‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 Probably Won’t Use Flashbacks, But It Should

House of the Dragon launched many characters in Season 1, from the in depth Targaryen family to the scheming Hightowers, however the sequence included much more actors. Spanning roughly 20 years, most of the essential members of the story had been initially performed by a youthful actor earlier than being swapped out for the one that would stay till the top of the sequence (or extra doubtless the character’s dying). Some characters required three totally different actors, like Laena Velaryon (Nova Foueillies-Mosé, Savannah Steyn, and Nanna Blondell)! Nevertheless, essentially the most memorable examples in Home of the Dragon are Milly Alcock‘s Rhaenyra and Emily Carey‘s Alicent. Although these two play the central roles for the primary 5 episodes, they’re changed by Emma D’Arcy and Olivia Cooke for the again half of the season, and the grownup variations of the characters will doubtless proceed by means of the remainder of the story.

On condition that we first meet these ladies as youngsters, the youthful actors have a substantial accountability in defining who the characters are and letting the viewers get to know them. These younger actors did an exceptional job, making everybody need extra of them even after the characters aged up. Although the upcoming Season 2 is set in their adulthood, some viewers are holding out hope that there will probably be flashbacks to carry again Carey and Alcock. Nevertheless, according to Carey’s recent statements, that doesn’t appear to be the case. Regardless of the childhood of Rhaenyra and Alicent taking part in such a big half within the story, the present has moved on. These former associates’ falling out set the tragic occasions of their maturity into movement, as their rivalry divided the Targaryen family and, by extension, Westeros. Because the Dance of the Dragons builds from their damaged relationship, it might solely make sense for Home of the Dragon to remind the viewers that issues may have been very totally different by peppering within the occasional flashback.

Rhaenyra and Alicent’s Dynamic Is Important To ‘Home of the Dragon’

Rhaenyra and Alicent’s relationship has a big influence on the story of Home of the Dragon. Though they’re enemies by the top of Season 1, as they stand on totally different sides of the warfare, they start as associates. When Alicent (Carey) turns into Rhaenyra’s (Alcock) stepmother – by means of the plotting of her father and Hand of the King, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and time spent with King Viserys (Paddy Considine) reasonably than something she chooses – their friendship turns into extra advanced. And the addition of Rhaenyra’s half-brothers solely makes the scenario extra unstable. Rhaenyra claims to be the inheritor by means of Viserys’ promise, however Alicent promotes her son Aegon II’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) declare based mostly on Westerosi customs. Viserys’ clear favoritism in direction of Rhaenyra does not assist issues, because the Targaryens decide sides — that are even named the Blacks and the Greens after the colours of every girl’s household.

Within the Season 1 finale, when Otto delivers a reminder of her friendship with Alicent (Cooke), Rhaenyra (D’Arcy) considers amicably resolving their battle. Although that waver disappears as soon as blood is spilled, Rhaenyra’s hesitation proves their friendship continues to be related to the story. Alicent, alternatively, is set about her trigger. Spurred by her misinterpretation of Viserys’ final words, she fights for her son Aegon’s proper to sit down on the Iron Throne. Nevertheless, the Season 2 trailer suggests she nonetheless has doubts, as soon as once more highlighting the connection between her and Rhaenyra. Due to the lasting influence of their friendship, the sequence may benefit from exploring it additional. Bringing Alcock and Carey again, even briefly, would permit for this regardless of the grownup variations of the characters being distanced from one another. Though the present-day story needs to highlight their children as properly, and Aegon specifically because the Greens’ king, the very fact is that this warfare is rooted within the rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent.

‘Home of the Dragon’ Season 1 Skips Years of Alicent and Rhaenyra’s Relationship

Though Season 1 spends a number of time exploring this connection, the present’s construction prevents it from depicting sure moments. With near-constant time jumps, the sequence fast-forwards by means of years of Rhaenyra and Alicent’s relationship, which may present extra context to the second season. Pivotal moments of their rivalry don’t seem on-screen, such because the delivery of Rhaenyra’s oldest son, when Alicent first suspects Rhaenyra has given delivery to a bastard. Although this friction is ongoing in Season 1, by the point Rhaenyra has her third son, its origin is a significant milestone in laying the groundwork for the warfare to come back.

Likewise, the primary season jumps from Alicent’s marriage to her having a two-year-old son who is anticipated to interchange Rhaenyra as inheritor — one other vital a part of their battle. Although House of the Dragon depicts the souring of their relationship, there are essential moments that would nonetheless be explored. With so many occasions handwaved or skipped previous, there may be greater than sufficient that would use a proof in Season 2, justifying Carey and Alcock’s return.

Flashbacks Would Solely Profit ‘Home of the Dragon’ Season 2

Because the bloody occasions of the Dance of the Dragons take priority, there will probably be few possibilities for the viewers to catch their breath. With two of the series’ largest battles promised and loads of destruction, Season 2 will probably be intense. Temporary interludes with younger Alicent and Rhaenyra would assist stability the present combine in just a few extra situations of peace with out distracting from the central battle. The warfare has grown past them, however it may be traced again to their division, making the context of their nearer previous vital even when they’re bodily distanced.

Home of the Dragon additionally makes the purpose that these ladies had been pitted in opposition to one another partially in opposition to their will, and flashbacks may proceed that story. Whereas some blame the war on Viserys’ inaction and others on Otto’s quest for energy, the issue stems from the patriarchy as these two associates are pressured right into a battle for energy, between Rhaenyra defending her declare and Alicent defending her youngsters. As every part of the Targaryen household faces losses, the chasm between them will solely develop, however that makes the foundation much more important to mirror on. Flashbacks would spotlight the connection that set the warfare into movement, by no means letting us neglect the circumstances that led to the warfare. It is a disgrace that Carey and Alcock won’t be returning, as they had been those who initially bought to outline this failed friendship, however who is aware of? Perhaps there’s nonetheless a possibility for them to reprise their roles at some future level if Home of the Dragon is keen to revisit extra of the previous.

Home of the Dragon Season 2 will premiere on June 16. Season 1 is obtainable to stream on Max within the U.S.

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