By: Jennifer Ariesta.
After a long wait, we’re finally back to Westeros for Round 2 of the Targaryen family drama special. The opening sequence gets an updated look, with a tapestry recounting the bloody history of the dynasty replacing King Viserys’ (R.I.P!) Westeros replica. Gotta say, the new opener suits the show better as an embodiment of its essence: the history of reign marked with feuds and dragon carnage passed down through generations.
Dragons and generational trauma. When you strip the show down to its core, these are what it comes to. Season 1 sowed the seed, season 2 flourishes with it. While dragons are the flashy banners that beckon audiences to come, it is the richly told family saga that convinces you to stay. This season so far, the latter takes center stage.
Season 2 picks up almost immediately after the end of season 1. With Lucerys “Luke” Targaryen dead thanks to Aemond’s folly, the civil war between the Blacks – led by Queen Rhaenyra – and the Greens – now headed by King Aegon II – has gone past the point of reconciliation. On both sides, preparations are being made for full-scale warfare, with the great houses compelled to pick a side.
In the midst of the looming clashes, each side faces internal conflicts of their own. Rhaenyra and her consort Daemon find themselves at odds with how to handle the conflict. Daemon, true to character, wants instant bloodshed, while Rhaenyra follows her father’s playbook and champions diplomacy. Things quickly go sideways when Daemon heeds his reckless impulses over the Queen’s command. The growing chasm between them continues to play out in interesting ways, taking Daemon all the way to haunting Harrenhal where he encounters a dark premonition.
Meanwhile on Team Green, some debauched actions are happening behind the scenes. Larys continues to spin his web of deceit, endearing himself to the easily manipulated Aegon. Ser Criston Cole has begun an illicit affair with Queen Dowager Alicent. This is partly Alicent’s way of seeking comfort – she’s been feeling remorseful and helpless now that things have spiraled out of control. Alicent still yearns to make up with her former BFF Rhaenyra, but Luke’s death all but dashes that hope. With the feckless Aegon at the helm, Westeros is plunged into turmoil.
Some people have complained that the first episodes are lacking action. Battles happen off screen and there isn’t much use of the dragons aside from keeping watch. However, in its place we actually got some of the most thoughtful character developments in the series. People make humane mistakes. They suffer real trauma and make choices that, while often disastrous, are understandable given the background stories. No one is diabolical for the sake of it, every motivation has layers to it. It’s taut writing at its best.
The themes of family and loyalty continue to be the driver of the story. We see how the impact of Rhaenyra and Alicent’s rivalry gets passed down to their broods. How the two women’s own upbringing informs their parenting. And because they’re both the mothers of the nation, it means the soul of Westeros is also being fought in their hands.
However, with the episode “Dance of the Dragons” the tension begins to rise due to the deep emotional connection created by the human stories developed so far, the stakes could not be higher.
