# House of the Dragon, an HBO prequel series to Game of Thrones **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** tv-shows-scripted, hbomax-wb-dc\ **Created:** [May 6, 2021, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521 "2021-05-06T13:17:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2022, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/241 "2022-09-13T03:04:26Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > Is it just me, or is Rhaenyra having potential suitors literally line up to plead their cases completely asinine? 🤨 Sure it’s funny, but it seems like it’s designed to maximize bad feelings and loss of face in every noble house. It’s pretty historically accurate I believe. Monarchs and noblemen often were approached like this in open court by suitors. ---
**Author:** ![Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eyebrows_0f_doom/32/3119_2.png) [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2022, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/242 "2022-09-13T05:25:30Z")
Daemon and Rhaenyra did not actually have sex, if anyone watched the little Inside the Episode bit after the credits, they were very clear on that. When Rhaenyra showed that she was into it and started being the dominant one, Daemon was unable to perform. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2022, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/243 "2022-09-13T14:05:25Z")
The scene was pretty dark but the fact that she went back still horny and immediately banged her kingsguard made that clear. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2022, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/244 "2022-09-13T21:56:57Z")
I’m watching _HOTD_, and will keep watching it, but have to say I’ve been underwhelmed so far. Just hasn’t grabbed me the way _GOT_ did. I read _Fire & Blood_ when it first came out, but have fortunately forgotten all but the broad outlines of the story. I don’t mind the re-use of the _GOT_ theme myself. It’s an appropriate musical link to the earlier show; the orchestration is also different, which sets it apart a bit. > [@Yodalicious](#): > > [Here’s an explanation](https://youtu.be/QPmsxLf5gM0) of the opening credits. Thank you! That helps a lot. > [@Yllaria](#): > > Am I the only one who hears _Ghost Riders in the Sky_ at one (recurring) point? Ha - yes, me too! > [@Lamoral](#): > > Season 1 of GoT also had a lot more comic relief than this show does, and it balanced the “serious shit all the time” characters like Ned and Jon and Sansa and Robb and Tywin and Cersei and Danaerys with a variety of more light-hearted, wisecracking down-to-earth characters (Tyrion, Arya to an extent, Robert Baratheon, Bronn) so that even while you had those characters entangled in serious intrigue, their personalities added some levity and relatability and a sense of “this is a rollicking adventurous world that has way more going on in it than just royal houses fighting for control.” Not getting a whole lot of that vibe from House of the Dragon so far… I hadn’t thought of that before you posted it, but you’re absolutely right. We need a smartass like Tyrion or a gruff snarker like Bronn to liven things up. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2022, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/245 "2022-09-13T23:10:29Z")
This is very true - and a good point. I had not much considered the symbolism in the opening credits. Although it makes more sense after watching the first 2/3 of that video (thanks for posting, I’m being sincere, but stopped it when they got into current characters since the suspense is more interesting than the meaning of the credits…) IIRC the GoT credits won an Emmy. They were visually interesting, quite beautiful, meaningful and informative. I think reusing the same music makes good thematic and commercial sense. But IMHO these credits are merely meaningful, and without the video I would have not even said that since I picked up on little of what the video explains. I gather it is an extra bone for those who read the source material. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2022, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/246 "2022-09-14T03:20:25Z")
I am loving this show. While some of the scenes (particularly Daemon’s suicidal attack to win the battle against the Crab Man) are a stretch, the show is quite distinct from GOT, but also provides the comfort that we are still in the same place that we all loved for so many years. So far after 4 episodes, I’d place it behind the the first 4 seasons of GOT, but above every season from Dorne and onward. The biggest distinguishing feature (so far) is that no main character is “good” or “bad”. Each have shown tendencies to sacrifice others for their own gains. As much as Daemon plays the role of the antagonist, he is shown to have genuinely likable qualities, and also a rather unfortunate weakness (imagine how Westeros would have been different if they had Blue Chew back then) that anyone with a heart must sympathize with. Question: when Rhaenerys was given that tea by the maester, didn’t he say that it’s “from the king”? So in that case, doesn’t it seem that Viserys still thinks she did the act with her uncle? He certainly couldn’t have suspected the bodyguard. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2022, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/247 "2022-09-14T17:22:29Z")
I think the maester did say it was from the King. I assumed it was on the basis of “better safe than sorry.” ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2022, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/248 "2022-09-14T17:23:28Z")
Here are two of _HOTD_’s stars in earlier, funnier roles. The King: [Hot Fuzz - Detectives Wainwright & Cartwright - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzV2JdS4QAQ) And his Hand: [Best Of Spike (World's Best Wingman) - Notting Hill | RomComs - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQPVyIkwCJA) ---
**Author:** ![PackerMan2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/packerman2/32/2894_2.png) [@PackerMan2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PackerMan2)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/249 "2022-09-15T21:53:46Z")
My thought is that it is a test by the king to see if she was lying to him. If she does not drink the tea then she is still a maiden (maybe). If she drinks it, it confirms that she is not. Am I off base? ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Burden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/958977/32.png) [@Jack\_Burden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Burden)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2022, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/250 "2022-09-15T22:07:54Z")
Viserys does not know if she has had sex or not, but it is a possibility, and therefore so is pregnancy. If pregnant, her value in a marriage compact is greatly damaged. So he is taking a non-judgmental “better safe than sorry” approach to preserving her value to the family. That’s my reading of it. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/251 "2022-09-16T02:07:05Z")
Plan B, if you will. But I guess it could also be a test. ---
**Author:** ![duality72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duality72/32/3910_2.png) [@duality72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duality72)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/252 "2022-09-16T02:22:09Z")
I like the thought of it being a test (sneaky sneaky), but not sure it really works with no one there to watch her drink it or not. Maybe she would just dump it in the chamber pot or completely hide/destroy the vessel. ---
**Author:** ![Frodo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/frodo/32/302_2.png) [@Frodo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frodo)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/253 "2022-09-16T03:07:34Z")
May be it makes you break in hives or something like that? ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/254 "2022-09-16T03:10:59Z")
That seems right to me too. Publicly, he won’t entertain even the implication that his princess engaged in such debauchery, and as a father he’s probably in denial, too. But he’s still king; can’t have yet more upheaval. Feels like we’re deliberately meant to not_emphasized text_ witness her drinking it. Maybe they’re banking on ( some) viewers assuming she did and that’s the end of it. I might be overthinking but I feel it will come up again. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/255 "2022-09-16T03:23:06Z")
> [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > Here are two of _HOTD_’s stars in earlier, funnier roles. > > The King: [Hot Fuzz - Detectives Wainwright & Cartwright - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzV2JdS4QAQ) Hey its Sams Arch-maester. ---
**Author:** ![Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/9de053/32.png) [@Jackknifed\_Juggernaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackknifed_Juggernaut)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/256 "2022-09-16T03:34:19Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#): > > Publicly, he won’t entertain even the implication that his princess engaged in such debauchery, and as a father he’s probably in denial, too. But he’s still king; can’t have yet more upheaval. “The truth does not matter, Rhaenyra. Only perception.” It was clear from episode 1 that Rhaenyra had a thing for her uncle. He was able to alert her that he snuck back into the castle, and she quickly snuck away to meet him. Then she removed her necklace for the Valerian Steel one he got for her. I thought the way that she immediately turned around when he asked her was interesting, even if it was just to place the gift on her neck. Foreshadowing that she would easily give into his advances when the time came. Another distinction that HOTD has vs. GOT is the acceptance that randomness drives outcomes. Daemon’s ED issues are hinted at very early on, and at the risk of belaboring the point, if Daemon completed the act with her (and there was nothing stopping him), the entire future of Westeros could have changed. I have no insight into Episode 5 and beyond, but that seems to have been a very impactful failure. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/257 "2022-09-16T03:37:54Z")
Maybe the GrandMaester did it of his own accord. _Uff, another Princess who was fucking someone she shouldn’t have been. Time to mix the abortifant_ ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/258 "2022-09-16T16:12:15Z")
I thought if it as backup. I didn’t think of it as a test, not that smart, but agree this is quite likely. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/259 "2022-09-16T16:24:40Z")
> [@AK84](#): > > > [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](#): > > > > Here are two of _HOTD_’s stars in earlier, funnier roles. > > > > The King: [Hot Fuzz - Detectives Wainwright & Cartwright - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzV2JdS4QAQ) > > Hey its Sams Arch-maester. And Walder Frey!: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cun-LZvOTdw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cun-LZvOTdw) ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2022, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/260 "2022-09-16T20:56:12Z")
> [@duality72](#): > > I like the thought of it being a test (sneaky sneaky), but not sure it really works with no one there to watch her drink it or not. Maybe she would just dump it in the chamber pot or completely hide/destroy the vessel. If it’s still there the next morning when the maids come in he’ll know she didn’t drink it and assume she’s still a virgin. If it’s empty or gone he’ll assume she isn’t. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to be told either way. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521.md?page=14)