Disclaimer: Major House of the Dragon Season 1 spoilers ahead.
House of the Dragon (HOTD) had big shoes to fill. Its predecessor, Game of Thrones, was watched and adored by millions. The show, which spanned eight seasons, brought about a cultural shift, and for some, they followed the books and the series as closely as some people follow religion.
It was no easy feat, but Season 1 of HOTD exceeded expectations with its gripping storyline, well-rounded characters and, of course, it goes without saying … dragons.
Set approximately 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Stormborn and the death of her father, the Mad King, Aerys, Season 1 of HOTD set the foundation for the rest of the series.
We were introduced to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), two best friends who turned into sworn enemies as they fought tooth and nail for the throne. The final episode left fans on a cliffhanger after Queen Rhaenyra’s beloved son, Luke Velaryon (Elliot Grihault), was murdered by his uncle and Alicent’s son, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell).
It was a shocking end to a 10-episode saga, and it was at that moment that viewers and the Targaryens discovered that they don’t control the dragons, but rather, the dragons control them.
Sadly, we’ll have to wait till 2024 for Season 2, but unlike Game of Thrones, author George R.R. Martin finished the series Fire & Blood, which is what HOTD is based on. So we can predict what is set to take place.
If you feel like rewatching season one of HOTD, then sign up for a 10-day trial of Foxtel Now, where you’ll not only gain access to the Game of Thrones prequel, but the full suite of Foxtel shows.
Here is what we think will happen in Season 2 of HOTD.
The Starks Are Major Players
In Season 1 of HOTD, the focus was on three houses: The Targaryens, the Velaryons and the Hightowers. But now that these families are on the brink of war, we’re assuming more houses will be dragged into the conflict. The Starks, who were a big part of Game of Thrones, played a major role in the book Fire & Blood, so we’re assuming they’ll be making an appearance in Season 2.
Showrunner Ryan Condal has also previously said, “We will cast Cregan Stark at some point, but no comment otherwise.”
More Dragons!
If we’re going off the books, then we shouldn’t see the Sowing of the Seeds, otherwise known as The Red Sowing, next season. However, Daemon Targaryen’s (Matt Smith) actions in episode 10 suggest that Season 2 will feature even more dragons. Dragonseeds are the bastard children of the Targaryens, and in order to make use of the wild and unclaimed dragons, the Blacks offer rewards to any man or woman who can master a dragon. If our prediction turns out to be accurate, expect a violent display (that should come as no surprise).
It’s Not the Last Time We Hear “An Eye For an Eye”
Revenge will be a major theme in Season 2 of HOTD, with Rhaenyra’s chilling expression at the end of episode 10 destroying any hope of this being a fair fight. In the books, Daemon swore that the Greens will pay for “a son with a son” after the death of Prince Lucerys and his dragon Arrax. While death is a regular occurrence on the show, Lucerey’s death came with a back story. Prince Aemond, who is the one directly responsible for the young boy’s murder, was seeking revenge after the loss of his eye years ago, so we reckon the theme of getting back at one another will continue well into the season.
The entire first season of House of the Dragon is available to stream on Foxtel Now, well, right now. Catch it on Foxtel Now (available on phone, tablet and laptop + more) and if you’re new, you can sign up for a 10-day trial where you’ll gain access to the full suite of Foxtel shows. Sign up here to tune in.
