Prophecy
At the end ofHouse of the Dragon’sfirst season, it’s made clear King Viserys (Paddy Considine) never discussed Aegon the Conqueror’s dream and thePrince That Was Promisedprophecy with his brother Daemon. Much to the surprise of both Rhaenyra and Daemon, it was kept secret from Daemon even while he was the presumed heir to his brother. The revelation immediately angers Daemon who proceeds to direct his feelings of rage toward Rhaenyra by violently grabbing her neck, halting any further discussion of the prophecy.
Throughout the first season, the show continued to discuss the prophecy, which would lead viewers to believe it’s important in relation to the events currently unfolding in the prequel series. Surely it’s more than a nod to its predecessor,Game of Thrones, if it continues to be referenced with such importance. It’s possible the prophecy deals with characters during the time of the Targaryen civil war rather than Jon Snow. Viewers would enjoy a deeper dive into what the prophecy could mean for the Realm.
Filming for the second season ofHouse of the Dragonis set to begin this year, so audiences should expect its premiere sometime in 2024. In the meantime, catch up on the first season currently streaming on HBOMax.
