With another fantastic episode, House of the Dragon continues to give fans exactly what they want from a Game of Thrones series.
House Of The Dragon Episode 5 Review
House of the Dragon has proven itself time and time again as a worthy follow up to the beloved Game of Thrones series. House of the Dragon episode 5 is no different, once again delivering on giving fans exactly what they want. Betrayal, death, and political conniving — just to name a few.
This episode picks up exactly where the last one left off. The King (Paddy Considine) is getting sicker by the day, Queen Alicent (Emily Carey) continues to struggle with if she should trust her friend or not, and Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is well, Prince Daemon Targaryen.
In an effort to remain spoiler free, we will not be getting into details but know there are several meaningful conversations throughout House Of The Dragon episode 5. Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) is in line for the throne, and this has caused a lot of people of Westeros to either try to marry off members of their family to her, or plot against her. This continues in this episode, and let’s just say the results are not shocking at all.
With very little realistic options, the end result of her father’s decision is not surprising at all. While a major twist would have been nice to see, this fits more in line with the story, so it can be forgiven.
Have no fear, the consequences of Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) actions with Rhaenyra are addressed. This is much appreciated as fans all too often have to wait multiple years for a moment to pay off, or it never pays off at all. The way this story line is playing out is utterly fascinating, and we cannot wait to watch it get deeper and deeper into the drama.
Queen Alicent has felt a bit underused in the past, but that is no longer the case. She is given some fantastic moments in episode 5, one of which is such a badass power move that it can only be applauded. Finally she is going to put herself first, and we are totally here for it.
There isn’t a whole lot of action in this episode, but there are some intense moments that include astonishing surprises. Westeros is brutal in this day and age, and that perfectly comes across the screen on more than one occasion. Unfortunately, there are no dragons to be seen in this episode, either, but the visuals are breathtaking.
As for the action that we do get, it is towards the end of the episode and more than worth the wait. For those who like a little blood and gore in their Game of Thrones series, get ready, because even this critic who is a gore fan found herself gagging (which is a good thing!).
Once again Milly Alcock and Matt Smith shine. It makes us sad knowing the time is coming soon when Rhaenyra will be aged up and recast. These two have a powerful chemistry on screen that will be missed. House of the Dragon episode 5 proves that yet again. Emma D’Arcy will be taking over the role, and while she is very talented, fans can only hope that she has that same connection with Smith that makes Daemon and Rhaenyra’s relationship so intriguing.
House of the Dragon episode 5 continues to be top tier Game of Thrones. It might not be the best episode of the series so far, but it is a close second. Things are just heating up in Westeros, and we cannot wait to see how it all plays out.
Rating: 5 out of 5
NEXT: House Of The Dragon Review: It’s Good To Be Back
About House of the Dragon
The reign of House Targaryen begins. House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones, airs Sundays on HBO and HBO Max. Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the series, which is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, tells the story of House Targaryen.
House of the Dragon airs on HBO & streams on HBO Max weekly on Sundays at 9pm.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.