5 ways House of the Dragon season 3 can fix the mistakes of season 2

As a dedicated fan who’s been following this saga since the days of King’s Landing, I can’t help but feel a twinge of concern about our beloved Daemon Targaryen and the direction the show has taken him. It’s like watching a masterpiece being gradually chiseled into a caricature.

The second installment of “House of the Dragon” has concluded, yet our discussions about it continue. While there were undeniably impressive moments like the Battle at Rook’s Rest and commendable acting from the cast, I must admit that the season as a whole left me somewhat unimpressed. Perhaps my expectations were too high after the first season, or perhaps the shorter season length played a role. More likely, it was a mix of several factors contributing to this feeling.

But not all hope is lost, at least not for me. I’m still excited for the third season of House of the Dragon, and I think the writers can redeem the issues of season 2 if they make a few important choices. Here are five ways season 3 can make up for the mistakes:

Better pacing

I’ve made this clear previously and I’ll reiterate: I’m comfortable with a gradual progression in storytelling. In fact, I find it more satisfying when events unfold at a leisurely pace rather than rushing through them. However, certain episodes from House of the Dragon season 2 are moving at an excruciatingly slow pace, meandering towards intrigue. While I can appreciate a dialogue-centric series when the discussions are captivating and substantial, many of the scenes feel repetitive to me. We understand that Rhaenyra is trying to avoid conflict, Alicent feels guilty, and Daemon is wrestling with his internal battles. Watching these themes recur frequently becomes monotonous rather swiftly.

5 ways House of the Dragon season 3 can fix the mistakes of season 2

In simpler terms, “better pacing” doesn’t just equate to more action. It’s about striking a balance between fast and slow scenes so that what we’re watching feels significant. For the upcoming season 3 of House of the Dragon, the war should indeed commence – if plans hold true – which suggests a faster pace will be required. Additionally, since showrunner Ryan Condal has announced that the series will conclude with four seasons, they have a substantial amount to cover in only two remaining episodes.

Given the leisurely pace of season 2, it seems the writers are taking their time to ensure nothing is hastily done. Here’s hoping that the significant events lined up for season 3 unfold at a satisfying rate.

Book changes that enrich the story, not bog it down

To reiterate, let me clarify one more time: My stance on adaptations from George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” is neutral. Although I appreciate the book, I’ve only read it once, and I find that the series has introduced enhancements that have enriched the narrative. The portrayal of Rhaenyra’s relationships with Alicent and Daemon is a commendable addition, and certain characters, such as King Viserys, are more captivating in the show.

In the second season, I found the way the writers handled Aemond and Aegon’s bond particularly interesting, causing alterations to the Battle at Rook’s Rest that added layers of complexity. The unexpected kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria promises intrigue for season 3. Regrettably, some changes in the second season feel less convincing than others. For instance, the Blood and Cheese event lacks the same impact as it does in the book, Daemon’s visionary sequences are not depicted as such in the book, and the secret meetings between Rhaenyra and Alicent, which seem absurd, do not originate from the book either.

5 ways House of the Dragon season 3 can fix the mistakes of season 2

Critics have pointed out that the show “House of the Dragon” has introduced tension without logical basis, resulting in superfluous scenes that disrupt the narrative flow and momentarily detach viewers from the storyline. Given there are just eight episodes in season 2, one might assume the writers would steer clear of unnecessary additions not found in the book; however, this appears to be what transpired. If they refrain from such illogical deviations from the book in season 3, we’ll find ourselves in a far more satisfactory position. As for the number of episodes…

More episodes (though that might not be possible)

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but express my curiosity about the number of episodes in House of the Dragon‘s upcoming season 2. The buzz surrounding the announcement that we’ll only be getting eight episodes instead of the usual ten has been quite intense. George R.R. Martin’s collaborator Ryan Condal shared that a multitude of factors, such as resource and time constraints, played a role in this decision and it was what they believed to be best for the narrative. However, when writer-producer Sara Hess chimed in on the matter, she offered a more intriguing perspective: “It wasn’t really within our power to decide.” Despite our ongoing quest for clarity, it remains unclear whether there was one sole factor behind this reduction in episode count.

In my opinion, I believe I echo the sentiments of many fans when I remark that the second season seemed to struggle due to having fewer episodes. Granted, the finale itself wasn’t poor quality, but it fell short as a conclusion and would have been far more effective as a precursor to the final episode. A total of nine episodes might have been more suitable for this season, assuming they could craft an engaging ninth episode. Unfortunately, with the slow tempo, eight episodes simply couldn’t convey a fulfilling narrative that offers both closure and leaves us yearning for more.

5 ways House of the Dragon season 3 can fix the mistakes of season 2

According to Condal, he hasn’t talked with HBO about the episode count for the third season yet. However, based on his understanding of the show’s dramatic structure, we might expect eight-episode seasons to continue. Although this could be disappointing, it’s unclear what decisions are being made behind the scenes. It seems like a potential drawback, but if the pace improves in season 3, they might be able to make it work effectively.

Bring back the real Daemon

Among all of my issues about House of the Dragon season 2, the one that still really irks me is what the writers did to Daemon. He is an absolute standout in the first season and without a doubt one of the reasons the show was so successful. Matt Smith’s performance is fantastic, and, like the rest of the internet, I became obsessed from the series premiere. But my problem here isn’t just because I have a crush on Daemon. It’s because the show took such an impactful, unpredictable character and turned him into someone fans dreaded to see. I can’t believe how far he’s fallen.

5 ways House of the Dragon season 3 can fix the mistakes of season 2

After finishing “Fire & Blood”, it’s clear that the show struggled to handle Daemon’s character. It’s understandable to portray his internal struggles, such as acknowledging the harm he has caused, particularly towards Rhaenyra, and questioning whether ruling the Iron Throne is truly what he desires. However, six episodes spent in Harrenhal, with Daemon appearing weak while repeatedly failing to amass an army (not forgetting those overly dramatic visions), feels disregardful of the character’s depth. I appreciate a touch of mystery, but this borders on being too melodramatic.

At the close of season 2, Daemon commands an army, indicating a probable war scenario in season 3 – something we eagerly anticipate. We’re excited to witness the merciless, perilous side of Daemon, his strength and intrigue, characteristics that make him such a beloved character! Writers, kindly refresh our admiration for this charismatic figure!

More than just one battle

As a seasoned storyteller with years of experience under my belt, I can attest to the complexity of making decisions like these. While crafting a captivating narrative is undeniably crucial, it’s not the only factor at play. Budget constraints often loom large and can significantly impact the creative process. Over the years, I’ve learned that striking a balance between an engaging storyline and fiscal responsibility is essential for any successful production.

Before the start of its second season, Deadline had reported that a significant battle was pushed back to the third season. Given events depicted in the book, we have assumed that this battle might be the Battle of the Gullet, although this hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Additionally, Ryan Condal disclosed prior to season 2 that they filmed “two of the biggest sequences ever produced for House of the Dragon,” which we now know include the Battle at Rook’s Rest and the Sowing of the Seeds. Could it be that this is all they were able to afford for the second season? It’s a possibility.

5 ways House of the Dragon season 3 can fix the mistakes of season 2

As a die-hard fan, let me share my thoughts about the upcoming season 3. Frankly, it gives me a bit of a chill thinking about what’s in store. Given the storyline, it seems like we’re in for a lot of epic conflicts and dragon-filled scenes. Now, I can’t imagine that the writers and HBO didn’t anticipate this, right?

Based on what Condal stated, it appears that we can expect the upcoming third season to focus entirely on all-out war, rather than the intermittent skirmishes of an early medieval conflict. I must admit, it isn’t entirely clear to me, but I’ll trust his judgment and look forward to seeing how it unfolds!

Hey fellow game enthusiasts, I get why some of us might be feeling a tad worried about season 3 given how epic season 2 was. But if our brilliant writers can simply stick to a few strategies (even just one or two would work wonders!), we’re bound to have another fantastic ride. The production for season 3 is gearing up in early 2025, but it looks like we won’t get our hands on new episodes until 2026. So, let’s stay tuned to Winter is Coming for all the hottest updates on House of the Dragon. Can’t wait to join you all on this adventure once more!

2024-08-17 17:42