Spoiler-Free Review Of HBO's 'House Of The Dragon' Episode 8
Image Source: Vanity Fair
WARNING: SPOILERS FOR EPISODES 1-7
Tonight’s episode not only featured the longest runtime of any episode this season but also featured a second 10-year time jump. Fans had high expectations for tonight’s episode, and it did not disappoint.
Following the marriage of Daemon and Rhaenyra in Episode 7, tonight’s episode showed how that decision affected all of Westeros. It was amazing to finally see a couple in the Game of Thrones universe that not only have great chemistry but will protect each other no matter what. The couple was a united front in every situation they were thrown into during the episode, and it made for some great scenes for fans of the couple. The episode started with troubling news about one of the major players of the show, and once again the legitimacy of Rhaenyra’s children was not only called into question, but it was the catalyst of the entire episode.
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King Viserys’ health had hit an all-time low, and although it was hinted that his health was declining in Episode 1, tonight’s episode took it to a new level. Due to his condition, the power dynamics in King’s Landing had changed dramatically with Alicent and Otto at the forefront. The Hightowers had also drastically changed King’s Landing, making it almost unrecognizable to Daemon and Rhaenyra. Alicent’s dedication to her children reached new heights in tonight’s episode with a scene regarding her handling of the sexual assault of a female character at the hands of one of her sons. Sexual assault and violence against women were common in the show’s predecessor, but it had evaded House of the Dragon until now.
The real star of tonight’s episode was Paddy Considine’s portrayal of the ailing king. The drastic change in his voice, mannerisms, and overall health showed the range that the actor has when it comes to the role. There was one scene in particular towards the middle of the episode that was truly a sight to behold and easily Viserys’ best moment in House of the Dragon. Another incredible experience that fans were given during tonight’s episode was seeing the change that Daemon had gone through since we first met him during the premiere. There was no love lost between the brothers, but the emotion that Daemon showed during this episode toward his brother demonstrated a change in the typically nonchalant character. The scene mentioned above also features a chill-inducing exchange between the brothers that is absolutely stunning.
Image Source: Hollywood Reporter
Alicent leaned into the persona that she portrayed during the final moments of last week’s episode, and while it was expertly portrayed by Olivia Cooke, it could be grating on the nerves. There were glimpses of Alicent and Rhaenyra’s old friendship, but no peace or joy lasts in House Targaryen. The episode ended with the ramblings of the ailing king setting a dangerous and most likely deadly chain of events into motion that I expect we will see unfold over the next two episodes.
Overall, I really enjoyed this episode. It was not as dark as last week’s episode, and the acting was the most moving in the Game of Thrones universe to date. I am curious to see how the show will end and what Season 2 of House of the Dragon will look like. While I have enjoyed the time jumps throughout this season, I do not see how it will be sustainable throughout multiple seasons of one show.
All-new episodes of House of The Dragon air Sundays at 9 P.M. ET on HBO and stream the same day on HBO Max.
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