Released: 21st August to 24th October 2022
Number of Episodes: 10
Certificate: 18
Where To Watch: NowTV
Created by: Ryan Condal and George R.R. Martin
Starring: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Emma D'Acry, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Sonoya Mizuno and Fabien Frankel
Throughout the 2010s, Game Of Thrones sat at the top of small screen fantasy, drawing in millions of fans and redefining much of the genre. When the final season arrived in 2019, many were left bitterly disappointed and the phenomenon seemed to fizzle out completely. Nevertheless, HBO and George R.R. Martin have pushed on with a prequel, based on Fire and Blood. Many fantasy fanatics will be very pleased with the result.
Over 175 years before Game Of Thrones, House of The Dragon takes place in the twilight years of a golden age. The Targaryens, led by King Viserys (Paddy Considine) have reigned supreme, their mighty dragons laying waste to all enemies. But within the walls of King’s Landing, trouble is brewing; when Viserys breaks tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock/Emma D'Arcy) as his heir, a power struggle slowly escalates, slowly tearing the family apart from within. The first thing you’ll notice about House of The Dragon is how contained it feels; with the exception of the flying beasts, magic and supernatural threats are out and family politics are in. There’s a great focus on dialogue and the interactions between the ruling class, showing that everyone has their own conflicting motivations. The series also makes an effective use of time jumps; we follow multiple generations of the Targaryen children from youth to adulthood and the shift feels both natural and well scripted. Admittedly, the action and devastating twists have been put on the backburner as well; while the political machinations and growing animosity remain strong, there could have been more intense sequences to show off the Targaryen strength and their enemies.
There are many characters in House of The Dragon, but all cast members are given ample opportunity to show off their emotions. At the top of the house, we have Paddy Considine who is both frail yet fiercely committed to his family. Below him, Rhaynera and Allicent Hightower (Emily Carey/Olivia Cooke), once close friends, slowly become estranged from each other. Opposite the Targaryens are the Valyrians who have their own memorable moments. Every member of this royal family is highly detailed, but the most memorable by far is Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen; a renegade sociopath who constantly takes risky moves and refuses to be brought to heel. As the series timeline moves forward, younger characters are introduced and they also deliver strong performances. A common theme that befalls the characters is the onset of events beyond their control; pregnancies fail, relations fall apart and a growing sense of animosity leads to flared tempers. It’s very compelling stuff.
Westeros may feel smaller, but House of The Dragon still offers some of the most lavish fantasy sights you can find in a series. The sets, props and costumes are just as vast as they ever were, the use of natural locations continues to impress and the sense of danger remains high. Far more dragons patrol the sky in this outing and the way they navigate really shows off the varying locations. The one major battle sequence takes place on a crab-filled beach and the chaotic quagmire is rendered in visceral detail. It’s an ugly, relentless spectacle that shows off the struggle while also emphasising Daemon’s rebellious ways. The graphic content remains present, though wisely it takes a backseat to the storytelling. The soundtrack, once again composed by Ramin Djawadi, relies heavily on themes from the original series and they continue to be a great fit for the tale on display.
Overcoming all the animosity, the Game of Thrones prequel delivers on its promises, cutting off the fat and delivering a sizeable redemption for the embattled property. The story and characters are executed brilliantly and the focus never shifts from the Targaryens and the shifting dynamics of power. I’m looking forward to the oncoming Dance of Dragons.
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)
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