House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7 is one of the strongest installments of the season, and offers a sense of momentum heading into the end of the season. With the exception of episode 4, the Dance of the Dragons has been a slow burn in the Game of Thrones prequel’s sophomore outing, with the show content to gradually build up its storylines and character arcs (and that’s not a complaint). Season 2, episode 7, which is mostly centered around the claiming of dragons, sparks things into life, setting the stage for a fiery finale.
The Dragonseeds Story Really Delivers
Here Be Dragons!
Following on from Seasmoke’s new rider in season 2, episode 6, this installment is focused on finding even more people who can potentially ride the unclaimed dragons in the Targaryen civil war. It’s a story that leads to some rich character work, brutal action, and moments of pure fantasy. It pays off some early decisions, such as having Hugh and Ulf start in King’s Landing (a change from the book), and, importantly, also keeps things rooted in important figures such as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Jacaerys Velaryon.
From the beginning with Rhaenyra confronting Addam of Hull, I love how this episode reckons with Targaryens’ idea of exceptionalism, and the very nature of the dragons themselves.
From the beginning with Rhaenyra confronting Addam of Hull, I love how this episode reckons with Targaryens’ idea of exceptionalism, and the very nature of the dragons themselves. That comes first with Vermithor, who shows why he’s called the Bronze Fury as he rampages through multiple hopefuls before bonding with Hugh, and then Silverwing bonding with Ulf. It really gets into not only how dangerous and powerful they are, but also how complex they are, how wondrous and magical they truly are, and how little is truly understood about them in fascinating ways that’s not been explored as much.
Emma D’Arcy, once again, is brilliant here. They convey so much without even needing to speak – the shot at the end, of Rhaenyra looking on with the confidence, fury, and power of a dragon, is a perfect end note, but there’s also one around 10 minutes earlier, when Vermithor goes berserk, that expertly conveys the horror of the situation too. A lot of praise must also go to Harry Collett, who gives his best performance yet as Jace: the scene where he talks about being Harwin Strong’s son is powerful and devastating.
Daemon’s Riverlords Story Is Good – But Hopefully The Visions Are Done Now
Daemon’s Story Gets The Change Of Pace It Needed
Daemon Targaryen’s Harrenhal visions and overall storyline have come in for some criticism, which is understandable, though I’ve enjoyed it for the most part. Certainly, there’s a strong payoff to it this week – although I didn’t quite expect so much of that to come from Oscar Tully, with Archie Barnes holding his own against Matt Smith. It’s a great scene for Daemon, especially because he’s not the one in control, a position he’s not used to (outside his visions) and doesn’t like, and works well for getting his story in the Riverlands back on track.
I liked seeing Paddy Considine return as Viserys in season 2, episode 6, but do feel like revisiting that this week was unnecessary.
I liked seeing Paddy Considine return as Viserys in season 2, episode 6, but do feel like revisiting that this week was unnecessary. I’d have rather had that time spent with Daemon in reality, or extending other scenes, since this doesn’t add much and treads very familiar ground, but it’s brief enough that it doesn’t hurt things too much. Hopefully, that’s the last of his visions, because the reality of Daemon’s story should allow him to really push forward now.
King’s Landing Takes A Back Seat, But Is Still Compelling
There’s Less Team Green, But It Mostly Works Anyway
There’s not quite as much King’s Landing drama this week, with the heavier focus on Dragonstone, but what we do get is still very good for the most part. Olivia Cooke is great once again as Alicent Hightower, and I’m a big fan of her lake scene. It’s the kind of thing that could easily have been left out, but it showcases so much about the character. It perfectly demonstrates her attempts to cleanse herself – building on her saying “nothing is clean” earlier in the episode – while also trying to find a sense of freedom for the first time.
I also really like the growing dynamic between Larys Strong and King Aegon II Targaryen, which has had excellent scenes in consecutive weeks. I’m glad Aegon is gradually more active and aware, as it allows for more of a performance from Tom Glynn-Carney (one of the season’s MVPs). These kinds of conversations and machinations remind me a lot of Game of Thrones, and that House of the Dragon doesn’t come off looking bad from that comparison is impressive.
Overall, it was an episode that there are some small gripes about. The depiction of how much distance and time passed with Aemond and Vhagar chasing Ulf and Silverwing was questionable, at best; having another Corlys Velaryon and Alyn of Hull conversation in the exact same shipyard has me begging for them to have a conversation literally anywhere else (I assume this was done to ease production, but it stands out). However, the good certainly outweighs the bad, and hopefully this means House of the Dragon season 2 is ending on a very strong note.
The House of the Dragon season 2 finale releases Sunday, August 4 at 9pm ET on HBO and Max.