The Game of Thrones show “House of the Dragon” is an entire series that attempts to answer the question, “How did an empire with full command of the most powerful creatures ever end up nearly erased from the world?
We’re up to date as we near the end of the second season, and I’m endlessly impressed by just how good this show is. Sure, it has missteps here and there like any show, but I’m hooked on every character, scene, and episode. For a show with dragons, the political intrigue is the most thrilling element.
Some friends were talking about the show recently in a way that opened my eyes. You see, I’ve viewed House of the Dragon through the lens that Rhaenyra Targaryen is the protagonist, the rightful ruler. But my revelation is that while the show might present her as slightly more sympathetic than Alicent Hightower, there really is no protagonist in House of the Dragon. Every character is nuanced and flawed. And while the nobles fight over the Iron Throne, the common people consistently suffer. Perhaps they are the real heroes.
I’m curious to watch the next element through this lens. Have you found yourself rooting for one side over the other?