Second of His Name is a very good third episode, yet a bit flawed. The pacing is once again on point, in one hour it shows different locations and events, slowing down on the in-depth analysis of some characters but never getting boring. The soundtrack, with the new tracks, is fitting for the themes of the characters and the costumes, scenography and locations are as masterful as they should be. The time skip is well managed and doesn't leave the spectator questioning about the new setting, this skip also forges new personalities in the character we had already known: Otto is more determined than ever; Viserys has once again found joy in his new son; Rhaenyra is a rebel who needs a new husband, although she doesn't want it, and is now in conflict with Alicent, despite the latter still tries to reconcile with her; Criston Cole has already become a favourite of the princess and Daemon must show his value. The conflict father-daughter between Viserys and Rhaenyra is stronger than ever and emotional on some points. The hunting in the Kingswood and the camp are also some devices to show new families of the Seven Kinkgdoms, such as the Lannisters and Redwynes. Then we also get to know new characters such as Vaemond and Laenor Velaryon and the whole plot climaxes in an outstanding and unpredictable ending, able to break the previous schemes of Game of Thrones. The episode is focused on the politics and intrigues, in order to set up the future conflicts and the ambiences show the common life of the hypocrite nobles of Westeros; yet some action-packed sequences are shown and are able to balance the rhythm. Furthermore, Second of His Name, is rich with symbolism, as there are many hints at symbolic values and future happenings in the series.
On the downsides in this episode, I found some flaws in the dialogue and structure: the former is a bit repetitive and, after some time, becomes slightly annoying; in this third part of the first season, we have a recurring structure: if the first episode was focused on the King's succession, the second on the new wife, the third one evolves around the duty of Rhaenyra's new husband, thus leading to a repetitive dialogue on this matter. At the fourth or fifth time that we hear about her rebellious attitude, her will against the king or the fact that she needs a new husband, the dialogues seem heavy. Furthermore, the CGI of the dragons seems improved, however the animals are a bit clunky in movements and emerge as not so real. However, except these two flaws and a bit of plot armour in the end, the episode is perfect: if the problem of the dialogues gets figured out in the following episodes, we might reach a level of perfection.
