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Why is the latest episode of House of the Dragon the lowest rated ever?

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Why is the latest episode of House of the Dragon the lowest rated ever?

As a long-time fan of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” I have grown accustomed to the intrigue, political maneuvering, and epic battles that define Westeros. However, with the current season of “House of the Dragon,” I find myself growing increasingly frustrated by its slow pace.

In more casual terms, The last episode of “House of the Dragon,” titled “Smallfolk,” was broadcasted on July 21. After being underwhelmed by the previous episode, “Regent,” I truly appreciated this one. I enjoyed how it explored various characters and brought earlier storylines to fruition, such as the riot scene which had me on the edge of my seat. Additionally, the failed attempt of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen to find a new dragonrider and the unexpected conversations between characters, like Alicent and her brother Gwayne, or Larys Strong with King Aegon, were highlights for me.

I was taken aback to discover that among all the “House of the Dragon” episodes on IMDb, “Smallfolk” has the least favorable rating: a mere 6.3 out of 10. This is quite a contrast to the impressive 9.6 score earned by “The Red Dragon and the Gold,” an episode filled with an awe-inspiring dragon battle high above.

What caused this decline, and is it a sign of things to come for the remainder of the season and the series? Let’s take a closer look. (Be advised: The following contains potential spoilers.)

Why is the latest episode of House of the Dragon the lowest rated ever?

Rhaenyra kissed a girl and some fans didn’t like it

Let’s begin by addressing the unexpected and significant moment in the episode: Towards the end, Rhaenyra and her trusted advisor Mysaria shared a deep, romantic kiss. This development came as a surprise to me, yet I found myself appreciating this new direction for their relationship. Throughout the season, I’ve enjoyed their scenes together, as their bond grew stronger. Although I didn’t anticipate the kiss – it’s important to mention that this isn’t depicted in George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” – it made perfect sense once I reflected on their growing connection, which is a hallmark of an effective plot twist. I’m eager to see how their storyline unfolds further.

When I noticed that “Smallfolk” was receiving unfavorable feedback, my initial assumption was that it might be connected to the kiss. Many critics have expressed disappointment over a character they believed was heterosexual exploring their sexuality on screen. One reviewer lamented, “I’ve never seen someone ruin an otherwise excellent production with just 30 seconds of gratuitous content threatening to derail the storyline.” Another critic labeled earlier scenes between Rhaenyra and Mysaria as deceptive, implying they were misled into watching a same-sex kiss under false pretenses. A review from Comic Book News is filled with scorn towards Hollywood for allegedly imposing its agenda onto the characters and the show. They deemed the scene “unnecessary.”

It seems like typical opposition to LGBTQ+ representation in media to me. Characters are only made queer for a supposed “agenda,” and even a gay scene is only included if deemed “necessary.” Based on such statements, it’s likely that some viewers are uneasy with this content, which might be contributing to the low episode ratings.

However, I don’t think that’s the whole story.

Is House of the Dragon’s slackened pacing catching up to it?

Many negative comments are more about the sluggish progress of “House of the Dragon” this season rather than the Rhaenyra-Mysaria kiss. One viewer expressed, “I wait all week for an episode and barely get any advancement in the storyline. After episode 4, no ground has been gained.” Another fan lamented, “This season is moving at a glacial pace. I long for the fast-paced storytelling of last season and the sense of plot momentum. It feels like we’re waiting for the war to begin, only for the season to end before it does.”

In these aspects, I’m more open-minded. I believe the program has noticeably slowed down this season, starting from the very beginning. Do you recall how Season 1 concluded with Rhaenyra discovering her son Lucerys’ demise and glaring angrily at the camera? Most of us assumed that war was imminent based on that cliffhanger.

However, Rhaenyra began the season advocating for restraint and prudence among the group. In the past three episodes, she’s expressed her dissatisfaction in at least one scene about being confined to Dragonstone instead of personally leading the charge for the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, Daemon Targaryen has resided at Harrenhal since episode three. His attempts to rally the Rivermen have all ended unsuccessfully. Amidst this, we’re introduced to a succession of guest stars who intrude upon his restless slumber.

Alicent Hightower feels disrespected as her son Aemond dismisses her advice in his new position as Regent. Last week, she attempted to take on the role herself but was rejected by the council members. This left her feeling humiliated. Similarly, in “Smallfolk,” Aemond removed her from her position, causing further hurt and indignity. These scenes effectively convey Alicent’s feelings of being discarded, but they seem repetitive, making it appear that the season is following a familiar pattern.

We could also discuss Daemon’s dreams, which were particularly noteworthy. In one of these dreams, Paddy Considine, reprising his role as King Viserys, delivered a monologue identical to the one he had given in the first episode of the series. If we’re looking for explanations for why this season seems slow-paced, Daemon’s storyline is a strong contender.

After considering all the points made, I believe “Smallfolk” has been more effective in driving the story forward compared to “Regent.” Rhaenyra is actively gathering dragonriders, her collaboration with Mysaria led to the riot in King’s Landing, and lesser characters like Addam of Hull and Hugh Hammer are gaining significance. However, some fans might be growing impatient due to the season’s leisurely progression. With only two episodes remaining, it seems unlikely that the show can significantly accelerate its pace at this stage. Even if it did, it may already be too late.

Why is House of the Dragon moving so slowly this season?

In my opinion, it’s crucial to maintain a fast-paced narrative when recounting war stories. Audiences crave both depth in character and exploration of themes, but they also yearn for excitement and momentum. Frequently, these elements are most effectively conveyed through action and unexpected developments. Let’s add some thrills and turns to the mix.

It appears that in “House of the Dragon,” the focus tends to remain on Rhaenyra, Alicent, and Daemon, even when other characters are supposed to be leading the storyline. In contrast, shows like “Game of Thrones” have allowed key figures such as Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen to take episode-long absences when their presence wasn’t essential. I recommend adopting this approach in “House of the Dragon” as well.

HBO might be motivating the “House of the Dragon” crew to expand the narrative, making the series run for a more extended period. For instance, season 2 consists of merely eight episodes against season 1’s ten episodes. Rumors suggest that certain storylines initially slated for the end of season 2, such as a significant battle scene, have been shifted to season 3. When probed about the episode count reduction, producer Sara Hess suggested it wasn’t their decision.

Armies are gathering at the borders, preparing for potential conflict with the show. The outcome – an attack or defense – could hinge on the last two episodes of this season, airing Sundays on both HBO and Max.

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2024-07-23 23:41

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