Game of Thrones is one of the best and most popular TV shows ever made, and given the vast world author George R.R. Martin has created with his book series, a spinoff show was inevitable. Though there had been several reports and rumors regarding which story of Westeros would be explored first, it was announced in 2019 that a prequel titled House of the Dragon was officially in the works.
The spinoff is based on Martin’s book Fire & Blood, which explores the history of House Targaryen — from their rise with Aegon’s conquest to their fall with the death of the dragons. As you’ll remember, Game of Thrones begins after Aerys II Targaryen, a.k.a. the Mad King, is killed by Jaime Lannister and usurped by Robert Baratheon. He’s the final Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne, and Fire & Blood shows us the years leading up to those events when the family is at their peak of power.
House of the Dragon doesn’t start from the beginning of Fire & Blood, however, and instead it focuses on a civil war called the Dance of the Dragons.
The prequel series debuted in Aug. 2022 and was an instant hit, unsurprisingly, breaking viewership records for HBO and even winning Best Drama at the Golden Globes. It’s a fantastic show, one that proves people still care about Game of Thrones. That said, not every single episode in its first season run is perfect. Most of them are great, but there are definitely things to criticize.
We’re breaking down each episode of House of the Dragon season 1 here while we wait for the second season to premiere next year. Flip the page to see which episode we think is the worst of them all.
10. House of the Dragon episode 9: “The Green Council”
The titular episode of House of the Dragon season 1 is the only episode I truly dislike. I might be biased because I’m Team Black and this episode is all about the Greens, but that’s not the only reason it’s disappointing. It’s a huge misstep at a pivotal moment in the season.
At the start of the episode, we get confirmation that Viserys is dead. Alicent is very careful with her messaging here, wanting her son Aegon to take the Throne instead of Rhaenyra, the rightful heir. The night before Viserys’ death, he tries to tell Alicent about Aegon I’s dream, but she doesn’t understand. He’s completely out of it and probably thinks she’s Rhaenrya, but Alicent interprets it as he wants their son Aegon to be the king. This is what happens when Targaryens keep naming their kids Aegon!
This is a great setup, but the episode just doesn’t follow through. Alicent and Otto discuss their options in an awkwardly-put together scene with weak dialogue, and Lord Beesbury’s death just feels out of place. The pacing throughout the episode isn’t great, and the decision to add in the chase scene between Criston, the Cargylls, Aemond, and Aegon is so strange. I don’t get it. Why are they wasting so much time here?
The ending of the episode which sees Rhaenys bursting through the floorboards riding on Meleys to interrupt Aegon’s coronation is such a letdown. What’s the point of it? It’s so cheesy.
House of the Dragon totally wastes its penultimate episode with what almost feels like a filler.
9. House of the Dragon episode 2: “The Rogue Prince”
Speaking of filler episodes, the second episode of the season kind of feels like that. While it moves the plot along, it does so pretty slowly. It’s pretty much a typical second episode of a new show; the writers are still setting up the world and the characters viewers must get familiar with. But that’s not to say there aren’t awesome moments in “The Rogue Prince.”
Daemon’s been banished from the Red Keep after wronging his brother Viserys, and as it turns out, he’s stolen a dragon egg. He’s living out in Dragonstone with his mistress Mysaria and fully intends on wedding her even though he’s already married. This episode also sets up an early villain called the Crabfeeder, who’s interesting enough.
After the death of Viserys’ wife Aemma and their baby, Otto starts his manipulation scheme and sends Alicent to comfort the king. Of course, this comes with ulterior motives as he knows Viserys will have to take another wife soon.
The second episode does a great job developing Rhaenyra and Daemon’s complex relationship as see how much Rhaenyra has Daemon wrapped around her finger. Things will only escalate for them in future episodes, and this plants that seed again.
There are high moments in the second episode, but not enough to rank it higher on the list.
8. House of the Dragon episode 6: “The Princess and the Queen”
House of the Dragon really takes risks in its first season by making several time jumps and recasting multiple roles. The sixth episode takes place 10 years after the events of the fifth, seeing Rhaenyra married to Laenor and Daemon married to Laena. Though we know they’d rather be together, they’re content enough in their respective relationships and understand it’s their duty to be married.
“The Princess and the Queen” is almost like a second premiere, as viewers have to get reacquainted with older versions of the characters and learn what’s been going on in the past decade. Rhaenyra and Daemon both have children, while Viserys is still alive but struggling. Alicent has become much bolder than in her younger years, and Criston is now her close confidant. There’s a clear divide between Rhaenyra and Alicent, though they maintain a cordial relationship.
This episode really takes focus on the children as we see how much Rhaenyra and Alicent’s sons are at odds. There are also major deaths in Laena and Harwin that kind of feel rushed, but at the same time, they really can’t take up more time in the season. So much happens, so the season has to move fast.
The sixth episode of the season serves its purpose and certainly drives the plot forward. Is it my favorite episode? No, but it’s solid.
7. House of the Dragon episode 10: “The Black Queen”
It all comes to an end in episode 10, titled “The Black Queen.” After Aegon usurps the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra must make some tough decisions. Of course, she’s the rightful heir after being named by her father, but it doesn’t take long for King’s Landing to turn on her and follow her dimwitted half-brother when Viserys dies.
As Rhaenyra struggles with her next move, she’s also pressured by Daemon, who wants her to start a war. This episode does a great job demonstrating the tension between the two characters, reminding us just how different they are. They’re both Targaryens, yes, but they think very differently. And Rhaenyra has Aegon I’s dream to think about. When she tries to talk to Daemon about it, she realizes Viserys never told him, and he gets angry. He turns on her, if only for a moment, proving he can still be a villain even with his wife.
Season 1 ends before the Dance of the Dragons officially begins, with the first chess move being made. After Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys is killed by Aemond, she’s done playing nice. She’s ready to let the fire take over her, and Emma D’Arcy gives an incredible performance in this episode.
Many people think the finale is anticlimactic, but in knowing what’s going to happen next, I think it gives us a nice moment to breathe before all the chaos and destruction to come in season 2.
6. House of the Dragon episode 3: “Second of His Name”
After basically losing her best friend when Alicent marries her father, Rhaenyra is totally lost in the third episode. She’s pressured to find a husband and is feeling super angsty, which leads to her running off at a hunt. She bonds with Criston while Viserys gets drunk and then debates how he should help Daemon, who’s off fighting in the Stepstones.
Any Rhaenyra fan will appreciate the third episode, as it really focuses on her inner struggle to follow her duty. She never asked to be her father’s heir, but now she feels like she must protect it. She also doesn’t want to marry; she wants to ride her dragon and have fun. But as she comes to terms with the things she must do, she finds her own power in what she can control.
Another awesome part of this episode is the ending, which sees Daemon finally killing the Crabfeeder. They’re losing, but Viserys sending help is the motivator for Daemon to take action. Not because he feels appreciative, but because he’s angry. He doesn’t want help from his brother; he wants to be able to do it on his own. So now that he knows his brother’s watching, he ends the battle.
There’s a lot of great character development in the third episode, and the final five on this list are absolutely fantastic. Keep reading to find out which takes the top spots!
5. House of the Dragon episode 1: “The Heirs of the Dragon”
The premiere episode of House of the Dragon does a great job introducing viewers to King’s Landing in a time much different than where we left it in Game of Thrones. Set 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, the first episode sees King Viserys and his wife Aemma expecting a child. Viserys is convinced it’ll be a boy, who he will name the heir to the Iron Throne. But unsurprisingly, that doesn’t go as planned.
Viserys and Aemma have one child, a daughter named Rhaenyra who wants to spend all of her time riding her dragon Syrax, much to Alicent’s dismay. Right off the bat, it’s easy to connect with the characters and want to know what’ll happen next. We also get to meet Viserys’ brother Daemon, who’s a complete troublemaker. Rhaenyra and Daemon have an interesting relationship that might go beyond family.
The biggest moment in the premiere happens toward the end when Viserys decides he’ll name Rhaenyra his heir after Aemma and their newborn son die. Before the ceremony takes place, Viserys informs his daughter of a Targaryen family secret she can’t tell anyone about. As the future queen, she must hold the secret with her and let it guide her decisions. This would be Aegon I’s prophetic dream, which he called the song of ice and fire. This bit isn’t part of Fire & Blood and was added just for the show, and I think it really works.
I like Rhaenyra in Fire & Blood but really love her in the show, which is a testament to how well the writers handle her character.
4. House of the Dragon episode 4: “King of the Narrow Sea”
Sex, lies, and betrayal! All in a day’s work in Westeros. Just when critics started to point out that House of the Dragon might have way less sex than Game of Thrones, the fourth episode premiered and reminded us just how provocative George R.R. Martin’s world can be.
“King of the Narrow Sea” is definitely a turning point in the season, seeing Daemon return from the Stepstones with all eyes on Rhaenyra. Fans of the book already knew an incestuous relationship between uncle and niece was coming, but I can’t imagine how those who weren’t in the know felt. Upon reuniting, the two are closer than ever and partake on a particularly wild night when sneaking out to explore the streets of King’s Landing.
It’s a completely liberating adventure for Rhaenyra, who passes for a common boy and gets to act in whatever way she wants when no one recognizes her. But things escalate when Daemon brings her to a brothel and seduces her. With less clothing on, people certainly start to recognize her. Daemon ends up storming off and abandons her before they have sex, and when Rhaenyra gets back to the Red Keep, she wants some action.
This time, it’s her turn to do the seducing and she has sex with Criston, which is a total 180 from her experience with Daemon. This episode is so great because of its unexpected events, but also because of how much power it brings Rhaenyra. She finally feels like she has a say in something, and that’s incredibly fun and freeing for her.
Gossip gets around quickly in King’s Landing and Viserys exiles Daemon yet again. He also tells Rhaenyra that she must marry Laenor. It’s a whirlwind of an episode that changes the course of the rest of the season.
3. House of the Dragon episode 5: “We Light the Way”
Before we take our 10-year time jump on House of the Dragon, we get a devastating episode that leaves me speechless every time I watch it. After Rhaenyra and Criston have sex in the episode prior, they have a secretive fling that’s pretty much only working for one side. Rhaenyra is happy to keep it going the way it is, but Criston wants more. And this, sadly, leads to murder.
Much of the episode takes place on Driftmark as the festivities for Rhaenyra and her betrothed begin. But what’s meant to be a happy affair turns heartbreaking when Criston gets into a one-sided altercation with Laenor’s secret lover Joffrey and beats him to death. Rhaenyra and Daemon also reunite for the first time since Daemon was exiled and their relationship heats up, while Alicent and Criston form an unexpected bond.
There’s a lot of ground to cover in this episode and the pacing really works, spending enough time on the moments that matter and advancing the storyline. There’s so much tension at the party, it gives me a nervous stomach ache! The episode does a great job of balancing the various characters and their motivations and actions. The moments that lead up to Joffrey’s death make a scene that you almost have to watch more than once to catch all of the details.
Weddings seldom go right in Game of Thrones, and House of the Dragon takes on this tradition well in an effective change from the book.
2. House of the Dragon episode 8: “The Lord of the Tides”
We get another time jump in between episodes 8 and 9, and in “The Lord of the Tides,” all eyes are on the Velaryons as news hits that Corlys is injured and might not recover. Lucerys is the appointed heir of Driftmark, but Corlys’ brother Vaemond won’t have it. He accuses Rhaenyra of mothering bastards, saying he should take the Driftmark Throne. Of course, treason like this doesn’t go unpunished, and Vaemond loses his head for it.
This episode really showcases how bad of a shape Viserys is in. It’s miraculous that he’s still alive, as he continues suffering from a disease that looks like a form of leprosy. And in his final days, all he wants is for his family to get along. He knows there’s a divide between Alicent and the Greens and Rhaenyra and the Blacks, and he hates it. Viserys had always been a peaceful ruler, so much so that he’s even disappointed by it, and the fact that he just wants his daughter and wife to reconcile before he dies is so on brand for him.
Paddy Considine truly shines in this episode as King Viserys, and it’s such a shame he didn’t get a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. Between his walk to the Iron Throne to defend his daughter and grandson, to his speech at the family dinner later that night, his portrayal is fantastic and is a huge improvement from Viserys in Fire & Blood. Even George R.R. Martin thinks so!
Sadly, Viserys passes away in the middle of the night after trying to talk to Alicent about Aegon I’s prophecy. What happens next is something I’m sure he would’ve never imagined.
1. House of the Dragon episode 7: “Driftmark”
The feud between the Greens and the Blacks officially begins in the seventh episode of House of the Dragon, which sees Aemond lose an eye, an altercation between Alicent and Rhaenyra, a fake-out death, and a secret wedding. It’s one of the most eventful episodes of the season that constantly keeps you on your toes.
After Laena and Harwin’s deaths, Rhaenyra and Daemon come together again and let their feelings take control. They end up sleeping together and it becomes apparent they never want to be apart again. Meanwhile, Aemond claims Laena’s dragon Vhagar as his, which leads to a fight with Daemon’s daughters and Rhaenyra’s sons. Aemond, unfortunately, gets his eye cut out in the shuffle.
Rhaenyra realizes her claim to the Iron Throne is being seriously challenged now that Alicent’s proved she’s not on her side, and she needs to take action. She forms a plan with Laenor so he can run off with his lover Qarl, and she and Daemon can get married and strengthen the Targaryen line.
This show heavily focuses on character development, episode 7 included. Although Alicent loses it and snaps, it’s really easy to empathize with her at this moment. She’s deeply jealous of Rhaenyra for being able to do whatever she wants as a woman, while she’s been following orders her whole life. Now, her son’s lost an eye at the hands of Rhaenyra’s son, and she’s ready to take out all of her anger on her. She’s willing to risk it all because of the intense rage and envy she feels.
Olivia Cooke does a wonderful job bringing Alicent to life, who is such a complex character. As a fan of Rhaenyra, Alicent is an antagonist in my eyes. But I still can’t help but love her.
Daemon and Rhaenyra’s wedding at the end of the episode gives me such mixed feelings, which is definitely what the show is going for. On the one hand, it’s a complete power move for House Targaryen and I love them both as characters, but on the other, they’re doing something against Viserys’ wishes and are no doubt confusing their children… not to mention the fact that it’s incest.
Just like Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon challenges our beliefs and makes us rethink what’s right and what’s wrong. Episode 7 really captures that.
What episode of House of the Dragon season 1 is your favorite? The second season is currently in production.