House of the Dragon season 2 review: full of plots, piercing glances and provocative moments

Season 2 of House of the Dragon begins where the first season left off, with tensions running high. After the death of her son, the “Dark Queen” Rhaenyra, played by the enigmatic Emma D’Arcy, prepares her revenge.

King Aegon, played by Tom Glynn-Carney, struggles to establish his authority, awkwardly navigating his royal responsibilities with the help of his advisor, Otto Hightower. The betrayals and political gamesmanship intensify, making the series captivating for fans of conspiracies and shenanigans.

The actors of House of the Dragon deliver strong performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Olivia Cooke particularly shines as the conflicted Alicent Hightower, often stealing the show with her moments of wisdom and vulnerability. These characters, despite the seriousness of the series, are endowed with a palpable humanity which makes them all the more endearing.

This season’s storyline is skillfully constructed, offering a myriad of reading levels. Each episode is a careful preparation for the conflicts to come, with dialogue rich in innuendo and veiled threats. Themes of loyalty, ambition and revenge are explored with a real sense of narrative maturity, providing viewers with food for thought.

Visually, the series does not disappoint. The lush settings, from bucolic landscapes to the interiors of imposing castles, are a feast for the eyes. The production clearly benefited from a substantial budget, with each scene being cared for with remarkable attention to detail. This attention to visual detail contributes greatly to the immersion of spectators in the universe of Westeros.

However, one criticism that could be leveled at this season is its relentless earnestness. The series sometimes lacks moments of lightness and humor, which can make the whole thing a little heavy. However, this approach accentuates the dark and threatening atmosphere of the series, notably propelled by the intrigues of power and political manipulation.

Fans of battle scenes and violence will also find what they are looking for. Although the episodes take their time to establish the stakes, they do not lack shocking sequences. A particularly notable scene at the end of the first episode shows contained and controlled violence, offering a striking contrast to the often exhibited brutality of the franchise.

In conclusion, this second season of House of the Dragon promises to satisfy fans with its complex storylines, well-developed characters, and stunning visuals. While the serious tone may be a point of divergence, the rich storytelling and quality of the production ensure that this series will remain a must-watch. Available from June 17 on Sky Atlantic and the NOW streaming service, this season is already shaping up to be an unmissable success.