The war of the stone steps It has been one of the hot topics that has flown over the footage of ‘The house of the dragon’ in its first episodes through the occasional scene and dialogues between the members of the court. But we had not entered the conflict, until now.
Of course, from here on there will be spoilers for ‘The Second of His Name’, episode 1×03 of ‘The House of the Dragon’.
blood rock
In this way, we start directly in the coastal places, where the triarch pirates led by the Benefactor of the crabs (Daniel Scott-Smith), whom we already saw in the previous episode, resist the combined forces of the Velaryon and Daemon (Matt Smith).
We jumped to King’s Landing and we have Aegon’s second birthday, the firstborn of Viserys (Paddy Considine) and Alicent (Emily Carey). Event that moves the Hand (Rhys Ifans) to campaign for the king to name the infant heir, repealing the appointment of Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) as such.
Something with which the king does not agree at all, who considers that things should continue as they are. This plot will be the backbone of this third episodewhich takes us to a hunt in which the presence of a deer White will excite Hightower and company as it is considered a great omen to confirm the boy as successor.
On the other hand, Rhaenyra not quite comfortable with the things of the court and with his obligations, such as looking for a suitable mate. This is where the Lannisters come in, specifically Jason (Jefferson Hall), who they consider to be the great opportunity for their house. Overwhelmed, the princess will enter the royal preserve, where she, followed by Ser Creston (Fabien Frankel), will spend the night, injured by the attack of a wild pig. Attack in which the princess will be very comfortable.
hunting the throne
All this central part of the episode exudes that spirit of palatial political moves on which much of ‘The house of the dragon’ is based. Perhaps what is interesting is that the script, Gabe Fonseca and Ryan Condalhe allows himself to continue having, beyond the tensions, very interesting conversations between Viserys and his daughter, and the expectations that he had placed on the controversial decision.
Finally, the final act of the episode takes us to the Stepping Stones, where a desperate Laenor (John Macmillan) and Corlys (Steve Toussaint) see how they have fewer and fewer options in their crusade against Drahar and company, sheltered in the caves of Rock bloody. The solution? throw a tasty enough bait: Daemon.
Thus begins an absolutely spectacular sequence, in which the direction of Greg Yaitanes (‘banshee’) takes us breathlessly (and without dialogue) from a tense encounter to an epic final battle. One that automatically ranks among the most epic of the entire television franchise.
Three episodes and ‘The House of the Dragon’ has already had a bit of everything. More moments of intrigue and others of spectacle in which the pieces move subtly and not so subtly. It’s clear that Viserys and, above all, Rhaenyra are not popular at court, which can take a toll. On the other hand, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store for Daemon after this battle.