Like many, I have been thoroughly enjoying this season of “House of the Dragon.” But this past Sunday, an episode was released that has been critiqued by some in the community as “boring” and “filler.” This bothers me an almost unhealthy amount.
I would never watch “Game of Thrones” in a bar. However, I remember how many videos circulated after the show ended showing the absolute cinematic character assassination being witnessed by excited bargoers. This is not a series of shows to watch in a bar.
“Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” are ultimately George RR Martin’s encapsulation of William Faulkner’s famous words: ” The only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself.” These are not Marvel movies where the major attraction is the sights and sounds. Yes, The Dance of Dragons episode has its moments, but anyone who said they started their interest in this franchise through anything other than characters is simply lying to you.
No, an episode filled simply with people talking is not boring. Some of my favorite episodes of the combined series of “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon” are indeed those lead-up episodes—the calm before the storm.
Was it great watching Oberyn Martell tap dance on The Mountain? Yes, but I would much rather watch as he tells Tyrion that “the biggest disappointment was you.”
Or what about when Sam stands for Jon and announces that “he was the commander we looked to when the night was darkest” or when Viserys made his walk for Rhaenyra in his final days?
Every scene of Olenna Tyrell and Tywin Lannister in “Game of Thrones” and every scene of Daemon and Rhaenyra in “House of the Dragon” is a verbal battle of wits, and it is not lost on other characters either.
Outside of “Avengers: Endgame” and most cinematic war films, we remember character moments the most in any given form of media. The entire reason “The Godfather” is seen as one of the greatest series of all time is not for the assassination scenes or any of the other action scenes. They are beloved for their character moments. The thoughts that go into every single line are what make a difference.
No, this most recent episode of “House of the Dragon” was not boring. It was eventless, and that is just fine. This is a war show. The lack of an event does not mean that there is a lack of interesting content. It simply means that for once this season, nobody dies. Enjoy that while it lasts.
