When the complex dynamics of the Targaryens are highlighted, House of the Dragon thrives. The fourth episode of House of the Dragon Season 1 moved more slowly than the first three, but it's evident that the show wants viewers to understand the relationships before the backstabbing starts.
One of the most shrewd players in team history has to be Otto. He reminds me a lot of Game of Thrones' Littlefinger. Otto skillfully used everyone to install Alicent as Queen. His next ruse would be to install Aegon. He overplayed it when he told Viserys about Daemon and Rhaenyra, even though the idea isn't horrible. It's appropriate that something that truly occurred led to his downfall, but it's unlikely he'll watch things unfold passively.
Viserys isn't the best at judging people's moral integrity, so hearing him criticise his Hand was very pleasant. They both understand that they are pawns in Otto's games even though The King adores Alicent. Her dialogue with Rhaenyra at the beginning of the episode was enjoyable because it demonstrated their close relationship, despite Otto's desire for them to be completely opposed to one another.
In her role as this young person attempting to make sense of her situation, Emily Carey is outstanding. Rhaenyra used to be her rock, but the politics in King's Landing are gradually tearing them apart.
However, Alicent was taken aback when she learned of Rhaenyra's encounter with Daemon, and she was, to put it mildly, disgusted. You wondered how much worse things would go for these two young women because it marked a turning point in their relationship.
As she gets older, Alicent presumably will become more ruthless. She claimed that because she is a spectator, she is able to detect deception in others. She might have been forgiven by Rhaenyra, though, if she had been honest with her.
It made for entertaining television when Rhaenyra learned about the hidden door in her bedroom and spent the night outside the palace. Yet, it's difficult to shake the feeling that Daemon anticipated how the night would turn out. Though he and Rhaenyra have always shared a close bond, he shouldn't have pursued it further.
Although he appeared to be feeling regret as he hurried away, we can never completely understand this man's thoughts. We are aware that he intends to usurp his brother's position and influence. While having Rhaenyra on his side is likely to win over more supporters.
Rhaenyra had the opportunity to see firsthand how the citizens of the town felt about the King and his choice to name the Princess heir to the kingdom. Rhaenys is the only one who genuinely comprehends this because she was passed over for the crown because of her gender.
She and Rhaenyra engaged in a heated argument on the second episode of Season 1 of House of the Dragon. Although, now that House Targaryen and House Velaryon are joining forces, they might get along better. Corlys has long advocated for the union of these houses, thus it is only somewhat disturbing that he may have formed an alliance with the Three Cities.
Rhaenyra wants the freedom to do as she pleases. However, being married prevents her from doing any actions that could upset the Targaryens or the Velaryons.
The Ser Criston of it all comes next. He could tell something wasn't right with Rhaenyra by the way she entered the castle. I doubt he'll be overjoyed to learn that she had sex with her uncle before their passionate night together.
The politics of "King of the Narrow Seas" were toned down in order to highlight the motivations and desires of the protagonists. Yet it acted more like the quiet before the storm. There must be a big shift in the plot before the series makes a significant time jump that necessitates recasting key parts. The real test will come when this time jump takes place, however, the series still continues to impress.
Before things get nasty, House of the Dragon is providing us with all the information we require. Bonds are building, bonds are breaking, and backstabbing is already happening.
Performance | 4.2/5 |
Enjoyment | 3.8/5 |
Overall Rating | 4/5 |