House of the Dragon Episode 1 Recap – A Promising Return

When Game of Thrones concluded just a few years ago, there was no doubt that it would be one of the most remembered shows on television, just not for all of the right reasons.  While the first four seasons were of legendary quality, and seasons five and six have strong highlights despite a notable dip in quality for some, it was reasonable to expect that the adaptation of “A Song of Ice and Fire” by George R.R. Martin would have a strong enough finish.

After all, Season 6 ended with two of the best episodes in the series, despite not having any more books to adapt from, so it seemed like it would be in good hands.  However, when Season 7 came around, concerns among fans and critics started to grow.  A reduction in the number of episodes, and the odd writing of certain characters rose eyebrows.  Still, the hype for Season 8 was immense… that was until it actually released.

Courtesy of HBO

The disappointment with the finale was immense.  Critics and Fans both harped on the rushed nature of the season, with criticism aimed at the characterization and lack of depth that made the show a hit in the first place.  Since that time, Game of Thrones legacy wasn’t one of the greatest shows on television.  Rather, it became a show that started off with promise, only to squander that at the end.  As such, any excitement for a future project set in the world of Westeros would be met with hesitation.

Enter House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire and Blood”.  With the announcement of the show, there were some who were cautiously optimistic.  With George R.R. Martin’s involvement, it looked to recapture what made the first four seasons of Game of Thrones so captivating.

After it’s premiere, it is safe to say that House of the Dragon succeeds and thensome.

Courtesy of HBO

Set 172 years before Game of Thrones, the show follows the reign of the Targaryens.  A war of succession is soon to break out, as King Viserys is unable to produce a male heir, naming his firstborn daughter and only child Rhaenyra as his successor.  This, despite the fact that his brother, Daeon, is heir presumptive.  As the episode teases, this sets off a chain of events which would lead to the downfall of House Targaryen.

To begin, the callbacks to the first Season of Game of Thrones within this episode served quite a few purposes.  As many remember, the first season of Game of Thrones was similar to a political thriller, in that as a grand conspiracy is uncovered, the lives of many are put into jeopardy.  These callbacks serve two purposes; fan service, and they create a sense of unease with the audience.  The audience remembers these images and events, associating them with the events which led to the War of Five Kings.  The context now, is completely different.  Death is still in the air, but now, the biggest threat to the Targaryens, are themselves.

Courtesy of HBO

The performances in this first episode were also stellar.  Each of the actors and actresses do a fantastic job at capturing what their characters are going through, from Viserys’ regret over the choice he made, to Rhaenyra’s longing to break free from the role given to her as a woman in this society.  The standout, however, is Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen.  While he is a fierce warrior and formidable opponent, it’s clear that there is a cunning edge to his character.  Still, it’s clear that he cares about his house and his family, but he is willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his ambitions and take the throne.

By the end of the episode, so much is promised as to where the show can go.  This episode was certainly a love letter to the first season of Game of Thrones.  But it was more than that.  This episode plants the seeds for a show that will invoke the feelings and ideas of Game of Thrones, but will go in many unique and different directions.  It seems like it will slowly work its way to crafting its own identity.  Simply put, House of the Dragon is a promising return to deep, emotional storytelling in the world of Westeros.