House of the Dragon Season 2 Premiere Review

House of the Dragon continues to explore the theme of how small decisions can lead to unforeseen consequences, a theme that is prominently featured in the season 2 premiere. In this episode, Daemon Targaryen takes matters into his own hands with a plot that lacks proper planning. The show takes a quieter, more human approach to these events, which makes them even more horrifying.

Ed. note: This story contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1.

In the book version, the assassins at the center of the episode are called Blood and Cheese. While the show doesn’t give them these names, it introduces a level of horror and humanity that the book doesn’t have the time to explore. Instead of being portrayed as terrifying lowlifes, the show presents the assassins as low-status individuals who fumble their way through the castle, unnoticed by the royalty who own the halls.

Daemon’s Interaction with the Assassins

According to showrunner Ryan Condal, the approach to the assassins’ encounter with Daemon was intended to feel like a “heist gone wrong.” As the scene unfolds, the assassins’ fear of failure becomes palpable, driving them to increasingly reckless and cruel actions. The uncertainty of what Daemon might do to them if they fail hangs over the entire scene.

Condal mentioned in a roundtable discussion, “We know who Daemon is; I don’t think he necessarily directly ordered the death of a child. But he clearly said, ‘If it’s not Aemond, don’t leave the castle empty-handed.’

A Desperate Act

Unable to find their initial target, the assassins settle for the first royal son they come across in a scene that is both grotesque and humorous. Their incompetence is highlighted as they struggle to differentiate between the two sleeping children and rely on Helaena’s answer to make their final decision.

Building on Misinformed Decisions

The show’s depiction of Aemond’s unintentional killing of Lucerys Velaryon contrasts with Daemon’s perceived aggression, setting the stage for a series of misinformed decisions that drive the narrative forward. These flawed characters make rash choices that have far-reaching consequences.

All of this stays true to George R.R. Martin’s storytelling style, emphasizing the human aspect of characters in a fantastical setting. House of the Dragon expands on Martin’s written history, transforming historical figures into relatable characters, even down to the lowlife assassins who remain nameless.