From 'blatant patriarchy' to 'child marriage': 6 controversial moments from 'House of the Dragon' that stirred the pot
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 will stream on HBO on June 16, 2024. The first season of the fantasy series created a storm that does not show any signs of relenting as the show gets edgier in its storytelling and unabashed with its narrative.
'House of the Dragon' much like 'Game of Thrones' is known for its controversial storytelling bordering on absurd surrealism that often accentuates the plot. The show doesn't shy away from being explicit about its use of sexual innuendoes, gore violence, and topics that have not been touched on in the history of television before this fictional universe came into being.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 set the tone for its controversial narrative with a few controversial moments that have since been referred to in fan debates, character analysis, and even everyday banter. Here is a look at 6 moments from 'House of the Dragon' Season 1 that controversially stirred the pot and got tongues wagging.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 1: Queen Aemma's childbirth
'House of the Dragon' doesn't hesitate in expressing itself as a blatantly patriarchal world where the King wants a male offspring to be the heir to their kingdom.
Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) becomes victim to this as she keeps getting pregnant despite her complications and ultimately dies in a painful scene in Episode 1.
This wasn't the only scene where a painful childbirth was shown in the series. Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) also died in childbirth, and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D' Arcy) also saw her daughter being a stillborn
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 5: Joffery Lonmouth's death
Homosexuality and its presentation in this universe has always been a hotly debated topic. 'Game of Thrones' was often criticized for its presentation of homosexual characters. 'House of the Dragon' seems to be no different.
A moment that left the viewers stunned was the death of Joffery Lonmouth (Solly McLeod), who plays the love interest of Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate).
Joffery is brutally murdered by Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel), who takes out his frustrations with Rhaenyra on Joffery in a heartbreaking scene at the end of Episode 5.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 8: Alicent covers up Aegon raping Dyana
Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) plays a character who grows into an antagonist in the show and one moment that really got people to hate her was when her son Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) rapes a chambermaid named Dyana (Maddie Evans).
Alicent initially sympathizes with Dyana but does everything she can to cover up the rape because she doesn't want Aegon to be seen in bad light.
Aegon's character is that of a spoilt rich brat who Alicent protects at all costs as she considers Aegon the heir to the Iron Throne.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 9: Larys looks at Alicent's feet
A controversial moment that happened in Episode 9 between Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) and Alicent Hightower got the world talking about its weirdness. Alicent exposed a part of her feet to Lord Larys Strong.
The scene could have multiple meanings since Larys himself is born with a twisted foot but it could also be interpreted in the sexual sense making it one of the most controversial scenes in Season 1.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 2: King Viserys chooses Alicent Hightower as his wife
King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) chooses Alicent Hightower as his wife. The age gap between the two is significant as Alicent is almost the same age as his daughter, who is also her best friend.
The relationship is problematic in every sense and ends up becoming the catalyst for all that goes wrong with the Targaryen house from there onwards.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 4 : Daemon's relationship with Rhaenyra
While incest isn't uncommon in the Targaryen house, it is always a talking point particularly in 'House of the Dragon' where Daemon who is Rhaenyra's uncle gets involved with Rhaenyra, eventually marrying her even though she was already married to Laenor Velaryon.
The relationship is a means to solidify Rhaenyra's claim to the throne eventually and involves another controversial moment of violence when Daemon chokes Rhaenyra in Episode 9.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' is streaming on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024. To watch the series, you will need a Max Subscription.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually. Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer
'House of the Dragon' is streaming on HBO Max on Sunday, June 16, 2024.