The return to Westeros is fascinating, and the third episode of the interesting prequel, the House of the Dragon, doesn’t let up there. The episode featured the further consolidation of the royal line, heated political manoeuvring on behalf of a toddler, and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) showing to all of Westeros and the Triarchy that he is the most formidable of all the silver-haired Targaryens without the aid of Caraxes.
The third episode finally put a grin back on King Viserys’ (Paddy Considine) face, but if the new trailer is any indication, that grin won’t last long. King of the Narrow Sea is the title of the preview for the upcoming episode. Westeros and Essos are separated by the Narrow Sea. Beginning with a quick time jump, the new video reveals that three-year-old Aemon, the king’s son, has grown up while his uncle has returned from the Stepstones as a victor, wearing a crown of sorts and being crowned King of the Narrow Sea. Even though his daughter Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) is his named successor, the trailer hints that Viserys still has a difficult decision because he still has his own son, Aegon II, and his brother, who has returned from battle triumphant without help from the Crown.
Both of these options are more popular among Westerosi nobles than his daughter would be. After allowing her to marry anyone she pleased, the king is seen in the trailer breaking off the engagement and addressing his daughter, “You are my political problem!” This tension appears to be the result of his desire to keep her as heir. It also appears that an attempt is being made to defame the princess in order to undermine her legitimacy as heir apparent.
The King is informed by the Hand of the King, Lord Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), and despite the Queen and Otto’s daughter, Alicent Hightower’s (Emily Carey) assertions that Daemon is responsible, Otto is a better bet. The king may hope that House Targaryen can remain unified for another generation, but the House of the Dragon is showing signs of serious discord. To wrap up the teaser, a dragon would swoop dangerously near to a Targaryen ship carrying Rhaenyra. There has been some upheaval behind the scenes of the programme as the series gains popularity on screen.
Miguel Sapochnik, the co-showrunner, will no longer be involved in the project beyond Season 2. In light of Ryan J. Condal’s resignation, Game of Thrones vet Alan Taylor will be joining the team. Like its forerunner, Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin’s writings serve as inspiration for the plots and characters in House of the Dragon. The series takes place about 200 years in the past, during which time House Targaryen is at the height of its power and is on the verge of experiencing the civil war that would ultimately lead to its demise. On September 11th, HBO and HBO Max will air the third episode of House of the Dragon.