Did House of the Dragon Make the Blacks Too Sympathetic?

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Did House of the Dragon Make the Blacks Too Sympathetic?

As a seasoned gamer and binge-watcher of epic fantasy series, I can confidently say that House of the Dragon has managed to captivate me with its intricate plotlines and compelling characters. Despite some pacing issues and an ending that left me craving more (like a level 90 character waiting for the next expansion), the show has delivered some truly outstanding moments.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be captivated by “House of the Dragon,” a series that delves into the dark realities born from centuries-old monarchies. The narrative unfolds as a devastating civil war between the offspring of a deceased king, mirroring in some ways the epic saga of “Game of Thrones.”

As a devoted fan who has been following the “House of the Dragon” since its inception, I must express my disappointment with season two. The finale was an exceptional episode, no doubt about it, but it fell short as a conclusion for me. The peculiar pacing throughout the season made it feel like there wasn’t much progress, leaving viewers such as myself feeling rather underwhelmed.

House of the Dragon is Very Generous to Rhaenyra

One key aspect that the second season of “House of the Dragon” emphasizes is the moral dilemma faced by character Rhaenyra Targaryen. Faced with an unjust and challenging predicament, she is acutely aware of her father’s intention for her to rule the Iron Throne and witnesses the destructive potential of those who wield power. At the end of season one, she learns that her son, Lucerys, was killed by her half-brother Aemond, which fuels her desire for retribution. However, while she may not be justified in burning a city to the ground in revenge, it would be difficult to absolve her entirely of blame. Throughout season two, Rhaenyra repeatedly explains why she resists launching violent attacks against her adversaries. Her male advisors, who seem to underestimate her intelligence despite having minimal battle experience themselves, urge immediate action. Their strategy leans heavily towards a dragon-led assault on whoever opposes them. As Rhaenyra’s power grows through the Dragonseed scheme with Jace, the temptation to ravage the countryside increases. Yet, she continues to resist, even though she appears poised to take aggressive action in the end. This recurring plotline only serves to underscore that this portrayal of Rhaenyra genuinely wants to avoid causing harm to many innocent people, despite her eventual willingness to do so.

As a long-time reader of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, I have grown accustomed to the gritty, unpredictable nature of the storylines that unfold within its pages. The show “Game of Thrones,” while capturing the essence of the books in many ways, has occasionally deviated from the original narrative in a manner that leaves me with mixed feelings.

House of the Dragon Cleans Up For the Greens Too

Did House of the Dragon Make the Blacks Too Sympathetic?

Yes, House of the Dragon treats the Blacks very well in its adaptation. However, the show helps to create a positive image for the Greens from time to time as well. Aemond Targaryen, for instance, kills young Lucerys on purpose in the book. It’s an accident in the show, clearing the one-eyed autocrat of one of his worst crimes. The show also shows Aegon as a kind and understanding ruler, but his council quickly stamps on his limited wisdom. He’s a puppet in the hands of more experienced political operatives with far more cruel intentions.

As the second season concludes, Alicent emerges as a more relatable character. In her early negotiations with Rhaenyra in season two, it becomes apparent that Alicent’s initial push to put Aegon on the throne wasn’t primarily driven by ambition or adherence to her father’s wishes. Instead, it stemmed from an innocent misunderstanding regarding their son’s name and historical significance. Despite this justification for her actions, the show still works hard to make them understandable. Unfortunately, when Aemond attacks Aegon and seizes the throne, Alicent finds herself paying the price for her own misguided choices. Her final episodes seem to be a sincere attempt at making amends, but ultimately prove fruitless. It appears that the show is subtly repositioning Alicent and Rhaenyra in a way that challenges their initial roles.

Is House of the Dragon Choosing Sides?

Did House of the Dragon Make the Blacks Too Sympathetic?

In the realm of Westeros, there are a select few individuals who embody decency amidst dwindling numbers, such as Alyn, Addam, Hugh, Gwayne, Arryk, and Erryk. These people lead challenging lives while striving to preserve some semblance of nobility. However, the nobility isn’t admirable; they are often indistinguishable from evil, even if they seem less harmful at times. They represent the epitome of extravagance, cruelty, elitism, and conflict. The ruling class exploits the suffering of commoners as a means to harm their political adversaries. Rhaenyra may elevate some low-born fighters to lead her army of bastards, but she shows no compassion towards those deemed useless, even going so far as to let them perish. In Westeros, there are no true heroes; only victors and vanquished. Any empathy the show conveys for its Blacks and Greens is personal, emotional, and short-lived.

House of the Dragon shares numerous similarities with its predecessor, Game of Thrones. While it could potentially present favorable depictions of characters like Rhaenyra, Daemon, Alicent, or Aegon, it maintains the understanding that there are no truly virtuous nobles. Viserys may have been the most admirable king depicted in any Game of Thrones storyline, and House of the Dragon illustrates the consequences of a noble person ruling. The Targaryens appear heroic only when compared to the Greens. The series displays more compassion than the books, but patience is required as it unfolds.

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2024-08-10 23:04