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The following comprises spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 1, “The Heirs of the Dragon,” which debuted Aug. 21, on HBO.
Many had been disenchanted with how Game of Thrones ended, particularly as they felt it did not do the Targaryens justice. Daenerys ended up going mad with energy, leading to Jon Snow killing her and Drogon melting the Iron Throne. It was an anticlimactic finish for the House that was robbed of ruling Westeros, however at the very least House of the Dragon is sating those that needed extra of the blond-haired clan in energy.
The prequel’s specializing in “The Dance of Dragons” storyline, with King Viserys I on the throne, making an attempt to set issues in play for the incoming White Walker risk. However, he is already turning into concerned in nasty politics, household turmoil and a sibling rivalry that threatens his crown. As a lot because it does evoke shades of Daenerys and her brother, Viserys III, the HotD squabble is already significantly better.
The enchancment is because of the nuance issue, which Dany and her brother lacked centuries down the road. Admittedly, it was enjoyable within the first season seeing Viserys mistreated by Khal Drogo and his individuals for being a spoiled brat. They simply could not stand him after he bartered Dany’s hand in marriage in alternate for a military to take his rightful throne at a more-advanced King’s Landing. However, the connection between him and his sister felt a bit too predictable.
It was the plain energy battle, fragile male ego and poisonous masculinity, with Viserys subjugating Dany and flexing his energy. He objectified her all through, however whereas all this was understandably how males of energy operated in these days, the connection between him and Dany did not resonate. Instead, had he harassed the significance of the partnership with Drogo’s legion and manipulated Dany with love and belief, informing how she’d use this identical forked tongue down the road, their bond would have felt much more highly effective.
Instead, Dany grew bitter and wrapped Drogo round her finger, resulting in him murdering her brother. It was a triumphant second, however this nonetheless did not make up for the complexities of their previous, and why Viserys ended up this privileged, entitled idiot who did not perceive the human situation. In quick, it was all fashion and no substance, simply to push Dany and Drogo alongside as an influence couple, when having her betray a conniving Viserys would have foreshadowed her darkish flip, but nonetheless been accepted by followers.
This weak, superficial connection would not exist with Viserys I and his brother, Daemon, although. Their cerebral rift is well-fleshed out and packs numerous emotion, with Daemon clearly jealous his brother was chosen to rule. But fairly than moan, it led to Daemon turning into a violent warlord eager to trigger chaos. However, what’s fascinating is a part of him nonetheless loves his brother. It’s not whole hatred in any respect, like Dany and her sibling, as a result of Daemon thinks Viserys is a pawn for the royal council. Sure, he is jealous, but when he had been at his brother’s facet as Hand, he’d really feel much more cherished, aiding Viserys’ rule and as soon as extra proving the Targaryens are stronger collectively.
What’s intriguing is Viserys would not thoughts it, however the chain impact of Daemon performing out, all because of the council’s politicking, retains the king cautious. This led to Daemon enjoying decide, jury and executioner, whereas additionally stringing alongside the king’s daughter and successor, Rhaenyra. In a sick means, it is to remind his brother he is round, and it doesn’t matter what, he nonetheless holds some energy. It really has a little bit of Thor and Loki vibe to it, with the king obsessive about obligation, and the brother leaving everybody questioning the place his allegiance actually lies.
But in the end, Daemon does appear genuinely invested in defending his household’s line and sharing energy, whereas Dany and her brother by no means had that rapport about working collectively. Still, that does not imply Daemon will not finally develop impatient and activate his brother. But at the very least he might at all times say he gave Viserys an opportunity to be Dragons collectively. Had Viserys III completed so with Dany, it may need modified the course of their destinies and received them the throne, along with Drogo.
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9:00 p.m. on HBO and streams on HBO Max.
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