House of the Dragon Season 2 finale review: “Winter Is Coming”

Season 2 of the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ prequel series unravels itself as what it is; a promise that ‘Winter is coming’.

As King Stannis Baratheon once said in Game of Thrones, “‘Winter is Coming’ aren’t just Stark words; they are a fact’ —a House of the Dragon fact. Who better to deliver this message than Daemon Targaryen?

The season finale, much like the Stark words, left fans with a promise: “The real battle is coming,” accompanied by “Fire and Blood.”

While the season may have been underwhelming for many fans, especially those familiar with George R. R. Martin’s books, the finale suggested that the slow pace and seemingly filler episodes were intentional. Season 2 continued the gradual descent into madness and the impending full-scale war and betrayals. It was merely a prelude to the Dance of Dragons, with the last few shots of the finale setting the stage for the true beginning of the conflict in Season 3.

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It all makes sense now…

Daemon Targaryen stood out as one of the most compelling characters this season. The visions he experienced at Harrenhal were significant, shedding light on his complex nature. Is he another man who refuses to bow to a woman, or is he a visionary who sees the bigger picture and understands what is truly at stake?

The season finale also teased connections to its predecessor series, ‘Game of Thrones,’ by hinting at Daenerys’ future and the great war foreseen by earlier Targaryen kings. Episode 8 not only redeemed the filler scenes involving Daemon but also offered significant character development that might rekindle fans’ admiration for the Rogue Prince.

Meanwhile, at Dragonstone, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon grappled with his identity, reflecting his stepfather Daemon’s struggles. However, unlike Daemon, Jace’s challenge revolves around being the heir to the Iron Throne and a recognized bastard of the realm, struggling with the notion that noble birth alone does not guarantee respect.

The theme of identity came full circle in the finale, particularly through characters like Alyn of Hull and his father, the Hand of the King, Corlys Velaryon. Corlys, who had previously neglected his own children due to their lack of noble birth, was forced to confront his past actions. The Blacks’ reliance on the virtue of nobility to oppose the Greens was challenged, revealing that even the so-called nobles were not as virtuous as they believed.

Rhaenyra and Alicent faced these truths head-on. Rhaenyra struggled with the moral implications of taking King’s Landing at the cost of civilian lives, while Alicent recognized the similarities between herself and Rhaenyra, despite their differing roles. This realization led to a poignant reconciliation when they met again at Dragonstone. Their confrontation underscored the importance of their earlier secret meeting in King’s Landing, highlighting that history would paint them as villains regardless of their intentions.

As Rhaenyra remarked, “History will paint you the villain. A cold queen lusting for power and defeated” Alicent, however, seemed resigned to whatever history would make of her, as long as she could attain the freedom she had always desired in a male-dominated world.

The season concluded with ominous shots of various factions preparing for battle: the Starks, the Lannisters, the Hightowers, and the Riverlands. Otto Hightower was seen imprisoned, while his grandson, Aegon II Targaryen, went into exile with the scheming Larys Strong.

Season 2 had its ups and downs, but the finale ended on a high note, setting the stage for an exciting continuation. And, don’t forget, ‘Winter Is Coming’.