By now, we’ve heard enough chatter about House of the Dragon season 2 to know that it’s highly divisive.
Fans have made their feelings known publicly and expressed their disappointment at the end of the season in online forums.
Now that we’ve had some time to reflect, we’re ready to give the entire second season an overall rating.
Our review of House of the Dragon Season 2
In this report card, we’ll be ranking the best and worst episodes, characters, storylines, and relationships of House of the Dragon Season 2.
Stick around until the end because we have a few more honorable mentions to add.
In the interest of full disclosure, House of the Dragon is one of my favorite shows.
It’s not just because of the incredible cast, although they are certainly a big part of what makes this show so great.
The first season was fast-paced, with a major time jump mid-season.
The time jump required replacing much of the cast with different actors, which is quite a big deal when fans spent four episodes getting to bond with the likes of Millie Alcock, Emily Carey and Ty Tennant risk.
The show handled the change so well that it didn’t take long for fans to fall in love with the actors playing the older versions of the main characters.
But as many disgruntled fans will tell you, House of the Dragon Season 2 doesn’t quite keep up with the pace of Season 1.
In fact, sources tell us that season 2 only covers 33 pages of Game of Thrones spinoff Fire and Blood.
There’s definitely going to be a lot of action happening in the promised final two seasons.
But a lot of us were pretty bummed when almost nothing happened in the highly anticipated season two finale.
well. I guess there’s nothing we can do but complain, so now let’s talk about the things we loved and hated about this season, now that it’s behind us.
Best TV Series: House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4
Without a doubt, the best episode of the season is House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 4.
Not only is it visually stunning, but Eve Best’s final performance as Rheenyra Targaryen (RIP) is absolutely mind-blowing.
In the most action we’ve seen all season, a huge battle breaks out between Rhaenyra, Aegon, Aemond, and their dragons.
We rate this episode five stars, and that’s not something we do lightly.
Worst Episode: House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8
It’s no surprise that House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 8 is at the bottom of this list.
The 70-minute episode was billed as an extended trailer for season three due to the intense build-up to a battle that didn’t happen.
Showrunner Ryan Condal has quietly defended the decision to end the season, but I’m not sure it will have much of an impact.
On the bright side, the cast gave a few touching monologues in this episode, so at least we got to see some character development.
Best Character: Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen
If Rhaenyra Targaryen has no fans, that means I’m dead.
There’s nothing that makes me hate this character.
Rhaenyra has been through hell and back, and even as she fights for her rightful place on the Iron Throne, she’s grappling with how to do it as ethically as possible.
Emma Darcy may be one of the best actors of her generation.
Their vocal range is unparalleled and they perform some of the most gut-wrenching emotions in a visceral way.
No matter the outcome, Rhaenyra will always be my queen.
Worst character: Larry Strong
Could I have chosen someone like Aegon? certainly.
Maybe you’d rather give the title of worst character to Allison. I get it; her maternal instincts leave a lot to be desired.
Sorry, but none of them can compare to this little freak.
Larys Strong was the worst character in season 2 because, frankly, he terrified me.
between foot worship blackmail (not for kink shame but if shoe ) and constant creepy political posturing, this guy is the worst.
I could praise him for being smart enough to leave town before things got crazy, but I won’t because I hate him.
The Best Storyline of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2: The Devil Walks Out of the Abyss
Okay, okay, hear me out: I know a lot of people hated Daemon’s Little Harrenhal sidequest, but I really loved it.
His weird dreams and visions are hilarious (except for one, but we’ll never talk about that again).
Additionally, he befriends cool witchy goth girl Alice Rivers, who cracks some great jokes and eases the tension while filming scenes.
Simon Strong wouldn’t be the idol he is without this storyline.
Simon’s little digs at Daemon (like emphasizing the “consort” part of his royal title) ended up being one of my favorite lines of the entire season.
The Worst Storyline of House of the Dragon Season 2: The Reason Gawain Hightower Showed Up…
Seriously, does anyone know why Gawain is here?
Or better yet, does anyone care?
Maybe his role was more important in the books, but his entire arc was useless in House of the Dragon. My guess is that he will join this list of characters that no one remembers.
He and Kriston Cole could have developed a fun friendship that would keep us entertained during their road trip scenes, but instead, they just bicker a lot. Annoying.
Best Relationship: Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen
Eve Best and Steve Toussaint are both outstanding actors. The chemistry between them is rare on screen.
Their relationship may have ended with Rhaenys’s death, but Corlys and Rhaenys were beautiful examples of loyalty.
The two understand each other in a way that no other couple on the show seems to be able to replicate.
In a lovely tribute, and one of the only good parts of the finale, Collis renamed his ship after his beloved wife: The queen that never was.
Worst relationship: Daemon and Rhaenyra Targaryen
Even if you ignore grooming, incest, and the age gap, this couple would still be excellent candidates for marriage counseling.
Daemon’s lust for power led him to almost betray Rhaenyra, and if you ask me, I’d say she was too easy on him.
Plus, we got the tiniest hint of a lesbian relationship when Rhaenyra and Mythalia kissed in House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6, but the relationship seemed doomed to fail because Rhaeny Plan to stay with Damon.
Almost from the moment Daemon traveled to Harrenhal, Rhaenyra began to doubt her husband’s intentions.
She even sent someone to visit him. Can you say “trust issues?”
Also, I don’t care how great you think he is. Fantasizing about his mother – no, not going there. All I’m saying is Rhaenyra deserves better.
Honorable Mention – Coolest Cameo: Daenerys Targaryen
As promised, there are some honorable mentions that I can’t ignore in my full season review.
The winner for the coolest cameo in House of the Dragon season 2 is none other than Daenerys Targaryen.
We only get a glimpse of her from behind as her little dragon crawls on top of her.
This is Daemon’s vision of the godswood, and as far as we know, the character is not Emilia Clarke.
But it’s still a cool tribute to the beloved Game of Thrones character, as her ancestors see centuries into the future.
Honorable Mention – Best Dragon: Sunfyre
Thornfield was Aegon’s beautiful golden dragon.
As we all know, she died after Aemond and Vega attacked Aegon and Rhaenys simultaneously.
As a bound human she might be a total masturbator, but Samphire’s energy is that of a golden retriever.
In the scene where Aegon picks her up before taking her off to battle, Samphire nuzzles him in a loving gesture.
She is a good girl and she deserves better.
Honorable Mention: Best Composer
Well, given there’s only one composer, it’s pretty simple.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Ramin Djawadi puts his heart and soul into the music he creates.
This opening song has incredible energy. No wonder it’s recycled from Game of Thrones.
The powerful soundtrack behind the show brings drama and emotion. Honestly, House of the Dragon just wouldn’t be the same without it.
House of the Dragon Season 2 Overall Grade: B-
It’s never easy to criticize the things you love, even if they disappoint you.
The season comes to an abrupt halt, leaving us ultimately wanting more. That said, it’s still one of the best parts of summer.
I give it one B- Because if the ending lives up to my expectations, then this season will be close to perfect.
Most episodes come close to earning the rare five-star rating. You can find out for yourself by checking out my review.
Unfortunately, the 2.5-star ending brings the overall rating down. But hey, there’s always next season.
now it’s your turn
What are your thoughts on the season as a whole?
Do you agree with our results, or would you improve or lower them?
Is there anything in particular that stands out this season that we might have missed?
Let us know all your thoughts in the comments! We’re counting down the days (okay, years) until we can reunite to watch House of the Dragon Season 3.
