Reflecting on the ‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 finale: A deeper dive into ‘The Queen Who Ever Was’

A finale defined by restraint

The Season 2 finale of HBO’s “House of the Dragon”, titled “The Queen Who Ever Was”, is a masterclass in narrative restraint. Unlike the explosive finales we’ve come to expect from its predecessor, “Game of Thrones”, this episode takes a more subdued approach. There are no grand battles or significant deaths, a stark contrast to last season’s heart-wrenching conclusion where Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) lost her son Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) to Aemond’s (Ewan Mitchell) vengeful actions.

The unique narrative of ‘House of the Dragon’

“House of the Dragon” distinguishes itself from “Game of Thrones” through its source material. While George R.R. Martin’s primary series remains unfinished, “Fire & Blood” is a complete yet deliberately ambiguous work. This historical recounting allows showrunner Ryan Condal the freedom to choose which version of events to portray, keeping fans on their toes about upcoming developments.

A season cut short

The decision to wrap up Season 2 in eight episodes instead of the usual ten might explain the lack of climactic events. Key locations like Harrenhal, where Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) has been preparing for battle, and King’s Landing, where tensions are brewing, remain untouched. Instead, the episode focuses on personal resolutions: Daemon accepting Rhaenyra’s superiority, Alyn (Abubakar Salim) confronting his father Corlys (Steven Toussaint), and Alicent (Olivia Cooke) admitting her role in the war’s inception.

Interpersonal drama over epic battles

While some fans might find “The Queen Who Ever Was” anticlimactic, the episode underscores the show’s intent. “House of the Dragon” isn’t just about dragon battles; it’s about the intricate relationships and personal stakes that drive these conflicts. The show emphasizes human emotions and efforts over the spectacle of fire and blood.

Ser Criston Cole’s unexpected wisdom

Surprisingly, Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) emerges as a voice of reason. Witnessing the dragon battle at Rook’s Rest, which claimed Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best) and crippled King Aegon (Tom Glynn Carney), has humbled him. His reflection, “The dragons dance and men are like dust under their feet,” encapsulates the show’s focus on human endeavors over grandiose battles.

The weight of history

“House of the Dragon” is deeply concerned with history, a nod to “Fire & Blood”. The final scene, where Rhaenyra tells Alicent, “History will paint you a villain,” highlights this theme. The characters’ actions are framed as fleeting moments in a broader historical tapestry, adding weight to their personal struggles.

Mixed reception

While the finale offers satisfying resolutions, some plotlines felt drawn out. Daemon’s time at Harrenhal, filled with introspective hallucinations, seemed interminable. Conversations between Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and his family, addressing his heritage, felt like a long-overdue reckoning.

A deliberate thematic choice

Despite pacing issues, the decision to end the season with armies on the march rather than in battle is a deliberate thematic choice. “House of the Dragon” often cuts around action scenes or makes them unpleasant to watch, emphasizing the grim reality of war. The sense of impending disaster underscores the slippery slope of armed conflict, making every interaction fraught with tension.

The inevitability of war

The Dance of the Dragons has already seen its share of atrocities, and more death is inevitable. This certainty colors every scene, creating a stomach-churning anticipation. The show forces viewers to sit with this grim fatalism, delaying the gratification of epic battles to highlight the human cost of war.

“House of the Dragon” remains a compelling exploration of power, history, and human emotion. Its restraint in the Season 2 finale sets the stage for even more intense conflicts to come, reminding us that the true stakes lie not in the battles themselves, but in the lives and relationships that are forever changed by them.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “House of the Dragon”, check out the trailer for House of the Dragon.