HoTD is doing a good job covering diversity and gender issues, actually without being too preachy about it. Its just part of the realities of the narrative and the show needs not explain itself overmuch about what it is trying to say. Its an intelligent way to treat its audience and it is something, I think that is not lost on the show’s viewers. So thank you, HBO.
House of the Dragon
We Light the Way laid many foundations for the second half of the season. It seems that Rhaenyra made more enemies than allies with her marriage to Ser Laenor, and you can see the innocence of the first few episodes peel away with each heartbreak for both the Princess and ex- best friend. To say that the episode was stressful would be an understatement. Still, it was a great set up for the excitement that is to come with each faction declaring war.
The King of the Narrow Sea offered a lot of progression, and we see Rhaenyra learn how to wield her own power. She discovers herself as she sheds her innocence and actively takes a step towards the dark side like everybody else. Its a slow metamorphosis but she’s getting there. Too bad we will only see Milly Alcock in the role for a couple more episodes.
Despite the lack of action, it was still a good episode. After all, you can’t have a war with each installment. Still, I would have Daemon or Rhaenyra sit on the Iron Throne any day over Viserys. And any episode with dragons is awesome.
I liked how the world was consistent with that of GoT, from the costumes to the characters. Knowing that these events transpired before the Long Night truly adds a new layer of appreciation for GoT. It was also bittersweet because House of the Dragon very clearly underscored the importance of the role of the Targaryens in the prophecy, none that really materialized in the end of Game of Thrones because showrunners were too busy wrapping things up to work on their Star Wars deal with Disney.