C.start tonight August 22 on Sky (and streaming on NOW) the rib of the Game of ThronesHouse of the Dragon, surviving spin-off of a long competition between those who wanted to expand the universe of the fantasy series.
That said, House of the Dragon it is technically a prequel, being set almost two centuries before the events narrated in the first of the television transpositions of the literary saga of A Song of Ice and Fire (George RR Martin).
Like the cycle of novels, it focuses on dynasties – one in particular, that of the Targaryens, the rulers of dragons – which for centuries have alternated in power in the medieval world that forms the background of the narrative.
House of the Dragon: a parable of prejudice and rivalry
The series inspires a Fire and bloodvolume dedicated to the ancestors of the aggressive Daenerys Targaryenheroin and then villain del Game of Thrones.
Long-time holders of the crown of the Seven Kingdoms, i Targaryen become rivals among themselves because of the succession: it all begins when the elderly king Jaehaerys I, having lost his children, he prefers his young nephew Viserys to his cousin Rhaenys as heirwho, due to seniority, would have the right to sit on the Iron Throne.
The reign of Viserys it is prosperous and peaceful, but the question of inheritance blurs the future because a male heir is missing. And the possibility arises that the daughter could happen Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock as a young man and Emma D’Arcy as an adult). Who is strong and courageous, but a queen is never made instead of a king.
The alternative is the brother of King Daemon (Matt Smith), impulsive and bloodthirsty warrior. This tension will trigger a conflict that will put members of the dragon ruler dynasty against each other.
The strong queen that nobody wants
Composed of 10 episodes distributed on a weekly basis, House of the Dragon is based on a ridiculous premise: women are not strong enough to bear the crown. Prejudice that costs Rhaenys the throne and questions Rhaenyra’s future as queen, too independent, uninhibited, ambitious, determined: defects that in a man are instead considered qualities.
And that unleash an ominous family feud between a handful of characters moved by envy, jealousy, misunderstanding, rivalry and prejudice. A feud that extends to the examination of power and politics, as well as the history of the future of a people.
Milly Alcock and Emily Carey (Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower). (Sky)
The weight of the legacy of the Game of Thrones
Self Game of thrones began without great expectations, and with the first season purged of every fantasy element in favor of a period drama with a medieval setting (ten years ago the dragons and pointy ears genre was a niche thing, if not just for nerds), House of the Dragon instead he starts by pushing the pedal on each chrism. Reaching an impeccable technical level.
On a visual level, therefore, the show is overwhelming, evocative and monumentalwith excellent CGI – especially in flight sequences (after all only Targaryens can ride fire-breathing creatures) and in outdoor sets.
King Viserys (Paddy Considine). (Sky)
The importance of the right cast
A host of British actors headed by Paddy Considine. The talented actor responsible for memorable performances in Dead Man’s Shoes – Five Days of Vengeance, Journeyman And Hot Fuzz, as the mild-mannered King Viserys is as realistic and convincing as George Martin he prefers his own version of the character to the one created by himself.
Instead, in the role of the ruthless Daemon Matt Smithknown by most as the protagonist of Doctor Who. The evolution from the bizarre alien of the sci-fi cult series to a relentless and immoral warrior is impressive. However, the real surprise is the Australian actress Milly Alcockwho plays teenage Rhaenyra for five episodes.
The artistic contribution of these actors makes of House of the Dragon a much more compelling series than it seems looking at the first episodewhen the trio is just starting to outline their respective characters.
Summing up: it is a yes
A valid shortlist of protagonists, a suggestive package, a proven machine: House of Dragon it is programmed to be a triumph. However, the mistrust of the audience of Game of thrones reminiscent of the descending parable which accompanied the last lines of the mother series, which ended after a handful of botched and disappointing episodes.
As we said, the first episode is the weakest of the 6 granted in preview to the press, but as the narration proceeds it also proves to be of a high level in the planning of the narrative structure, gradually becoming more engaging as relations between Rhaenyra, her allies, and her detractors become complicated. In particular, to keep an eye on her and Uncle Daemon: together they make sparks.
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