The big picture
- The young actors a
House of the Dragon
play key roles and shape characters effectively. - Rhaenyra and Alicent's friendship-turned-rivalry drives the series' central conflict.
- Flashbacks would enhance Season 2 by exploring the historical bond and tensions between these key characters.
House of the Dragon introduced many characters in Season 1, from the extended Targaryen family to the scheming Hightowers, but the series included even more actors. For about 20 years, many of the important members of the story were initially played by a younger actor before being replaced by the person who would remain until the end of the series (or more likely the death of the character). Some characters required three different actors, such as Laena Velaryon (New Foueillies-Mosé, Savannah Steini Nanna Blondell)! However, the most memorable examples a House of the Dragon they are Milly Alcockis Rhaenyra and Emily Careyit's the Enticer. Although these two play the central roles in the first five episodes, they are replaced by Emma D'Arcy i Olivia Cooke for the back half of the season, and adult versions of the characters will likely continue for the rest of the story.
Since we first meet these women as teenagers, the younger actors have a lot of responsibility in defining who the characters are and getting the audience to know them. These young actors did a phenomenal job, keeping everyone wanting more even after the characters aged. Although the upcoming season 2 is set in their adulthood, some viewers are hoping that there will be flashbacks to bring back Carey and Alcock. However, based on Carey's recent statements, that doesn't seem to be the case. Despite the formative years of Rhaenyra and Alicent playing such a big part in the story, the show has moved on. The feud between these former friends set in motion the tragic events of their adulthood as their rivalry split the Targaryen family and, by extension, Westeros. As A Dance with Dragons builds on their broken relationship, it would only make sense for House of the Dragon to remind the audience that things could have been very different to pepper in the occasional flashback.
Rhaenyra and Alicent's dynamic is essential to 'House of the Dragon'
Rhaenyra and Alicent's relationship has a significant impact on the story of House of the Dragon. Although they are enemies at the end of season 1, since they are on different sides of the war, they start out as friends. When Alicent (Carey) becomes the stepmother of Rhaenyra (Alcock), thanks to the conspiracy of her father and the hand of the king, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and time spent with King Viserys (Paddy Considine) instead of anything she chooses: their friendship becomes more complex. And the addition of Rhaenyra's half-siblings only makes the situation more volatile. Rhaenyra claims to be Viserys' betrothed heir, but Alicent promotes her son Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) claim based on Westerosi customs. Viserys' clear favoritism towards Rhaenyra doesn't help, as the Targaryens choose sides, which are even named Black and Green after each woman's family colors.
At the end of Season 1, when Otto recalls his friendship with Alicent (Cooke), Rhaenyra (D'Arcy) considers resolving their conflict amicably. While this hesitation disappears once the blood has been spilled, Rhaenyra's hesitation shows that their friendship is still relevant to the story. Alicent, on the other hand, is determined to her cause. Spurred on by her misinterpretation of Viserys' last words, she fights for her son Aegon's right to sit on the Iron Throne. However, the Season 2 trailer suggests that she still has doubts, once again highlighting the relationship between her and Rhaenyra. Because of the lasting impact of their friendship, the series could benefit from exploring it further. Bringing Alcock and Carey back, even briefly, would allow for that even as the grown-up versions of the characters distanced themselves from each other. While the current story must also highlight his sons, and Aegon in particular as King of the Greens, the fact is that this war has its roots in the rivalry between Rhaenyra and Alicent.
“House of the Dragon” Season 1 skips years from Alicent and Rhaenyra's relationship
While Season 1 spends a lot of time exploring this connection, the structure of the show prevents it from depicting certain moments. With almost constant time jumps, the series fast-forwards through the years of Rhaenyra and Alicent's relationship, which could give more context to the second season. Key moments of their rivalry are not shown on screen, such as the birth of Rhaenyra's eldest son, when Alicent first suspects that Rhaenyra has given birth to a bastard. While this friction continues into Season 1, when Rhaenyra has her third child, his origin is an important milestone in setting the stage for the war to come.
Likewise, the first season jumps from Alicent's marriage to having a two-year-old son expected to replace Rhaenyra as heir, another major part of their conflict. Although House of the Dragon represents the aggravation of their relationship, there are important moments that could still be explored. With so many hand-waved or skipped events, there's more than enough for an explanation in Season 2, justifying the return of Carey and Alcock.
Flashbacks will only benefit “House of the Dragon” Season 2.
As the bloody events of Dance of the Dragons take precedence, there will be little chance for the audience to catch their breath. With two of the biggest battles of the series promised and plenty of destruction, Season 2 is going to be intense. Brief interludes with young Alicent and Rhaenyra would help balance the show's mix into some more peaceful instances. without distracting from the central conflict. The war has grown beyond them, but can be traced back to their split, making the context of their closer past meaningful even when they are physically distant.
House of the Dragon It also points out that these women were pitted against each other, partially against their will, and flashbacks could continue that story. While some blame the war on Viserys' inaction and others on Otto's quest for power, the problem stems from the patriarchy as these two friends are forced to fight for power, with Rhaenyra staking her claim and Alicent protecting her children. As each section of the Targaryen family faces loss, the gulf between them will only widen, but that makes the root all the more critical to ponder. Flashbacks would highlight the relationship that started the war, never forgetting the circumstances that led to the war. It's a shame that Carey and Alcock aren't coming back, since they were the ones who initially came to define this failed friendship, but who knows? Maybe there's still a chance to reprise their roles at some point in the future if House of the Dragon is willing to revisit more of the past.
House of the Dragon Season 2 will premiere on June 16. Season 1 can be streamed on Max in the US
LOOK AT MAX
