Massively popular medieval fantasy drama Game of Thrones has returned with two new trailers for spin-off series House of the Dragon Season 2. The two trailers showcase the two dragon-empowered factions fighting for supremacy in the fictional world of Westeros: the Greens and the Blacks. Fans of the franchise will no doubt enthusiastically rally behind one side or the other.
The first season set the board for the upcoming struggle in the series, portraying the rise of both factions under the naive oversight of mild-mannered King Viserys, portrayed by unexpected fan-favourite Paddy Constantine, who won fans over with his empathetic portrayal of a beleaguered king desperately trying to make peace between different members of his family. In Season 1, his efforts ultimately proved futile, and upon his death, two of his descendants both laid claim to the throne.
On the one hand, we have Team Black, led by the woman whom King Viserys intended to supersede him: his daughter Rhaenyra―supported by her husband and dragon-riding badass Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith (Doctor Who). This faction finds themselves outcast, operating out of the formidable Dragonstone fortress.
On the other hand we have Team Green, composed of the dead king’s second wife and their son Aegon, supported by the sly and manipulative Ser Otto Hightower, the embittered Ser Cristan Cole, and foot-enthusiast Larys Strong. The Greens have ensconced themselves in the capital of Westeros and consequently enjoy many advantages, such as the appearance of legitimacy.
Prior to Season 1’s debut, fans were concerned that House of the Dragon would prove to be just another entry into the forgettable and offensive girl-power genre. However, ultimately, the show subverted their jaded expectations and slaked many fans’ thirst for medieval fantasy.
RELATED: Sandman Creator Neil Gaiman Outraged At Chengdu Worldcon Hugo Award Ineligibility Debacle
House of the Dragon Season 1 received mostly positive reviews from both fans and critics, with the exception of a nonsensical dragon attack in Episode 9 involving the deaths of thousands of commoners. The outcry led some fans to speculate on how the scene could have been done differently to make more sense.
Unlike the original HBO series, House of the Dragon is being adapted from a complete story from subversive fantasy author George R. R. Martin, who has yet to finish writing his magnum opus Game of Thrones series. Martin is believed to have written himself into a corner with Game of Thrones, unable to conjure up a satisfying conclusion to the story due to his commitment to subverting Western literary traditions. House of the Dragon is based on a portion of Martin’s (completed) fantasy history book Fire and Blood, which provides much of the ‘backhistory’ for Game of Thrones.
Much of Season 1 was carried by the acting chops of Paddy Constantine. After following the character for a while, fans expressed nothing but praise for a stirring scene in which Constantine’s aged character laboriously ascends his throne one final time. With Constantine’s departure, it’s up to Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, Olivia Cook, and others to keep the show going.
House of the Dragon Season 2 is scheduled to debut on June 16, 2024.
What do you think of Game of Thrones House of the Dragon Season 2? Leave a comment and let us know.
NEXT: ‘ALIEN: ROMULUS’ TEASER PROMISES A VISUAL FEAST AND TERRIFYING THRILLS
Leave a Reply