# 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:** 18
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/341 "2022-09-29T20:32:07Z")
Murder can be tough on a relationship. ---
**Author:** ![Lantern2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lantern2/32/3010_2.png) [@Lantern2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern2)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2022, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/342 "2022-09-29T20:56:24Z")
Interesting theory about Larys and pretty plausible though I have to say that I find the insertion of random reaction shots rather annoying. Have been noticing it in other Youtube videos too. ---
**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 29, 2022, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/343 "2022-09-29T22:01:37Z")
Is anybody else thinking Larys is Littlefinger’s ancestor? ---
**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 29, 2022, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/344 "2022-09-29T22:48:10Z")
Wasn’t Littlefinger from a humble background? Being related to the Hand makes sense, though… 😉 ---
**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 29, 2022, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/345 "2022-09-29T23:47:11Z")
Yeah, Littlefinger had no Royal-adjacent ancestors. He was lucky his family had a name. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2022, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/346 "2022-09-30T01:14:16Z")
Apparently there is a scene in GoT where Joffrey spoils the ending of House of the Dragon. Or at least a very important plot point. ---
**Author:** ![zbuzz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zbuzz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zbuzz)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2022, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/347 "2022-09-30T05:29:17Z")
But isn’t HOTD based on a book? So the ending was already out there? I haven’t read any of the books and I’ve only paid attention to the HBO stuff for the most part, so maybe I’m mistaken. ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2022, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/348 "2022-09-30T11:54:18Z")
Finally caught up with this show. I said earlier that I wanted to see more scenes like the one where a blood-drenched Rhaenyra dragged a boar carcass back to camp, in sight of the entire royal hunting party. I did not envision seeing mother Rhaenyra presenting her newborn son to the queen, dragging the afterbirth behind her. 🤢 ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2022, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/349 "2022-09-30T13:20:32Z")
> [@zbuzz](#): > > But isn’t HOTD based on a book? So the ending was already out there? I haven’t read any of the books and I’ve only paid attention to the HBO stuff for the most part, so maybe I’m mistaken. Yeah, but it wasn’t like game of thrones where a lot of people had read it. ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2022, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/350 "2022-09-30T14:25:42Z")
Of course at the time, the Princess and The Queen hadn’t been written yet (it was written in June 2014). So Joffrey was just discussing the history that GRRM was busy writing 🙂 . ---
**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 30, 2022, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/351 "2022-09-30T16:41:54Z")
I’m still watching, and often digging it, but it just doesn’t have the same spark as _GOT_. Sometimes it even feels like a bit of a slog. And if I miss an episode on a Sunday night, I find I’m in no big hurry to see it. > [@ISiddiqui](#): > > …We haven’t seen the Tyrells, Greyjoys, or the Tullys. Amusingly during this time the Lord of the Tullys is Grover Tully, and his grandson is named Elmo Tully, and his great-grandson is Kermit Tully. And there’s an Oscar, too!: [Grover Tully | Wiki of Westeros | Fandom](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Grover_Tully) > [@Acsenray](#): > > …They are certainly his own emotions, but remember that he is not a king and he has sworn a grave oath, which includes an oath of celibacy, as a member of the Kingsguard, one of only five knights selected to guard the king… Seven, actually: [Kingsguard | Wiki of Westeros | Fandom](https://gameofthrones.fandom.com/wiki/Kingsguard/House_of_the_Dragon) > [@Alessan](#): > > > [@ISiddiqui](#): > > > > Unfortunately there doesn’t seem to be a Tyrion like character in this story. And it’s bound to get even more serious when Viserys dies. > > Even more than a Tyrion, the show needs a Bronn. Not just to be sarcastic about everything, but also to represent the common, non-aristocratic people of Westeros. We need a working-class hero. Emphatically agreed. I posted something similar upthread. > [@Babale](#): > > …You’re both wrong, what this show needs most is a stickler for grammar like Stannis the Menace And he _earned_ that coffee mug, dammit!: > **[\#1Dad is a bit of an overstatement. | Funny fathers day memes, Father's day...](https://www.pinterest.co.kr/pin/465348573975019689/)** > > Jun 21, 2015 - This Pin was discovered by The Lettuce. Discover (and save!) your own Pins on Pinterest > [@Lantern2](#): > > …Am I am the only who thought Viserys was dying at the end of the last episode? For someone whom the iron throne seemed determined to kill, he has done pretty damn well to survive another ten years… Yeah, collapsing at your daughter’s wedding isn’t a good sign. And he seems to have lost one of his arms over the next decade to The Creeping Crud from his finger. > [@Alessan](#): > > Murder can be tough on a relationship. “This is supposed to be a _happy_ occasion! Let’s not bicker and argue about who killed who…” ---
**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 30, 2022, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/352 "2022-09-30T19:20:46Z")
In fairness, many parts and a few episodes of GoT also were sloggish. When an author publishes their first book, they might spend years on it and address every detail. If successful, they might spend far less time on subsequent works -with varying results. GoT was great, on balance, so much so it won’t soon be equalled\*. It will inspire more series and this prequel is obvious and still attracting folks to HBO. It is a feat that the world even looks similar. It is pointless to much compare the two - one effort was far more successful unless a lot changes. But I liked the new female leads. \*AFAIK ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [October 2, 2022, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/353 "2022-10-02T15:56:15Z")
It is perhaps not fair to the “new” actresses that it was the younger versions who introduced us to the characters. Emma D’Arcy is the lead in a major TV show, and presumably will be from here on out. Yet, I find myself judging her against Milly Alcock, whom I _really_ liked as young Rhaenyra. I knew I was watching Rhaenyra, but my brain had trouble accepting her. That’s not a knock against D’Arcy _per se_, but it just didn’t feel like the same character. At least the two Alicents have a very similar look, so the transition was less jarring. ---
**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:** [October 3, 2022, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/354 "2022-10-03T03:23:08Z")
After two episodes, I’m now used to the new cast. I’ve also realized that I’m happy with the narrow scope of this series. No, it doesn’t have the sprawling reach of _Game of Thrones_ nor the dozens and dozens of characters, but so far it’s a decently told drama. I’ve read the recaps of the source material for the Dance of Dragons and I think the twists and turns are great melodrama and there’s plenty of opportunity for them to bring it to life in a satisfying way. As much as I loved Game of Thrones when it comes down to it, Martin still hadn’t finished it and the last few seasons were crap. This one—though much less ambitious—still has the potential to be at least solid. Anyway, I’m enjoying this much more than _Rings of Power_. ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2022, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/355 "2022-10-03T05:51:35Z")
During the first half, I was feeling I might give up on the show. The funeral scene was so long and slow, just everyone giving side-eye to everyone else. Then the really dark beach scene with Rhaenyra and Daemon, where I thought Aegon was spying on them until I realized it was Aemond going after the dragon. I thought the showrunners were making odd choices in the presentation. But the second half saved it for me. That escalated quickly and brought an intensity to the story that we haven’t really seen before. I know that they have been setting up the pieces to get to the “dance of dragons” core of the story. I assume that the kid actors will be aged up as we get there. It looks like they will be formidable foes. I was glad that Laenor got away. Maybe someone will get a happy ending. There were three dragons leaving with the King’s party. Was the third Helaena’s? She doesn’t seem a dragon-riding type. ---
**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:** [October 3, 2022, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/356 "2022-10-03T13:53:07Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > King’s party I realize you literally mean “the group with the king,” so descriptively correct, but if anyone hasn’t picked it out yet, the two parties to the civil war are the Queen’s party (the “greens”) and the Princess’s party (the “blacks”). ---
**Author:** ![ISiddiqui](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/97f17d/32.png) [@ISiddiqui](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ISiddiqui)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2022, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/357 "2022-10-03T14:02:53Z")
Excellent episode! The funeral laying bare all of the built up anger and rage between the blacks and the greens. Really thought they did a fantastic job there, with Viserys powerless to stop what has been building for years. ---
**Author:** ![DigitalC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ebca7d/32.png) [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2022, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/358 "2022-10-03T15:54:21Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > Then the really dark beach scene with Rhaenyra and Daemon Anyone having problems with the dark scenes needs to start watching it on demand, it looks MUCH better. ---
**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:** [October 3, 2022, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/359 "2022-10-03T17:37:10Z")
Yeah, I thought this show seemed to plod along at first. But a lot ended up happening. The plot is still simple but has become more interesting. ---
**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:** [October 3, 2022, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521/360 "2022-10-03T20:47:55Z")
So what happens to Seasmoke? Does she think Laenor died too or will she follow him to Essos (which would be an even bigger giveaway that the hair)? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-of-the-dragon-an-hbo-prequel-series-to-game-of-thrones/941521.md?page=19)