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House of the Dragon season 2 was a bit of a mixed bagged when it came to storytelling. The first half of the season was outstanding, climaxing in the thrilling Battle of Rook's Half. The second half left something to be desired.

There are some moments throughout the season that I wish I could forget, but there are others that I will happily watch over and over again, even through the heartbreak.

I’m not going to compare book to show for this. I’m not going to talk about how changes have affected things to come, or how I disagree or agree with some changes made. This is all about the moments within the TV show and the impact they have had.

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6 Smallfolk Best moment in House of the Dragon: Rhaenyra and Mysaria kiss

I’ll admit that I didn’t see this coming at first,...

Game of Thrones is now more than five years in our rearview mirrors, and its successor series House of the Dragon is now HBO’s flagship series in the streaming wars. While still a strong draw for viwers, House of the Dragon has been unable to reach the heights of its predecessor’s ratings, and in its second season it failed to even reach the viewership records it set in its first. The second season still received good reviews from critics, especially its much lauded fourth episode, “The Red Dragon and the Gold.” But the average per episode IMDb rating for season 2 was still down to 7.8 from 8.7 in season 1.

There is a common perception that House of the Dragon is on the ropes. Several theories have been put forward for this: the series lacks the incredible supporting cast that categorized its predecessor, it lacks Game of Thrones' humor; there was...

Includes Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2's finale and Massive Spoilers for Fire & Blood, the show's source material.

Though the next season is still years away, theories and predictions for House of the Dragon season 3 can already be made. House of the Dragon is based on Fire & Blood, a companion book to George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire novels that examines the reigns of various Targaryen rulers. Given the nature of the book as an in-world historical text, the television writers have taken significant creative liberties in their adaptation, interpreting the material as how events might actually have happened, with historical biases in mind.

House of the Dragon season 2's ending left audiences with a divisive response, with a significant portion of the viewer base feeling cheated out of promised action or feeling that the show diverted too much from the source material; it...

In House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5, the Targaryen family dynamics get even weirder. In a pursuit to dive deeper into the psychology of Daemon Targaryen, House of the Dragon has sent him on a journey into his past via hallucinatory trips. This time around, Daemon isn't haunted by his failures, but rather, by his most disturbing desire.

Midway into Season 2, Daemon is still tortured by Harrenhal's curse, Alys Rivers' witch spells, or a combination of both. Daemon can't get an ounce of sleep or a spot of supper as he's being dragged from one hallucination to the next. First, it was Milly Alcock's teenage Rhaenyra Targaryen sewing up Jaehaerys' body and wearing her father's crown. Next, it was Laena Velaryon serving him wine. Now, he's having sex with an unknown silver-haired woman viewers have never met before. At the end of their frisky act, she refers to him as her favorite son,...

Rhaenyra Targaryen's ascent to power in House of the Dragon was never an easy one. Although officially named as heir by her father, King Viserys I, Rhaenyra's status as a woman caused controversy among the Seven Kingdoms. By the end of the first season, the realm was divided between the Blacks and the Greens to determine the true Queen or King of the Seven Kingdoms.

Growing from a young woman to an adult, Rhaenyra has endured much backlash and betrayal in the first season alone. She both lost dear relationships and gained new ones, and suffered losses unimaginable to her enemies. Her confidence and unconditional love for her children kept her strong through the thick of it. Along the way, she had powerful lines that represented her deepest fears and the weight of the Targaryen legacy.

Updated on September 19th, 2024, by Fawzia Khan: House of the Dragon Season 2 saw mixed...

Three experienced Chilean film producers have launched a new collaborative production company called Maquina. The company was formed through a partnership between Augusto Matte, Úrsula Budnik, and Fernando Bascuñán. Each producer brings their own expertise and resources to the new venture.

Matte, Budnik, and Bascuñán have long wanted to work together. Maquina gives them a flexible structure to tackle complex, multi-territory projects with greater ease. As Matte explained, “Maquina allows us to be more nimble and practical.” Maquina operates as a “collaborative network” where the three production companies contribute unique strengths to development and production, according to Budnik.

The founders bring decades of experience to Maquina. Budnik has produced acclaimed films and TV shows for over 20 years. Bascuñán’s credits include Chile’s recent Oscar submission. Matte specializes in managing complex international co-productions and launching careers.

By merging their skills and networks, the producers aim to navigate the intricacies of international co-productions and evolving markets.

Aiming to optimize and streamline the development and production of films and series in the international marketplace, Maquina, a new production entity comprising three companies, has launched at the 72nd San Sebastian Festival.

Formed by three firms led by seasoned Chilean producers – Augusto Matte’s London-based Deptford Film, Úrsula Budnik’s Horamágica in Valdivia and Fernando Bascuñán’s Santiago-based Planta – Maquina has been established to leverage the combined strengths of its founding partners, all of whom are attending the prominent Spanish festival.

“We’ve always wanted to work together, Maquina provides us with a more flexible structure that allows us to be more agile and practical,” Matte told Variety, explaining: “It is conceptually inspired by the idea of machinic assemblages, which refers to a fluid and dynamic system where different elements come together to create a functional whole without a fixed center.”

Added Budnik: “This means that the structure operates...

Matt Smith has carved out a truly distinctive career, frequently stepping into the shoes of characters with questionable morals. If he had a nickel for every morally ambiguous role he’s played, he’d be rolling in change. It’s clear these complex, flawed figures are his bread and butter, and he loves bringing them to life on screen.

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 6. Photograph by Liam Daniel| Credits: HBO.

However, Smith has voiced his frustrations with today’s cancel culture, feeling that these rich, provocative characters are being muzzled and not allowed to fully come alive. Now that he’s hitting a wall with the heavy-handed censorship of modern times, he is undeniably frustrated, especially when he wants his characters to run wild and free.

Why Always Psychos? Matt Smith’s Psyche Behind Choosing Psycho Characters

In a recent interview with The Times, Matt Smith, the standout star of House of the Dragon,...

The first contestant of Dancing With The Stars Season 33 has been revealed ( Photo Credit – Instagram )

On August 22, ABC shared that Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik will be the first celebrity contestant to participate in the mirrorball trophy on Good Morning America.

After introducing Nedoroscik as a two-time Olympic bronze medalist and the first male gymnast to compete on Dancing With The Stars, the camera cut to the 25-year-old performing a bit of his pommel horse routine on the studio floor. When asked by host Robin Roberts if he plans to bring any of his pommel horse moves on the show, Nedoroscik said, “I’m hoping to bring some of them. I want to bring some flares, I want to bring some of that gymnastics. Maybe a backflip or handstand. I want to have fun with it.”

He continued, “I’m very excited,” before admitting that he said “yes” to this opportunity straight away.

Warning! This article contains major Spoilers for House of the Dragon's season 2 finale and George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!

Helaena Targaryen's tragic fate is foreshadowed by her prophecies about her brothers in House of the Dragon. Her visions, like Bran Stark's, hint at a connection to the Three-Eyed Raven and a grim understanding of her own death. House of the Dragon changes details from Fire & Blood, altering the lead-up to Helaena's devastating demise.

The reveal of Helaena Targaryens prophecies about her brothers in House of the Dragons season 2 finale make her tragic upcoming death even more devastating. Like in Game of Thrones, its to be expected that the majority of House of the Dragons characters will die by the end of the Dance of the Dragons. Several important characters have already perished, with two major Targaryens already having their deaths directly...

The Marvel Cinematic Universe seems to be gaining back its edge, even more so after its latest (ongoing) success with Deadpool & Wolverine. Not only has it announced some of the most unexpected actors debuting in new unforeseen roles, but it is also coming cleaner about details of the franchise’s future projects, especially the upcoming ones in the Avengers film series.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe. | Credit: MCU.

That said, one of the latest reports has given some really interesting updates on the projects that would be tamed after the release of Avengers: The Doomsday and before Avengers: Secret Wars hits the screens. And, according to this news from the insider, fans are in for a big surprise since these projects will reportedly be set in the epic Battleworld saga from the comics.

Marvel Movies Before Secret Wars Will Reportedly be Set in the Battleworld Arc

As per exclusive reports from renowned industry scooper Daniel Richtman,...

Includes Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7.

Season 2 finale of House of the Dragon brings exciting battles and dragon fights, setting the stage for future conflicts. New characters like Daeron Targaryen and Cregan Stark add depth to the story, bringing Northern forces and fresh dynamics. The upcoming naval battle between Velaryon and Triarchy forces promises to be a thrilling highlight of season 3.

The season 2 finale of House of the Dragon is only a few days away, and there's plenty of exciting material expected to cap off the season. Following the death of King Viserys I Targaryen in season 1, season 2 has seen Westeros divided into the Blacks and Greens, with both sides trying to claim allies amid the beginning of a violent cycle. From the murder of Lucerys Velaryon to the Blood & Cheese assassinations to the duel of the Cargylls, the dance fully began at the Battle of Rook's Rest,...

George R.R. Martin's face appears in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7, "The Red Sowing," as a tribute. Weirwood trees are tied to Westeros' religious history and influence Daemon's story in season 2. These trees also appeared in Game of Thrones, although there are not many left.

House of the Dragon featured George R.R. Martin's face in a surprising way in season 2, episode 7, "The Red Sowing." In addition to being the author of the Song of Ice and Fire novels that Game of Thrones is based on, Martin is the author of Fire & Blood, which acts as the source material for House of the Dragon. He is also an executive producer for the prequel series that tells the story of the Dance of the Dragons and its larger impact on the universe Martin created.

A behind-the-scenes video from Game of Thrones reveals that the face carved in Harrenhal's weirwood...

There’s just one more episode left before the second season of House of the Dragon comes to an end. A lot of things have happened in the last few episodes, it’s actually difficult to keep up with all of it. However, there is one aspect of the story that fans seem to be disappointed in – Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen.

Matt Smith as Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon | HBO

Daemon is a character who has been known for his fierceness and unpredictability. The Rogue Prince was once a force to reckon with but has been reduced to a mellow character in season 2 and fans are just not having it anymore.

What Happened to Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen?

Matt Smith in House of the Dragon season 1 | HBO

Matt Smith’s Daemon Targaryen has gone through a significant transformation in season 2 as compared to season 1, and not in a positive way.

Warning! This article contains Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6!

A House of the Dragon line supports Jon Snow as the rightful King, echoing the idea of a reluctant leader like in Game of Thrones. Rhaenyra originally not wanting the Iron Throne reflects the theme of reluctant leaders in George R.R. Martin's narratives. Jon Snow's reluctance to become King despite being a proven leader makes him a more compelling character suited for the Iron Throne than Bran in Game of Thrones.

Five years after Game of Thrones divisive ending, House of the Dragon gives more support to the idea that Jon Snow was the right character to become king. Among the most controversial elements of Game of Thrones ending was which character ended up on the Iron Throne, as the majority of the show had been building toward either Daenerys Targaryen or Jon Snow as the most worthy leaders.

Quick Links Harrenhal Holds Great Significance in the Game of Thrones Universe What Really Changed Jaime Lannister's Mind on His Way to King's Landing? Weirwood Trees Link Daemon's Nightmares With Jaime's Dream

This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5.

Daemon Targaryen's Harrenhal nightmares mirror Jaime Lannister's weirwood dream. Daemon's Harrenhal experience is crucial in shaping his character arc in House of the Dragon. The weirwood trees at Harrenhal play a significant role in influencing characters' destinies.

Daemon Targaryen's Harrenhal experience in House of the Dragon has left many fans curious about where his story arc is headed. Unlike the Greens and the Blacks who are feeling the pressure of an impending war, time seems to have escaped Daemon in Harrenhal. He's haunted by nightmares and visions. He has started to lose track of time and can't get a hold of his own mind.

On the surface,...

The rumor was true after all – Paddy Considine returned for a cameo in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6. Many fans speculated that King Viserys Targaryen would show up in Daemon Targaryen’s visions after a series of hallucinations brought the character face-to-face with some of the people from his past.

Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen in House of the Dragon / HBO

Considine was very ecstatic to return to the show albeit briefly, but nonetheless a pivotal moment in the series. The late king’s manifestation on his brother’s consciousness will hopefully resolve Daemon’s issues in Harrenhal.

Paddy Considine Celebrates King Viserys’ Cameo In House of the Dragon

In an Instagram post, actor Paddy Considine commemorated his return to HBO’s House of the Dragon. He penned a long dedication letter accompanied by a carousel of various photos on set as well as a replica of the statue of King Viserys.

Warning! This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2.

Alicent Hightower does not remarry in House of the Dragon, as outlined by her future in George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood. Alicent's refusal to remarry may be influenced by respect for King Viserys her strong political position as dowager queen, and better suitors for marriage pacts like princess Jaehaera. Similar to Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, Alicent does not seek another marriage after her first husband's death.

House of the Dragon season 2 has Alicent Hightower remain the dowager queen without a husband, begging the question of whether another marriage is in her future. After being positioned as a sympathetic antagonist in House of the Dragon season 1, House of the Dragon season 2 has gone a long way to furthering Alicent's plight. This was showcased by House of the Dragon season 2 episode 6's ending, with Alicent being...

Halfway through “House of the Dragon” Season 2, we need to assess our surroundings. There have already been multiple major character deaths, an airborne dragon battle, attempted fratricide, twin-on-twin violence, and a character known only as “Cheese” kicked a dog.

At the midseason mark, two of IndieWire’s TV critics weigh in: Is the season worth the C+ bestowed upon it by Ben Travers? Will it live up to Proma Khosla’s dreams of “Fire & Blood?” With Ryan Condal now operating as sole showrunner, the series has a de facto creative leader at the helm, one whose commitment to the source material has his cast in awe.

There are still canon departures and literal flights of fancy (thanks to Matt Smith’s Daemon), as well as moments that harken back to “Game of Thrones” in its heyday.

Here’s what our critics had to say.

Ben Travers: What is going on...

Is The Comeback coming back? (Fingers crossed.)

Lisa Kudrow says she would “love to” play Valerie Cherish again in a new interview with Newsweek, adding that series co-creator “Michael Patrick King and I are always talking about what would happen next. Always. And it’s been nine, 10 years now. So we’re due.” (When reached by TVLine about a possible third season, HBO had no comment.)

More from TVLineDune: Prophecy Set for November Debut - Watch Latest Teaser for HBO Prequel SeriesHouse of the Dragon Goes Extreme Makeover: Harrenhal Edition as Daemon Slowly Loses It - And We've Got Episode...

With its release of Season 2’s second episode on the last day of the measurement period, HBO’s House of the Dragon found its way back onto Nielsen’s overall U.S. streaming ranking.

For the week of June 17, HotD racked up 1.23 billion minutes viewed on Max across 12 available episodes, which was good enough for No. 4 on the overall streaming chart — trailing Bridgerton, Your Honor and The Boys.

More from TVLineThe Acolyte Finale: [Spoiler] Dies and an Og Star Wars Character Appears - Read Our RecapRNC Night 1 Watched by 18.1 Million - 75% of Viewers Were Age 55+House of the Dragon Goes Extreme...

Shelley Duvall's performance in The Shining is the heart of the film, providing a sympathetic and vital audience connection. Stanley Kubrick's unique vision focused on the Overlook Hotel and challenged haunted house clichs for a fresh approach. Shelley Duvall's portrayal of Wendy as an emotionally battered survivor adds depth and humanity to the horror classic.

The following includes mention of spousal abuse, child abuse, and workplace abuse.

Shelley Duvall, who passed away on July 11 at the age of 75, had an eclectic career with a wide variety of roles. That included her early work with Robert Altman, and her beloved passion project Faerie Tale Theatre, as well as scene-stealing turns in the likes of Roxanne. At the end of the day, however, she's probably still best known for Wendy Torrance, the abused wife of Stanley Kubrick's celebrated adaptation of The Shining. The movie overcame mixed critical reaction and even...

Quick Links Daemon Is Haunted by Nightmares in Harrenhal Daemon Kills Young Rhaenyra Daemon Sees His Dead Wife, Laena Valeryon Daemon's nightmares at Harrenhal reveal his guilt and fear surrounding past decisions. His visions of Rhaenyra show his inner turmoil over her replacement as heir. Daemon's hallucination of his dead wife Laena highlights his lingering guilt and lack of mourning.

While the Greens and the Blacks are off to win battles, time seems to have escaped from Daemon Targaryen's fingers. Ever since the Rogue Prince's arrival at Harrenhal, he has been haunted by nightmares and hallucinations, seeing people from his past and things that aren't there. The second season of House of the Dragon takes a deep dive into the Rogue Prince's mental state, showing a side of Daemon that the viewers haven't seen up until this point.

Daemon is being haunted, but by whom? Are ghosts haunting him, or...

Includes Spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5.

Daemon's recklessness leads to war crimes in Harrenhal, alienating Riverlords and jeopardizing his power play in the region. Daemon's internal conflicts and impulsive decisions result in the loss of Riverlands support, challenging his claim to the throne. Daemon's deviation from the book's narrative adds complexity to his character, as he struggles to salvage his plans without Rhaenyra's backing.

House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5, sees Daemon Targaryen coming into conflict with the lords of the Riverlands, which has broader implications for the show. Following the Blacks and Greens split and the start of the Dance of the Dragons, Daemon flew out on Caraxes to capture the castle of Harrenhal, which is one of the largest fortresses in Westeros with a prime strategic location, making it the ideal spot to amass an army to wage war on King's Landing. Since arriving at the castle,...

Warning: This post contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3.

Director Geeta Vasant Patel discusses Milly Alcock's return as young Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon. Alcock's appearance highlights Daemon's first experience of regret and feeling, emphasizing the impact of his actions. The scene showcases the emotional depth of the characters and the show's focus on relatable human experiences.

The big cameo from House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 gets a detailed breakdown from director Geeta Vasant Patel. In the newest installment of the Game of Thrones spinoff, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) ventured to Harrenhal and found himself face to face with a figure from his past: A young Rhaenyra, once again played by Milly Alcock.

In an interview with Screen Rant, episode 3 director Patel broke down Alcock's return and explained how it impacts Daemon's story going forward. She said:

Is the intentionality behind her appearance that...

Digimon has introduced an incredible number of powerful Digimon over the years. Some Digimon are strong simply due to their overwhelming power and abilities. Other Digimon exist at a level where their very existence poses a threat to the Digital World.

Despite all the cute and lovable monsters in the Digimon franchise, some of the franchise's strongest Digimon were so powerful that they basically broke the anime series with their awesome might. Part of Digimon's appeal has always been the idea of a cute rookie Digimon turning into an absolute behemoth. Some Digimon go well beyond Behemoth though and grow so powerful that they basically warp reality around themselves.

Few other anime have developed such a rich and diverse world as the Digimon franchise. Stretching back to its 1999 debut with Digimon Adventures and running to its most current anime Digimon Ghost Game, the franchise has introduced a multitude of Digimon...

This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1.

Westerosi history is littered with events so monumental that they often receive their own nicknames. In George R.R. Martin‘s A Song of Ice and Fire canon, King Aegon I Targaryen’s years-long campaign to unite the Seven Kingdoms under one rule is known simply as “Aegon’s Conquest.” Even further back in the lore, the cataclysmic event in which darkness fell over the known world is called only “the Long Night.”

Game of Thrones watchers understand the importance of good historical branding as well as anyone. They know the “Red Wedding” wasn’t a nuptial ceremony that just happened to be adorned in red hues—it was massacre at The Twins that damn near wiped out House Stark and the armies of the North. Now with the premiere of House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1, viewers have once...

The opening lines of “House of the Dragon” Season 2 stem from a character I’m not meant to name speaking of things that have no real bearing in the “Game of Thrones” universe. “Duty is sacrifice,” the man says. (I hope I can say he’s a man.) “It eclipses all things, even blood. All men of honor must pay its price.” Sorry to interrupt, good sir, but who are these “men of honor” you speak of? Are they hiding? Is HBO saving them for the next spinoff? Some are certainly dead, given the body count on which George R.R. Martin has built his brutal world, but there are scant few in “HotD” who fit the description. To be fair, the narrating man qualifies, and his colleagues also appear to be living a principled existence. But having seen nine seasons of heartless betrayals and maniacal power grabs, simply recognizing one...

On “House of the Dragon,” HBO’s fantasy epic that takes place two centuries before “Game of Thrones,” Matt Smith plays Daemon, a warrior prince who exists among fire-breathing reptiles and palace intrigue. But if his character were ever to leap deeper into the supernatural, Smith has some ideas about where he could go. “I think Daemon would make a really good vampire,” he says. “I can imagine him wandering the earth alone for all eternity.”

He certainly has the coloring: Pallid and platinum-blonde, Daemon looks as if he could have arrived in the forbidding and dark world of Westeros all the way from Transylvania. But he might be too hotblooded to play the vampire. And “House of the Dragon” — a prequel to the Emmy-gobbling, earth-shattering hit “Game of Thrones,” set during the reign of the incestuous Targaryen dynasty — is unlikely to pivot into creature horror.

But it’s easy to understand what Smith,...

House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal promises a horrific storyline in Season 2, directly from the books by George R.R. Martin. The hit Game of Thrones spinoff has already featured some controversial and stomach-churning moments in Season 1, but Season 2 will include a gruesome event known to fans as "Blood and Cheese."

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Condal advised fans to expect the worst and described the season as a "march to war," focusing on plotting, backstabbing and spy games rather than all-out dragon battles. Hints of the "Blood and Cheese" incident appeared in the official trailer for Season 2, with two men holding a torch and a club navigating a hidden passage heading towards Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and her daughter, Queen Helaena (Phia Saban).

Related Wasnt Really Our Choice: House of the Dragon EP on Season 2s Shorter Episode Count The shorter episode count for House of the Dragon Season 2 is one...

This article contains spoilers for the book Fire & Blood and therefore likely spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2.

The long wait for footage from House of the Dragon season 2 has been dark and full of terrors. But that all came to an end when HBO finally released the first official House of the Dragon season 2 trailer following the show’s appearance at CCXP23 in São Paulo, Brazil. Give it a watch below.

Typically, teasers released for TV shows that do not have release dates yet (which House of the Dragon season 2 still does not … just a “Summer 2024” window) are not particularly revealing. But HBO’s wildly successful Game of Thrones prequel isn’t just any typical show without a release date. To the untrained eye, there might not be a lot of plot to latch onto in this 90 seconds. Thankfully, here aren’t too many untrained eyes when it...

Matt Smith stars as Prince Daemon Targaryen in Episode 3 of House of the Dragon Season 1. Pic credit: HBO/Ollie Upton

Episode 3 of House of the Dragon saw Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) battling it out in the Stepstones.

Previously, he had been rejected by his brother, King Viserys (Paddy Considine) as the next in line to rule over Westeros and banished to the Vale.

Not to be disgruntled, Daemon decided to join with Lord Corlys Velaryn (Steve Toussaint) and attack the Crabfeeder (Daniel Scott-Smith) in order to claim victory in the Stepstones, which is an important travel route between Westeros and Essos.

It also meant that Daemon could look good among the people of Westeros for finally settling this conflict when the king wouldn’t.

The battle lasted some time but, eventually, Daemon was victorious and killed the Crabfeeder.

Now, he will be named King of the Narrow Sea in...

It’s not easy being king.

That’s been the story for poor Viserys Targaryen since House of the Dragon began, hasn’t it? Every time he seems to catch a break or make a decision, he winds up pissing off more people than he pleases. For a people-person like him, it’s a fate worse than the Seven Hells. And even though nearly three years have passed in Westeros time between last week’s episode and this one, things have only gotten worse.

For example, we see Viserys at the center of a massive,...

Is anybody else experiencing whiplash? In between the first two episodes of "House of the Dragon," we skipped ahead 6 months to explore the aftermath of Queen Aemma's death. Since we know from promos and trailers that the season will eventually get around to aging up Rhaenyra and Alicent, time skips were always a given but I didn't expect them to feel quite so jarring. When we're welcomed back to Westeros with "Second of His Name," three years have elapsed, a baby boy is turning two, and Westeros has reluctantly entered a war in the Stepstones.

Not everything is laid out in great detail, but the story isn't difficult to track. King Viserys (Paddy Considine) has finally gotten the son he always dreamt of, now that he's happily married to Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey). But young Prince Aegon has come at the cost of ruining both of their relationships with Rhaenyra...