Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) is ready to finally claim her throne in “House of the Dragon” Season 3.
Ollie Upton/HBO/TNS
With carnage, familial feuds, and fire… yes, from dragons… “House of the Dragon” Season 3 has come out leaving no land (or sea) unscorched.
Although the first two seasons fell on deaf ears for some, the two episodes of Season 3 released thus far have felt as though the wait is finally beginning to pay off for dedicated fans.
I loved every minute of this show but can understand the complaints following previous seasons.
Focused on a war of succession within the vastly problematic Targaryen family, the series has meticulously built up the central conflict which for some can seem slow-burning.
While the burning may have been slow, the heat has only grown and it has reached quite the boiling point in the form of an all-out brawl between the two factions of the family (the greens and the blacks).
As a result, all bets are off and the dance of dragons is finally taking shape.
This season premiered June 21 on HBO Max, and I was left thoroughly distraught after the first episode.
As it adapted the highly anticipated Battle of The Gullet—a naval battle between the two factions—the episode became a very real sink-or-swim scenario for the series as a whole.
With heavy hits taken on both sides, the battle had no real victor, and I was left questioning why these pointless wars are fought for a maniacal family who rules purely through fear and dragon fire.
Politics aside, this episode was an exceptional start to the fireball of a season I am expecting.
It set the stage with breathtaking shots of the battle from ship deck and dragon-back, exceptional acting from the entire cast, and emotional stakes so high I could feel my stomach in my throat with every swallow.
With heightened expectations, I became eager for Sundays to roll around each week, and my expectations were reassured this past Sunday with the second episode.
This episode highlighted the aftermath of the battle and the subsequent moves taken by those remaining.
What stood out to me this episode was the phenomenal performance by Emma D’Arcy, the lead actor who plays Queen Rhanyera Targaryen.
In all honesty, their performance in this episode has been one of my favorites in the entire “Game of Thrones” universe as well as in all the media I have consumed this year.
Having the most central role in the conflict, Rhaneyra is heavily impacted by nearly every event that takes place, and we see the culmination of all the mental and physical strain she has undergone come to fruition.
From dramatic outbursts showcasing her sorrow and rage, to subtle movements embodying Rhaneyra’s inner conflict, every time D’Arcy was on screen I was unable to look away.
Aside from D’Arcy’s impeccable performance, every other facet of this episode was crafted with the utmost care.
Episode 2 provided a shift from battlefield bloodbaths to political pursuits where allegiances were tested, bonds were broken, and the reveal of who will take the Iron Throne is closer than ever.
With Rhaneyra now walking down a fiery path that consumes her every step, there is no room to back-up. Her rightful, unbridled rage keeps her from considering that option.
While each week is beginning to feel like an excruciating wait for Sunday, my expectations are through the roof for what is to come, and I cannot contain my excitement.
“House of the Dragon” Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max and I implore everyone reading to give it and every other work from the “Game of Thrones” universe a try.
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