Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1, has already relieved one of my biggest concerns about the show’s longevity with its replacement for Viserys. The HBO drama is a prequel toGame of Thrones, which set the tone for the fictional universe with its gritty, realistic approach to the fantasy genre. I revereGeorge R.R. Martin’s book universefor its morally ambiguous characters, dismantling common fantasy archetypes, and it’s often blended with a particular brand of dark humor. InGame of Thrones, characters like Tyrion and the Hound consistently provide that humor.
Like many fans, my experience withHouse of the Dragonseason 1 was significantly elevated by the screen presence of Paddy Considine, who expertly played King Viserys I Targaryen. He brought a sense of levity and humor to balance his serious complexity, and though I found his death to be one of the show’s most powerful scenes, it left me with an empty feeling and concern for season 2. Nothing could quite fill the void Paddy Considine left behind in theHouse of the Dragoncast, but one character has begun to add refreshing elements to make up for it.
King Aegon Adds The Humor I Feared House Of The Dragon Would Lack Without Viserys
Tom Glynn-Carney’s Performance As Aegon II Is Priceless
House of the Dragonis a dark show with serious themes and constant portrayals of violence and gore. Having some levity in the show is vital, and the last place I expected it to come from was King Aegon II. His last few episodes in season 1 prepared me for a character in the ilk of Joffrey Baratheon or Ramsay Bolton, who I would quickly grow to despise. Andwhile I certainly do despise Aegon, I’m not ashamed to say I also really enjoy his presence so far in season 2.
One of the bestHouse of the Dragonseason 2 book changeshas been seeing how his character develops under the new pressures of leadership. Not only did the season 2 premiere show shades of a more complicated Aegon, but there were also aspects of humor I never saw coming. His amusement over young Jaehaerys agitating Tyland Lannister was priceless, andI never thought I’d see a Westerosi king getting wasted with his mates on the Iron Throne. While he’s not as likable as Viserys, he brings a similar quality that’s vital to such a grim show.
Humor Is One Of The Biggest Disadvantages House Of The Dragon Has Compared To GOT
HOTD Lacks Game Of Thrones' More Consistently Humorous Characters
Many ofGame of Thrones’best quotes are from characters like Bronn and Tyrion, who brought unforgettable humor to the fantasy epic.House of the Dragondoesn’t have any characters who can be relied on for that balance, and it’s ultimately a more self-serious drama.The show needs characters like Aegon and even Daemon to provide that occasional humor, as it’s unlikely to come from someone like Rhaenyra or Aemond. I can’t wait to see what actor Tom Glynn-Carney brings to the table next as Aegon inHouse of the Dragon.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
