'House of the Dragon': 5 shocking moments from the 'Game of Thrones' prequel that left fans speechless
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is set to stream on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024. Fans eagerly await the highly anticipated continuation of the 'Game of Thrones' prequel.
'House of the Dragon' is centered around the events that take place in the Targaryen House, starting with King Viserys Targaryen's reign (Paddy Considine).
It unfolds into a gripping succession battle between his daughter Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and her half-brother Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), son of the king's second wife, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), who was once Rhaenyra's closest ally.
Every episode of 'House of the Dragon' delivers a captivating twist, keeping viewers eagerly engaged throughout the series. The first season is filled with unforgettable moments that will remain etched in the memories of 'House of the Dragon' fans for years to come.
Here is a look at some of those moments that sent shockwaves among the fanbase.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 1: Viserys chooses Rhaenyra as the heir to the Iron Throne
One of the most pivotal and surprising moments for fans, especially those familiar with 'Game of Thrones', is Viserys's decision to name Rhaenyra as his heir.
In 'House of the Dragon,' the creators have constructed a patriarchal society where a woman is not likely to be chosen as the heir to the throne.
With no son to inherit the throne at the time, Viserys faced the crucial decision of naming either his brother Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) or his daughter Rhaenyra as his successor to the throne.
Viserys defies the advice of his council and societal norms by selecting his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir in 'House of the Dragon' and entrusts her with the closely guarded secret of 'A Song of Ice and Fire.'
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 5: The Green Wedding
Wedding bells are always accompanied by alarm bells for fans of the 'Game of Thrones' universe. So when Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan) and Rhaenyra were getting married and their marriage feast became a part shown in the series, fans sensed impending trouble in the realm.
Instead of the typical bloodshed, a sinister sign emerges from Alicent Hightower's attire at the marriage. Alicent arrived in a green dress, a choice that would signify more than just her fashion preferences.
For the Hightower house, green serves as a signal that war is imminent, and by donning green, Alicent sends out a message loud and clear: she's entering into battle with her former best friend.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 7: Aemond loses an eye
The turning point of the first season was also one of its most shocking moments, as Alicent's son, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) lost an eye.
For the fans who had been following the season episode by episode, this came as a significant shock, as it dashed their hopes of seeing Alicent and Rhaenyra resolve their differences.
Once Aemond lost an eye at the hands of Rhaenyra's son Lucerys Targaryen (Elliot Grihault), it became evident that any chance of reconciliation was off the table. The event would sow the seeds for Luke's death, another shocking moment in the series.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 6: Ser Criston Cole provokes Harwin Strong
Criston Cole (Fabian Frankel) undergoes a significant character arc in 'House of the Dragon'. Initially Rhaenyra's lover, he later aligns with Alicent, ultimately scheming against Rhaenyra.
He embodies the complexities of a scorned lover, a strong warrior, and a sinister individual as is evident in this shocking moment.
Criston Cole earlier defeats Harwin Strong, breaking his collarbone in a tournament, indicating his capability to stand up and fight against Harwin once more.
However, a sly dig at Harwin, particularly regarding his status as the father of Rhaenyra's children, provokes him, leading to Harwin conceding the fight and exposing himself through his violent reaction.
For fans who had relished Cole and Rhaenyra's early romance, this moment came as a shock, witnessing Cole's actions and the extent to which he went.
'House of the Dragon' Season 1 Episode 7: Laenor is alive
This moment came as a shock to everyone familiar with the book 'Fire and Blood' because it marked a significant deviation from the source material. In the book, Laenor Velaryon is killed by Daemon and Rhaenyra, whereas the series takes a different direction.
He is presumed dead in the series as well, but a shocking revelation shows him to be alive and in a new look.
He is revealed to have staged his death with Daemon's help and has fled to Essos, seeking refuge from a world that judges him for his homosexuality.
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 at $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.
The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99.
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' Season 2 is going to stream on HBO on Sunday, June 16, 2024.