House of the Dragon’s drawn-out Harrenhal plotline is good, actually

House of the Dragon’s drawn-out Harrenhal plotline is good, actually

As a dedicated fan of “House of the Dragon,” I cannot help but appreciate the intrigue and depth that the Harrenhal storyline brings to the table. While some viewers may grumble about the perceived “filler” episodes, as Daemon Targaryen languishes in the haunted castle, I see it differently.


In the gloomy and claustrophobic chambers of Harrenhal, Daemon Targaryen is plagued weekly by distressing nightmares. Amidst the House of the Dragon community, a common concern has emerged: “How long will this ordeal last?”

In contrast to some Game of Thrones viewers grumbling “Filler!” and creating Luigi’s Mansion memes, I’d like to make a case for appreciating the events at Harrenhal. This storyline in House of the Dragon adds depth to its magical elements amidst the political maneuvering in Dragonstone and King’s Landing, as well as violent clashes elsewhere. Harrenhal brings an appealing aesthetic contrast and introduces something unique and intriguing to Westeros – its eerie beauty is both terrifying and enticing. (I may be getting a bit “Mama Mia, this is giving me some ‘Boss Baby’ vibes,” but the exterior of Harrenhal’s castle in the show reminds me of the inviting yet ominous “Shrine of Storms from Demon’s Souls.” I’m genuinely fond of its design.)

As a huge fan, I can tell you that Harrenhal has been pivotal for Daemon. It’s provided him with a purpose, keeping him occupied and allowing him time for introspection. In doing so, he’s had the opportunity to contemplate his own personality.

House of the Dragon’s drawn-out Harrenhal plotline is good, actually

At this stage, Daemon has only a few options left where he might be accepted. He’s effectively left or been cast out from King’s Landing, Dragonstone, Pentos, and the Vale. It’s no surprise that he finds himself trapped in Harrenhal, considering his neglect of Rhaenyra during her crisis and her own inability to leave Dragonstone. Daemon is rightfully confined here, to face his inner turmoil head-on.

Fortunately, after a month at Harrenhal, Daemon has made some advancements in his personal growth. While there hasn’t been significant progress regarding the castle’s restoration or establishing a proper garrison, Daemon seems to be reevaluating his connections with Rhaenyra, Laena, and Viserys. It appears that Daemon is gradually recognizing his potential mistakes, largely influenced by Alys Rivers’ subtle psychological intervention. Change doesn’t occur instantaneously; it often involves examining a dream about your mother that seems inappropriately sexual.

In their recent argument on “House of the Dragon,” Alys bluntly tells Daemon, “When something displeases you, you flee.” With limited options for escape, Daemon must face his issues head-on, and recognize that evasion is not a viable solution to his problems or the haunting memories linked to Harrenhal.

House of the Dragon’s drawn-out Harrenhal plotline is good, actually

Perhaps this is an instance of character development for Daemon. It’s also possible that I find enjoyment in witnessing his struggles. Despite his past actions, such as putting his brother through turmoil and being on his third marriage where he plots against his spouse, Daemon has also played a role in the demise of an innocent child due to a botched assassination attempt he commissioned. Daemon is not a likable character, and it seems justifiable that some hardships and loss of reality come his way as consequence.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled from my perspective that Daemon’s ordeal at Harrenhal has brought back some cherished characters we’ve missed, such as Paddy Considine’s Viserys and Milly Alcock’s younger Rhaenyra. It’s been a delight to have them return for fanservice reasons alone. Additionally, Daemon’s prolonged stay at Harrenhal has given us more time to appreciate the wit and charm of Simon Russell Beale’s Ser Simon Strong. His performance as Simon adds a delightful dose of humor to “House of the Dragon,” and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Yes, Daemon has been stuck at Harrenhal, and rightfully so, as he hasn’t demonstrated much willingness to change until now. However, following a recent development – the unfortunate demise of Ser Grover Tully – Daemon may find the motivation he needs to progress.

But I won’t object if Daemon needs to put in the work at Harrenhal for a little bit longer.

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2024-07-23 00:19

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