The craze for the epic universe of Game of Thrones is back with the long-awaited prequel series “House of the Dragon”. This new season is marked by the tumultuous history of the Targaryen family, featuring Machiavellian intrigues, bloody revenge and of course, gigantic dragons.
The premiere of this season airing on June 16 promises to delight fans for the next eight weeks. In an episode full of twists and turns, here are the highlights of the first episode of this new season of House of the Dragon (beware of spoilers):
1. Return to Winterfell! And The Wall!
The storyline of this first season of House of the Dragon focuses primarily on King’s Landing and Dragonstone, distancing us from the larger world explored in Game of Thrones, stretching from Casterly Rock to the slave city Astapor. However, the prequel gives us a nostalgic nod to the original series by starting the new season in a well-known location: Winterfell, home of the Starks. Cregan Stark embodies honor and duty, characteristics found in his Game of Thrones descendants. He reminds Jacaerys Targaryen of the importance of the Night’s Watch in protecting the Wall against the dead.
2. Aegon’s reign continues…
Westeros has had all kinds of leaders, from the despicable Joffrey to the sadistic Ramsay Bolton, the deceitful Tywin Lannister, the righteous Ned Stark and the cold Stannis Baratheon. Aegon, eldest son of the late Viserys and Alicent, finds himself on the throne as a result of the Hightowers’ shenanigans, but he shows little aptitude for leadership. His reign is already being tested by official heiress Rhaenyra, and his management of affairs is proving to be up to expectations.
3. The Handling of Intrigues
Otto Hightower, one of House of the Dragon’s most skilled schemers, finds his reign under threat from the start of the season as his grandson’s Hand. Lord Larys Strong is already whispering to Aegon of the necessary changes in his surroundings. Otto’s position within the turbulent king’s court appears to be compromised.
4. Cole and Alicent: an unexpected rapprochement
Despite his austere temperament, Ser Criston Cole once again finds himself romantically involved, this time with Alicent. Their alliance seems to be strengthened by their mutual contempt for Rhaenyra. These two characters seem to become more involved with each other, well beyond Cole’s responsibilities.
5. Blood and cheese!
One of the most brutal stories from Fire & Blood, the book by George R. R. Martin that inspired House of the Dragon, comes to life in this new season. Daemon Targaryen, hungry for revenge, sends assassins to kill his nephew, Crown Prince Aegon, after the murder of his son. However, a dramatic chain of events involves Queen Helaena and her children, and the revenge plan turns tragic.
This premiere of House of the Dragon promises a season full of twists and turns, betrayals and drama, under the sign of the Targaryen civil war. Fans will undoubtedly be kept in suspense for weeks to come.