The Heirs of the Dragon is the first episode of the season 1 of The House of the Dragon, the much-awaited spin-off of Game of Thrones, the HBO series based on the novel by R.R. Martin.
It contains the same brutal essence but it takes place in a different kingdom. The fans must be ecstatic: they can expect some of the same as in Game of Thrones, and perhaps something even better.
Plot
It is 200 years prior to the events in Game of Thrones, the Targaryen is a cruel family who will fight with each other to succeed the King. The Iron Throne is in search of a successor, and none of the members of the clan nor their allegiances will hesitate to betray one another to hold it.
About the episode – The Heirs of the Dragon
As already mentioned, this first chapter is the prelude to the series, and it is a very faithful continuation of Games of Thrones, which this time around counts on greater scenic premises, more lively sets, as well as different camera movements.
As far as the story is concerned, the fans need not worry given that there are no hugely unexpected twists nor will it be completely foreign to what GOT had to offer. We still have the dragons as the big protagonists in a world of fantasy inspired by the Middle Ages, very similar to what will come 200 years later, although it is more elaborate cinematographically, and it is the result of HBO having spent years preparing this series, not wanting this first episode to run amok.
The Heirs of the Dragon has everything except battles, but we expect those to take place at some point throughout the series. There are already plenty of intrigues, introducing us to the characters, and the brutality that gripped so many of the GOT fans.
There are also new elements to the House of the Dragon, as it is much more elaborate stylistically and in the setting. Cinematographically, it wants to give us more of a Florentine appearance than the outdated Venetian one that was the inspiration of the original series.
As expected, there is a lot of work done on computers to create Westeros and the kingdoms to come, with loads of effort put into the costume design and the characterization thereby maintaining the essence of the series.
In the last scene of the episode, they make it quite clear that this is a GOT spin-off with the the popular score of the original playing in the background. This will not change; it is Game of Thrones under another name. As said, the fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the new characters and setting are so similar to the original series.
Our Opinion
A first contact with “more of the same”, though it is a much more elaborate product both on an aesthetic level, as it is cinematographically. Without massive battles, and outlandish brutality, it manages to make a great entrance, as this first season does.
An honorable first episode that captures the essence provided to the viewers past and present, and grips us once again with the “good old same”.
House of the Dragon Trailer
Release Date
August 21, 2021.
Where to Watch House of the Dragon
On HBO.
Direction
Miguel Sapochnik
Cast
Paddy Considine / Viserys Targaryen
Matt Smith / Daemon Targaryen
Olivia Cooke / Alicent Hightower
Emma D’Arcy / Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhys Ifans / Otto Hightower
Steve Toussaint / Lord Corlys ‘The Sea Snake’ Velaryon
Eve Best / Rhaenys Velaryon
Fabien Frankel / Ser Criston Cole
Sonoya Mizuno / Mysaria
Milly Alcock / Young Rhaenyra Targaryen
See full credits >>
