POPZ-CULTURE Series Reviews – House of the Dragon Season 2 (2024)

Genre: Fantasy, action, drama

Age limit: 18

Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik, Clare Kilner, Geeta V. Patel, Greg Yaitanes

Written by: George R. R. Martin, Ryan J. Condal

Starring: Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke

NOTE: This review refers to the first 3 episodes of the second season

„And with his death, the war of ravens and envoys and marriage pacts came to an end, and the war of fire and blood began in earnest.”

George R. R. Martin – Fire & Blood

After a two-year break, House of the Dragon, the throne quest of the Targaryen dynasty resumes. We’ve been watching each new episode week after week, because the war around the Iron Throne still manage to pique our curiosity.

First and foremost, we can recommend that those interested should at least briefly relive the events of the first season. The story picks up almost directly where it previously left off. The immoral struggle for domination between Blacks and Greens leads to the use of ever more bestial means, while alliances are forged and broken. But even within the two well-separated factions, infighting is rearing its ugly head. For those who have read George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, the book on which the series is based, it can be both predictable and yet surprising at many points. The novel provides ample space for imagination, so there are other interpretations, but for that very reason we would highly recommend the series to any fan of the Targaryen house.

House of the Dragon still has really high quality of visuals that make you feel like they’re bringing cinema quality into your living room. Everything from Harrenhal to Dragonstone looks beautiful, and when the dragons come into the picture, it takes our breath away. The performances are particularly strong. Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra and Olivia Cooke as Alicent continue to be the most well-developed characters in the production, playing their rivals with a well-developed routine. Tom Glynn-Carney stands out for us as the most outstanding of them, with his powerful portrayal of the inherently insecure yet ambitious, bloodthirsty Aegon II.

But this series is not for everyone. Those who have been favouring the Dragonriders since Game of Thrones will be captivated by this Targaryen succession war too. It may strike everyone else that the story, which focuses mainly on King’s Landing and Dragonstone, is on a much smaller scale, rather than a fantasy that pervades Westeros as a whole. The mysticism and symbolism have been replaced by visceral violence and sensuality, which, while effective, provides less tension and intellectual nourishment. There are memorable moments, but lack the complexity.

How do you like the new season? Let me know in the comments! We’ll definitely be watching the new episodes, because we still consider it one of the most outstanding works in the fantasy genre. If you liked our article, please like our post and share it with others. And if you’re in the mood for a delicious movie and series watching snack, POPZ Popcorn is the best choice.