Season 2 of “House of the Dragon” continues to explore the tumultuous events leading up to and during the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The season delves deeper into the battle between the Blacks (Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen) and the Greens (Prince Aegon II) as they vie for the Iron Throne following the death of their father, King Viserys I.
While Season 1 was paced well, time-jumping through the major events that happened before the death of Viserys I, the second season keeps you on the edge without a proper payoff. Sure, the power tides are shifting, with characters doubting their initial positions and others showing their true intentions. However, it does little to actually change the status quo from where we started the season.
The thing I enjoyed the most, and clearly the main selling point of the series, is the dragons. There are many dragons introduced, and all of them are magnificent. The battle between Meleys, Vhagar, and Sunfyre at Rook’s Rest is a season highlight for sure, providing us with something worth remembering.
Even though the production quality and acting are still top-notch, this season clearly shows why story is always king and should always be the top priority. I would like to give the show-runners the benefit of the doubt, as there might be some external factors that affected the final product we received (David Zaslav reportedly cutting the original 10 episodes into 8, thus leaving the climax of this season for the start of the next one). It is furthermore irritating that Daemon spends almost all of the season brooding at Harrenhal, having visions that lead to nowhere.
The final episode ends by setting up the pieces in a way that leaves me curious and excited for the next season. If everything pays off big in the next season, the sins of this season shall be forgiven. Regardless, this season still leaves me frustrated with how little the story actually progressed, especially in comparison to the first season.
If you were hoping for an action-packed season, maybe you should just wait for the next one.
Rating: 5/10