Here is my weekly House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5 review, and this is the one with lots of plots. I do like cunning plots though, it’s a major part of what made Game of Thrones such an interesting drama. Everyone looking to see how they can leverage any situation to their benefit, and those who pay the price for this scheming.
As usual this is a SPOILER FREE review, so no plot specifics for this week’s episode. Though Episode 4 is fair game. Therefore, we begin this week with a look back at the events of last week.
Everything changed. As one character states this week, this just became a dragon war. If you know how this story plays out from the books, you know this was always the way the wind was blowing.
We also have the fate of Aegon to ponder, will he live or die? In the meantime who should be ruling kings Landing and leading the war for the Greens? Meanwhile, Team Black is mourning the loss of their biggest dragon, and it’s rider. The emotional side of the Episode 5 deals with characters reacting to Rhaenys’ loss and Aegon’s verging on death. The plot of the show though deals far more with she shaping of the war to come. Especially the use and potential loss of dragons.
Plots and Drama
As I said, there are plots a plenty. One character here making a bargain with one there. Another advising a course of action, or making poor decisions which will come back to bite them. A huge central theme though this week is also the female/male angle that of course was the basis for this story. This all came about because Viserys broke with tradition and named his daughter Heir. Much as in our world the idea of woman leading is normal, in Westeros it is still looked down upon.
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Despite both being capable leaders, both Rhaenyra and Alicent must once again deal with this prejudice this week. Yet, both from very different angles, and with some relevant arguments based on the situation they now find themselves in. Yet, it is the quickness to violence of many of the male characters which has consistently escalated this war. Equally, where else could this go with neither side willing to submit to the other? There is no right, or wrong answer, and that’s always interesting in a story. We also are starting to deal with the small people, how they are affected by this war, and how the treatment of them can be key for a Monarch.
Some great acting here as always, the design looks great, and we are slowly planting little seeds that are going to bear fruit not only in Season 2, but in future seasons also. As usual, this is a damn well made episode in a very good series.
Criticisms
I guess I do have a little bit of criticism this week. It’s not much and more of a personal ick. This franchise is well known for incest, and it’s not like we have to like it to enjoy the story. Yet there is a dream sequence for Daemon which I thought a bit icky. Now, that in itself is not a criticism, but when I considered the scene after, I wondered why the decision was made? What did this scene actually add to the character arc of Daemon here?
Maybe I missed some signage, or symbolism I’m supposed to have spotted? If not, then for me it was an unnecessary attempt to get a reaction from audiences.
Another slight criticisms I have is the development of the characters on the small council. The Greens are all fully explored, whereas I feel like I can’t remember the names of those on Rhaenyra’s council save the new master of whispers. They just haven’t had much development and it’s a little jarring when I’m then supposed to consider their opinion on the war.
Yet, despite this criticism I still think Episode 5 was brilliant. Loved some of the choices of shots and lighting this week. Loved the plotting and intrigue, and the issues being explored.
GRADE: A-
As usual, let me know what you thought of my review of House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5? Or, leave me your own thoughts below on this episode or the series so far.
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