House Of The Dragon 2 Review: Emotionally Charged Finale Makes Up For A Somber Season

House Of The Dragon Season 2 Review: When its first season premiered, House Of The Dragon came across as the perfect companion piece to Game Of Thrones. Focussed mainly on House Targaryen, mighty dragons spitting fire and rivalry for the Iron Throne were set up as the central themes. However, HOTD appears to be a far cry from GOT, barring the unexpected twists and gory fate that a few, or many, or all will encounter. Fans will have to wait and watch.

Season 2 of HOTD has concluded, setting the stage for the Dance Of The Dragons. However, what awaits the stakeholders has been made evident in the 8-episode-long season. For many, it may have fewer thrills to offer than expected, but plenty more will follow and, safe to say, that the sophomore installment has relied more on giving a deep dive into the twisted minds of its characters than moments that leave you gasping.

The storylines that stand out in the second season are that of Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). Prince Aemond's character has also come into the spotlight and Ewan Mitchell and his dragon Vhaghar have some of the most meaty scenes in the latest episodes.

Criston Cole Or Kingmaker, too curious to lead his armies to battle at the start of the season, realises late but for certain that death and destruction lie ahead for those who march to war. Seemingly regretful of his decision to side with Aemond, Cole's fate is now sealed. He has come to be disliked for his actions and shifting loyalties and Frankel does a commendable job essaying the role of a knight torn between his lust for power and letting go of what he holds dear.

Matt Smith as Daemon claims his authority in the finale 'The Queen Who Ever Was' and more than makes up for sitting out of the action through the new season. His greed for power, even though growing by the minute, complemented by his hallucinations in Harrenhaal, serves as a sneak peek into his complex mind and machinations. Smith's aura and presence are unmatched and he has proven to be MVP in Rhaenyra's troop and the show at large.

Ewan Mitchell's stands out with his performance as the fearsome and unpredictable Aemond. His mid-air battle with Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and her dragon Meleys becomes the highlight of an otherwise mellow season, focusing on politics and setting up the battle that follows next.

Emma D’Arcy as Rhaenyra, who shows her maternal instinct early on, comes out in the open, hungry for power. It's interesting to witness her transformation from someone battling internal conflicts to one who comes to the fore and stakes her claim as the queen of the seven kingdoms.

Not through dialogue, she emotes with her eyes. Her confrontation scenes with Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) carry an undercurrent of friction and long-lost friendship. The two actresses imbue the qualities of grieving mothers, queens seeking the safety of the realm, friends, family and warriors. They play the most intense roles with effortless ease and do the heavy lifting in the somber season.  

The beautiful landscapes of Westeros are depicted beautifully in House of The Dragon 2. Ramin Djawadi's score blends beautifully with the various moods the characters embrace. It certainly does have a slow pace but sits well with patient watchers. The seeds of battle are sown and Westerosis seems thirsty for blood. What lies ahead for the viewers is a high-octane battle involving dragons and HOTD fans will know what's it like when clouds rain fire.

Rating: 3/5 Stars