House of the Dragon’ review: Season 3 atones for the sins of Season 2
House of the Dragon Season 3 premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max. The opening episodes center on the Battle of the Gullet, a naval conflict between the Triarchy and Corlys Velaryon’s forces during the succession war between Rhaenyra and Aegon II Targaryen.
The first four episodes of the new season move past the perceived stagnation of the Season 2 finale. According to a critical review of the early episodes, the series shifts from the stalling tactics of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower into full-scale warfare.
What happens in the Battle of the Gullet?
The Battle of the Gullet serves as a primary payoff for the naval blockade established by Corlys Velaryon in Season 2. The clash involves a Triarchy fleet attacking the “Sea Snake’s” forces in one of the defining fights of the Dance of the Dragons.
Directed by Loni Peristere, the sequence features long takes of sailors boarding ships and sweeping shots of dragons dive-bombing the fleet. The review notes the action takes place during the day, providing clearer visibility than previous franchise battles like the Battle of Winterfell.
How does Rhaenyra Targaryen change in Season 3?
Rhaenyra Targaryen shifts from a leader who balked at violence to one who embraces it. The review states she now believes taking the Iron Throne is the only way to justify the pain she’s experienced during the conflict.
This transition includes Rhaenyra making “impossible choices” and committing acts of violence with her own hands. Emma D’Arcy portrays this shift through a raw depiction of grief and rage following the Battle of the Gullet.
How does Season 3 differ from Fire and Blood?
The series continues to make significant changes from George R.R. Martin’s original text, Fire and Blood. These deviations reportedly strained the relationship between Martin and showrunner Ryan Condal.
While some plot threads involving characters like Criston Cole are described as stagnant, the review suggests the writers’ new arcs add intrigue to the Targaryen relationships. The show also maintains a trend of including threats of sexual violence toward women, though the review notes these instances aren’t as graphic as those in Game of Thrones.
What may happen next in the Dance of the Dragons?
Given the momentum of the first four episodes, the series is likely to move deeper into the “bloody future” of the Targaryen dynasty. Further action sequences could follow the scale of the Gullet as the war intensifies.
The psychological toll on Rhaenyra may lead to further deviations from the source material as the writers explore her grief and rage. It’s possible that underutilized characters like Criston Cole may see their roles expand to resolve current plot stagnation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does House of the Dragon Season 3 premiere?
It premieres June 21 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.
Who is involved in the Battle of the Gullet?
The battle features the Triarchy’s fleet fighting against the forces of Corlys Velaryon.
Who are the main figures in the royal succession civil war?
The conflict, known as the Dance of the Dragons, is fought between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II Targaryen.
Do you think Rhaenyra’s shift toward violence is necessary for her to win the Iron Throne?