As per, here is my House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 review and I have to say it was not my favorite. That also doesn’t mean it was garbage, as there were plenty of good moments. Sadly there were also a few scenes that didn’t work for me.
Let’s start with the good, and as usual there’s NO SPOILERS in this review. As events follow on from Episode 2 we are presented with two sides trying to work out what to do next. Aegon is now being advised differently, with the absence of Otto. Rhaenyra is being asked to make some difficult choices she’s not sure she wants to make. Meanwhile, she is also planning for the future, should the worst happen, and her husband and uncle (eww), Daemon is off on a little trip.
What works in Episode 3 is some great use of cinematography. Yet, one complicated shot, for me, seemed needlessly so. A one shot take that walks us through a bar following a new character with a bold claim. Must have been a nightmare to shoot compared to having multiple cuts There is also a dragon attack scene which was thrilling to watch play out. Equally, Daemon arriving at his destination on his dragon was aesthetically pleasing, especially given the iconic franchise lore behind that location.
The vast majority of the dialogue and acting is as usual superb. Though, also admittedly not quite on the level of Episode’s 1 or 2. There was also one scene, which I didn’t like the writing for, or the acting. In fact, I kinda just wish the scene was never in the Episode.
Criticisms?
I guess that brings us onto some criticisms. So, without spoiling there is a scene at the end of the episode between two leading characters. I felt the scene added nothing to the plot, other than to tell us what had already been shown. Namely, that there is not going to be any peace in this war. The conversation also brings up one topic of conversation, which for me would have been better left unsaid. We the audience already know the truth. I don’t therefore think it does the story favours for any characters to find that out. I know it’s vague, but no SPOILERS folks.
This scene didn’t feel as well planned, written, or acted as the rest of the Episode to me. Just my humble critique.
RELATED: House Of The Dragon Season 2 Episode 2 Review – A Collection Of Great Scenes
I would also once again pigeonhole Episode 3 as a set-up episode. The stage is being set for a climax, but some fans may consider this another slow episode. Fighting was teased, but came to naught. Additionally the one piece of fighting that did happen, took place off-screen.
Now, Game of Thrones used this trick a few times also, and I actually don’t mind it. Battles for battle’s sake are boring. There was no way to make us care about the characters fighting that battle quick enough in the Episode. Instead the director focuses on how petty squabbles can escalate, and the pointless waste of life it can cause. Ultimately one could argue that’s a microcosm of the show’s plot itself. Maybe though, with slightly larger stakes at hand.
Overall, this was still good TV. It just felt like one of those episodes no one will really look back on fondly for any reason. No stand out scenes, just a moving episode to get characters where they need to be next. Though I’m not complaining in any way. Sometimes, you need an episode like that in a Season.
Grade: B+
As always, let me know what you thought of my House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 3 review. Or, leave us your own thoughts on Episode 3 below.
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