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'House of the Dragon': 6 things to know before watching the 'Game of Thrones' prequel
"House of the Dragon," (HoD) the first '"Game of Thrones" prequel (GoT), drops today on HBO GO with the Philippines getting it at the same time as the U.S.
As the title suggests, the 10-episode show zeroes in on the Targaryen bloodline, occurring some 200 years — 172 years, to be exact — before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.
If the GoT finale left you feeling "meh" and skeptical about this new series, we say give HoD a chance. It's is everything you loved about GoT — breathtaking scenes, quick-witted dialogue, spine-tingling gore, titillating sex — but on a smaller scale. It is, after all, just on the Targaryen family drama.
That said, below is our quick take on the smashing new HBO offering you cannot miss:
1. Think succession. Not the other amazing HBO show, — but well, ok maybe like that. HoD opens with the Targaryen succession in doubt. Viserys, the oldest male descendant of the Old King Jaehaerys I — but the younger cousin of Princess Princess Rhaenys — was chosen to ascend the throne.
It lays down the groundwork and foreshadows the same themes — succession woes, gender biases — that will occur throughout the first season.
King Viserys 1 has been ruling for nearly a decade but has no "real" heir because he's only got a daughter, Princess Raenyra. Still, everybody is hopeful because his wife is pregnant.
2. Be on the lookout for familiar things. They're probably not easter eggs but the first season, at least the first six episodes, contains a lot of familiar things that spotting them can be such a joyful experience. The Weirwood/Heart Tree, the Iron Throne already lusted for by many, to name a couple, but also characters who will remind you of GoT characters.
The young Princess Raeynra (Milly Alcock) for instance, is reminiscent of both Daenerys and Arya. Viserys (Paddy Considine), strangely gives off The Hound vibes. Prince Daemon, Viserys' problematic and ambitious brother, somewhat had us recalling Geoffrey.
And just because we think it's as important as everything else: the musical scoring on HoD is on point and as good as ever!
Composer Ramin Djawadi used the signature theme of GoT as his base to create fresh new variations in bringing the Targaryen drama to life.
3. Arranged marriages come aplenty. Because it's the Targaryen family drama, arranged marriages to strengthen the family and widen their reach are expected.
There's the widower king, Viserys 1, being set up with a 12-year-old girl. There's his strong daughter Princess Raeynra, who quickly feels as though she was being peddled and sold off. Surprisingly, there's also Prince Daemon, Raeynra's brothel-loving uncle.
All this talk on marriage of course lends itself to a tonload of juicy drama including LGBT undertones, polyamory, and babies who look nothing like their father.
4. Enjoy those marites moments, a lot of walwalan, so much gore. While the first three episodes contain enough battle scenes, blood and gore, and brothel moments, be on the watch for Episode 4.
It features Princess Raenyra going on a wild walwalan night with her uncle Prince Daemon and that undeniable tension between the two takes a weird turn and invites too many mariteses. Fascinating.
5. Nearly like The Red Wedding but not quite. Though on a much smaller scale, something similar will take place in House of Dragon.
The welcome feast features grand entrances that invite malicious talk, a dance that tries to be joyful but is really not, and precedes the intimate wedding ceremony that's just, well, confusing as it is sad.
6. Expect a lot of dragons. At the risk of stating the obvious: expect plenty of dragons in HoD. Sweeping dragon back rides, tender moments between dragon and their humans, and dragon eggs. It's the Targaryens after all.
"House of the Dragon" premieres today on HBO GO.
— LA, GMA News
