House Of The Dragon Episode 7 certainly brings the family drama to the forefront of the series. Things certainly go down in this episode.
House Of The Dragon Episode 7 Review
There is a saying that the worst family drama comes out during weddings and funerals. Well, fans of House of the Dragon already experienced the wedding drama, so why not throw in some serious funeral drama as well.
That’s right, House of the Dragon episode 7 does not factor in any kind of a time jump, as it has in the past. This episode picks up almost immediately following episode 6 and completely takes place during the says surrounding Lady Leana’s death.
Everyone is reunited here, for better or worse, to mourn her loss. However that is quickly overshadowed by accusations, fighting — both physical and verbal — and in true Game of Thrones fashion, let’s not forget the plotting and deceit.
Tensions are riding high, which is completely understandable given the circumstances. Digs are thrown at one another, even during the actual funeral, but the real fun happens when the family disperses.
This is the first time that Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) meet on screen and given their background, the chemistry needed to really hit. Having to switch the actress to age up the character makes a lot of sense, but it is nerve-wracking considering how important the relationship between these two is. They might be Uncle and Niece, but they are so much more than that.
Honestly, it is almost forgettable that these two have not shared the screen together yet. They do that good of a job. It feels believable that it has been a while since they have seen each other, and while we wish to keep this review spoiler free, their actions feel just, earned, and honest.
D’Arcy and Smith will make audiences feel like these are the same characters we have gotten to know in the other episodes, which is a testament to how talented they are. Never once do things seem awkward or forced, not really. Fans who have been waiting for this interaction to take place will be very pleased with how it all turns out. It feels right, and it honors their relationship.
Of course a big part of this episode centers around who is the true heir to the throne. This has been at the forefront of the drama between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra for some time. Assumptions have been made, and whispered about, since the previous episode, but things are taken up a notch in House of the Dragon episode 7.
The question of the true parentage of her sons is going to be a very sore subject with the whole family, that is made perfectly clear in this episode. It is going to push a lot of people to do things they normally would not do.
Things get very intense between the adults, as well as the children, in House of the Dragon episode 7. There is a whole lot of fighting and abuse — both physical and emotional. This is something that is not going away, and we aren’t sure if it ever will.
Aemond gets his time to shine in this episode. You remember him — the one who won’t stop complaining that he doesn’t have a dragon. And speaking of dragons, there are some great moments in this episode featuring them. Particularly a gorgeous dragon flying sequence. She soars over the water and cityscape, and it is absolutely stunning.
It was a smart move to make this episode take place over the course of just about 24 hours or so. It focuses heavily on the issues at hand, and sets up for what is sure to be an epic battle for the throne. This allows the drama to unfold in what feels like real time, and gives the audience a chance to feel like a fly on the wall during an all out family fight.
The writing for this episode is brilliant. Every single accusation thrown and snide remark feels earned. It is easy to see all sides in this situation, as every character plays their role perfectly.
The final moments of House of the Dragon episode will have fans squealing. We won’t say why in an effort to avoid spoilers, so you will have to tune in on Sunday night to see how it all unfolds.
Fans can now visit the Official Guide to House of the Dragon, complete with Character Guide, Map of Westeros and Essos, and Dragon Index. The site will continue to be updated at key moments throughout the season as new characters, locations, and more are introduced.
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. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.