Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Serial drama
Created by Ryan Condal, George R. R. Martin
Based on Fire & Blood by George R. R. Martin
- Starring: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, Sonoya Mizuno, Fabien Frankel, Milly Alcock, Emily Carey, Graham McTavish, Matthew Needham, Jefferson Hall, Harry Collett, Tom Glynn-Carney, Ewan Mitchell, Bethany Antonia, Phoebe Campbell & Phia Saban.
Theme Song Composer: Ramin Djawadi
Composer: Ramin Djawadi
- Executive producers: Miguel Sapochnik, Ryan Condal, George R. R. Martin, Ron Schmidt, Jocelyn Diaz, Sara Hess, Vince Gerardis
- Producers: Karen Wacker, Angus More Gordon, Alexis Raben, Kevin Lau
- Production Location: Portugal, United Kingdom, Spain, United States
- Cinematography: Fabian Wagner, Pepe Avila del Pino, Alejandro Martínez, Catherine Goldschmidt
- Editors: Tim Porter, Selina MacArthur, Crispin Green, Chris Hunter
- Production companies: GRRM, Bastard Sword, 1:26 Pictures Inc., HBO Entertainment
Distributor:Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution, HBO
Plot: An internal succession war within House Targaryen at the height of its power, 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.
I didn’t like House of the Dragon Season 1 that much.
Pros: The way that the castle and all of the scenery looked is incredible. Matt Smith was the best actor in this season. I’m beginning to like what they are doing with the storyline involving the children of the two kingdoms. It doesn’t shy away from pushing the limits when it comes to violence and gore. I did feel it was worth my time and energy watching every episode.
Cons: I tried throughout the season to understand what’s going on but was unsuccessful at times, and this really didn’t win me over. The pacing was too slow for my liking. The storytelling was all over the place and the ending felt bizarre & underwhelming.
Casts & Characters:
Starring:
- Paddy Considine as King Viserys I Targaryen (season 1): The fifth king of the Seven Kingdoms. Known as “a warm, kind, and decent man”, Viserys was chosen by a council of lords to succeed his grandfather, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, as king. Viserys is the firstborn son of King Jaehaerys’ second son Prince Baelon Targaryen and his sister-wife Princess Alyssa Targaryen. He was previously a dragonrider who rode King Aegon the Conquerer’s legendary dragon Balerion, until he died of old age.
- Matt Smith as Prince / Prince Consort Daemon Targaryen: The younger brother of King Viserys I Targaryen and the husband of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Known as the “Rogue Prince” for his unpredictable behavior, Daemon is also a fierce warrior and wields the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. He is an experienced dragonrider who rides the dragon Caraxes.[5]
- Olivia Cooke as Queen / Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower: Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen’s childhood companion and former best friend, and later the second wife and queen consort of King Viserys I Targaryen. She is raised in the Red Keep as part of the King’s inner circle, and is known as the most comely woman in the Seven Kingdoms.
- Emily Carey (season 1) portrays a young Lady / Queen Alicent Hightower.
- Emma D’Arcy as Princess / Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen: King Viserys I Targaryen’s daughter and heir apparent, the firstborn and only surviving child of Viserys and his first wife, Queen Aemma Arryn. She was praised as the “Realm’s Delight” during her youth. She is a dragonrider who rides the dragon Syrax.
- Milly Alcock (season 1) portrays a young Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
- Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower: Alicent Hightower’s father and the Hand of the King on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council and continues to hold his position under King Aegon II Targaryen. He is haughty, blunt, and domineering.
- Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon: The Lord of Driftmark and head of House Velaryon, one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the Seven Kingdoms, and a former Master of Ships to King Viserys I Targaryen. Known as the “Sea Snake”, he is the most famous seafarer in Westerosi history.
- Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen: King Viserys I Targaryen’s older cousin and the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon. Rhaenys is the only child of Prince Aemon Targaryen, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen’s late heir apparent and oldest son, and Jocelyn Baratheon, Jaehaerys’ half-sister. Known as the “Queen Who Never Was”, she was once a candidate to succeed her grandfather as ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, but was passed over in favor of her younger cousin Viserys due to her gender.] She is a formidable dragonrider who rides the dragon Meleys.
- Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole: A skilled swordsman from the Dornish Marches and the common-born son of the steward to the Lord of Blackhaven, who later becomes a member of King Viserys I Targaryen’s Kingsguard. He later replaces Ser Harrold Westerling as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard following the ascension of King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria: A foreign-born brothel dancer who rose to become Prince Daemon Targaryen’s paramour and most trusted confidante until they eventually parted ways. She was later revealed to be the spymaster known as the “White Worm” and leads a network of spies throughout King’s Landing.
- Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling: A seasoned knight of the Kingsguard who has served the Crown since King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. He is tasked with watching over and protecting Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. Upon the death of Ser Ryam Redwyne, he is named the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.
- Matthew Needham as Lord Larys Strong: The younger son of Lord Lyonel Strong, he is known as “Clubfoot” due to a birth abnormality that causes him to walk with a limp. He is Queen Alicent’s trusted confidante and later serves as the Lord Confessor.
- Jefferson Hall as the identical twins from House Lannister:
- Lord Jason Lannister: The Lord of Casterly Rock, head of House Lannister and Warden of the West. An arrogant hunter and warrior, he unsuccessfully vies for the hand of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
- Ser Tyland Lannister: Lord Jason Lannister’s younger brother and a cunning politician. He replaces Lord Corlys Velaryon as Master of Ships on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council. He later replaces Lord Lyman Beesbury as the Master of Coin following the ascension of King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Harry Collett as Prince Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon: The firstborn son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon. He is a dragonrider who rides the young dragon Vermax.
- Leo Hart portrays a young Jacaerys Velaryon.
- Tom Glynn-Carney as Prince / King Aegon II Targaryen: The sixth king of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the firstborn son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, half-brother to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, husband of his sister-wife Helaena Targaryen, and father to her children. Despite the best efforts of his mother, his cruelty and depravity is legendary in King’s Landing’s Street of Silk. He is a dragonrider who rides the young dragon Sunfyre.
- Ty Tennant portrays a young Prince Aegon Targaryen.
- Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen: The third child and second son of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. He aspires to be a dragonrider and later claims and rides the legendary dragon Vhagar. He is known as “Aemond One-Eye” after losing his left eye in a fight with his nephews.
- Leo Ashton portrays a young Prince Aemond Targaryen.
- Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen: The elder daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She is a dragonrider who rides the young dragon Moondancer.
- Shani Smethurst portrays a young Baela Targaryen.
- Phoebe Campbell as Lady Rhaena Targaryen: The younger daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lady Laena Velaryon. She was in possession of a dragon egg, although it never hatched.
- Eva Ossei-Gerning portrays a young Rhaena Targaryen.
- Phia Saban as Princess / Queen Helaena Targaryen: The secondborn child and only daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower, sister-wife of King Aegon II Targaryen, and mother to his children Jaehaerys, Jaehaera and Maelor. She has a unique interest in bugs and often speaks in cryptic prophetic language. She is a dragonrider who rides the dragon Dreamfyre.
- Evie Allen portrays a young Princess Helaena Targaryen.
Recurring:
- Gavin Spokes as Lord Lyonel Strong (season 1): The Lord of Harrenhal and head of House Strong, and Master of Laws on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council. He later replaces Ser Otto Hightower as Hand of the King.
- David Horovitch as Grand Maester Mellos (season 1): A maester of the Citadel and Grand Maester on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council, as well as serving as his personal physician.
- Bill Paterson as Lord Lyman Beesbury (season 1): The Lord of Honeyholt and head of House Beesbury, and Master of Coin on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council.
- Steffan Rhodri as Lord Hobert Hightower: The Lord of Oldtown and head of House Hightower, and the older brother of Ser Otto Hightower.
- John Macmillan as Ser Laenor Velaryon: The son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and later the first husband of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. He is a dragonrider who rides the dragon Seasmoke.
- Theo Nate portrays a young Laenor Velaryon.
- Matthew Carver portrays child Laenor Velaryon.
- Nanna Blondell as Lady Laena Velaryon (season 1): The daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and later the second wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen. She is a dragonrider who rides the old, legendary dragon Vhagar.
- Savannah Steyn portrays a young Laena Velaryon.
- Nova Foueillis-Mosé portrays child Laena Velaryon.
- Elliott Tittensor as Ser Erryk Cargyll: The twin brother of Ser Arryk Cargyll and a member of King Viserys I Targaryen’s Kingsguard and later Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Queensguard.
- Luke Tittensor as Ser Arryk Cargyll: The twin brother of Ser Erryk Cargyll and a member of the Kingsguard for both King Viserys I Targaryen and King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Anthony Flanagan as Ser Steffon Darklyn: A member of King Viserys I Targaryen’s Kingsguard and later Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Queensguard.
- Max Wrottesley as Ser Lorent Marbrand: A member of King Viserys I Targaryen’s Kingsguard and later Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Queensguard.
- Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin Strong (season 1): The eldest son of Lord Lyonel Strong and heir to Harrenhal. Known as “Breakbones”, he is said to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms. He was Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen’s secret lover and the biological father of her first three sons.
- Wil Johnson as Ser Vaemond Velaryon (season 1): The younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon, and a commander in the Velaryon navy.
- Kurt Egyiawan as Grand Maester Orwyle: A maester of the Citadel who replaces Mellos as Grand Maester on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council and continues to hold his position under King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Elliot Grihault as Prince Lucerys “Luke” Velaryon (season 1): The secondborn son of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon. He is a dragonrider who rides the young dragon Arrax.
- Harvey Sadler portrays a young Lucerys Velaryon.
- Paul Kennedy as Lord Jasper Wylde: The Lord of Rain House and head of House Wylde. Known as “Ironrod”, he replaces Lyonel Strong as Master of Laws on King Viserys I Targaryen’s small council and continues to hold his position under King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Alexis Raben as Talya: Queen Alicent Hightower’s lady-in-waiting and a spy for Mysaria.
- Paul Hickey as Lord Allun Caswell (season 1): The Lord of Bitterbridge and head of House Caswell.
- Phil Daniels as Maester Gerardys: The Maester of Dragonstone.
Guests:
- Sian Brooke as Queen Aemma Arryn (season 1): The queen consort and first wife of King Viserys I Targaryen and Rhaenyra’s mother. She is a granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen through her mother, Princess Daella Targaryen, making Viserys her first cousin.
- Michael Carter as King Jaehaerys I Targaryen (season 1): The fourth king of the Seven Kingdoms. He is the grandfather of King Viserys I Targaryen, Prince Daemon Targaryen, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and Queen Aemma Arryn. Known as the “Conciliator” or the “Old King”, he ruled for over half a century and ended up outliving all his children, and eventually had to organize a great council to choose an heir from his grandchildren. He was a dragonrider and rode the dragon Vermithor.
- Garry Cooper as Ser Ryam Redwyne (season 1): The Lord Commander of King Viserys I Targaryen’s Kingsguard.
- Julian Lewis Jones as Lord Boremund Baratheon (season 1): The Lord of Storm’s End, head of House Baratheon and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands. He is also a cousin of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen and is the great-grandson of house-founder Orys Baratheon, the half-brother of King Aegon the Conqueror.
- Daniel Scott-Smith as Craghas Drahar (season 1): A Myrish prince-admiral who leads the Triarchy in conquering the Stepstones, plaguing the Westerosi sea trade. He is known as the “Crabfeeder” for his practice of crucifying and feeding his captured enemies to crabs.
- Solly McLeod as Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (season 1): A knight of House Lonmouth, the battle companion and lover to Ser Laenor Velaryon.
- Rachel Redford as Lady Rhea Royce (season 1): The heir to Runestone, the seat of House Royce, and Prince Daemon Targaryen’s estranged first wife.
- Owen Oakeshott as Ser Gerold Royce: A cousin of Lady Rhea Royce.
- Arty Froushan as Ser Qarl Correy: A household knight and lover of Ser Laenor Velaryon.
- Dean Nolan as Prince Reggio Haratis: The ruler of the Free City of Pentos.
- Maddie Evans as Dyana: A handmaid raped by King Aegon II Targaryen.
- Roger Evans as Lord Borros Baratheon: The son of Lord Boremund Baratheon who succeeds him as Lord of Storm’s End and Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.
- Nicholas Jones as Lord Bartimos Celtigar: The Lord of Claw Isle and head of House Celtigar.
I would recommend this series before seeing the Game Of Thrones TV series.
Rating: 5 out of 10 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident TV reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe