‘House of the Dragon’ Finale Director Unpacks the Secrets Behind the Huge Episode
In the Season 2 finale of House of the Dragon, conversations fill the screen instead of big dragon battles. The lack of action, while a bit of a surprise, gives way for the show’s actors to show off their talents, and put to bed many of the season's central conflicts. At the heart of this, is a fated reunion between Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy).
The two speak as if they’re the only characters present in the world, sharing jabs that eventually give way to a tender understanding. The two women are undeniably the heart of the show, and it’s here with this reunion that writers Ryan Condal and Sara Hess remind the audience of what their adaptation is truly about. By the end of this meeting, Alicent and Rhaenyra trade places; with the heir to the iron throne trapped within the weighted prophecy her father once shared with her, and her childhood friend feeling the most free she has since her childhood.
From Daemon Targaryen’s (Matt Smith) hallucinations in Harrenhal forcing him to confront his misdeeds to Aemond Targaryen’s (Ewan Mitchell) slowly ebbing psyche, many characters this season have been forever changed. These changes have paved a unique path for the prequel series, and it feels as if the writers are adamant that House of the Dragon will only share a universe with its predecessor Game of Thrones, rather than narrative beats.