House of the Dragon

Game of Thrones was one of my favorite shows of all-time so I couldn't wait for House of the Dragon. After just finishing it I can tell you it's fantastic! While it's not as good as Game of Thrones it's still very good in its own right. It's already another hit in a long line of them for HBO. I've never read the books to these shows so I had no expectations when it came to that but I wouldn't care if it varied from the source material even if I did. I don't get why so many people care if a movie/show is different from the source material. As long as it's entertaining...who cares? They have to adapt these books for the screen. The first few episodes may start a little slow for some as they build these characters and the world they live in but stick with it because it definitely pays off. This is definitely one of the best new shows of the last few years and I'm looking forward to more seasons in the future.

The first season was so good-amazing world-building, layered characters, and every episode built momentum until that unforgettable cliffhanger finale. Leaving me thinking that Game of Thrones is back!

But then came Season 2, and I couldn't help but ask: what went wrong?

Game of Thrones gave us some of the most fascinating female characters in TV history-Cersei, driven by trauma, ambition, and family; Daenerys, evolving from a powerless slave to a liberator and queen. These characters were complex, flawed, and compelling.

Now, we have a queen who complains about the men around her while making questionable decisions behind their backs. Instead of delving into the nuances of her choices, the writing reduces her to frustration when she's confronted. Meanwhile, Daemon-arguably the most captivating character-has been sidelined, left to have a mental break down. Aemond, who commands attention in every scene, has been reduced to barely any screen time even though every scene he's in is left with intensity.

It feels like the writing has lost its edge. I never thought I'd say it, but I'd rather rewatch Game of Thrones' final season than sit through this again. Season 2 deserves better writing, and so do we.

It is not uncommon for successful shows to experience a major drop in quality from the initial season to the next but wow, the season 2 of House of the Dragon dropped off the proverbial cliff.

After a great season 1, proving to many that the world of Westeros could still play host to interesting story lines, season 2 managed to mess that up. Too many side plots that added nothing to the overall story, too much sitting around and brooding by Queen Rhaenyra and the endless Harrenhal scenes were awful.

As so many others have pointed out, the pacing was completely off for the entire season leaving me zoning out during episodes. Now we are told that filming for season 3 will commence next year so season 3 where we might finally get some dragon-on-dragon action is likely 18 months away? While I looked forward to season 2 after a great season 1, I have to admit to not being all that excited for season 3.

What a shame.

In truth, the show presents all the GOT trappings, but offers none of its heart. Consider why we cared about GOT. First, we watched the Stark family children and their trials, torn from their home in the North: Sansa in King's Landing, then worse; Arya among the Nameless Men, then wandering Westeros with the Hound; Jon Snow at the Wall and beyond on his northern quest, then finding his truth with Dani. Secondly, the Lannister story-arc had legs. We came to care about both Jamie and Tyrion. Finally, we watched Dani rise from trophy wife to Targaryen queen. That is, we experienced these complex and beautifully written characters as they grew.

Contrastingly, House of the Dragon offers no one to support, truly; no main character to root for. Thus, it descends quickly into mere palace intrigue, cut with gut-wrenching violence. Who do we like, here? The arrogant and self-serving Rhaenyra offers little empathy; and while the young Queen Alicent seemed sympathetic, she grows icy cold. The King's weakness undermines our connection to him and, finally, Daemon is just unfathomable. Put simply, we don't care about these people and, without character sympathy, the show is empty. Great stories aren't about what happens to people. They're about what happens to people we care about. A lesson HOTD should learn.

No emotional connection whatsoever with characters, and this is why it is not working. In 'House of the Dragon,' the narrative struggles to engage viewers on a deeper level. The characters, while visually striking and well-portrayed, lack the development needed to foster genuine attachment. Unlike 'Game of Thrones,' where complex backstories and evolving relationships drew audiences in, 'House of the Dragon' fails to provide sufficient depth. Without this emotional investment, viewers find it challenging to care about the fates and motivations of the characters. The intricate political plots and spectacular battles cannot compensate for the absence of heartfelt connections. Consequently, the show risks becoming a mere spectacle, losing the compelling human element that once captivated fans. For 'House of the Dragon' to succeed, it must cultivate richer character arcs and more intimate storytelling. Adding more personal stakes and emotional dilemmas could help bridge this gap, making the audience genuinely care about the characters' journeys.