House of the Dragon episode 8 might be a bit slower than previous episodes, but that doesn’t mean it won’t still pack a punch.
House Of The Dragon Episode 8 Review
There is yet again a time jump in House of the Dragon as with episode 8 we are looking about a 6 years in the future from the last time we saw Westeros. The kids are growing like weeds which requires some more recasting. However, the adults remain the same. While this is perfectly understandable, and is the only way to truly capture the ages of the characters, it can take a few minutes to really understand who is who — for the most part anyways.
However once you settle into the different faces, there is a lot to love about this episode, even if it is a bit on the slower side. There are still several shocking surprises — that are perfectly timed, for the record. We get to spend a lot of time with the Targaryen and Velaryon families and the main characters, getting to know them a bit more and what they have been going through the last 6 years.
It is wonderful to see the more intimate sides of them all, and to have them come together, even if it is only during fleeting moments. Even with the focus being on the families, House of the Dragon episode 8 is able to sneak in some blood and gore — and it truly delivers. That along with the sound design, costuming, and acting (the older kids really make a great entrance!) make this a fantastic episode, even if it isn’t one of the best of the season. Which in all honesty, it is extremely hard to be top notch considering the entire House of the Dragon season 1 is nearly perfect so far.
Warning: Spoilers for House of the Dragon ahead.
Now we will get into the minor spoilers for the episode so if you have not yet tuned into House of the Dragon episode 8, turn back now and come back after as we do not wish to ruin anything for you.
With the news of Corlys’ death, the Driftwood Throne is now seemingly up for grabs. Of course we thought this matter was already settled, as did King Viserys, but plans can easily sound all fine and dandy until it is time to actually execute them. His death is breezed over a bit too quickly, but the point of this episode is to bring the families together for a discussion, so that can be excused.
Viewers get to see just how horrible Aegon has become. Not only does he clearly care very little for his wife, he will abuse those around him, physically and verbally. As the episode goes on he gets more and more nasty. Once again those watching will be rooting for a painful death for him. Fingers crossed it happens sooner than later.
Fans that have been rooting for Rhaenyra and Daemon from the start will be thrilled to learn that they have two children. They are briefly shown, when they are introduced to the bed ridden King, but they are there and it is exciting to see. The two don’t have a whole lot of interactions throughout House of the Dragon episode 8, but it is apparent that they love each other. The way they look at each other, touch each other, and defend each other assures us that this is a truly loving couple.
While the King is getting very sick, it was a bit of a shock to even see that he was still alive at the start of the episode. He powers through his pain and sickness to make one last ditch effort to unite his family, those that he cares most about in the world. In front of all he helps to settle the dispute over the throne, and thanks to his daughter Rhaenyra offering up a betrothal between her children and their cousins/step-siblings (oh yeah, the incest is heavy in this show), a pact is made.
The King is very clearly not going to make it through the episode, which is alluded to by him doing everything in his power to bring the family together, including a family dinner. This dinner starts out lovely but of course this family is full of drama, and things don’t end particularly well. The King’s sons poke at Rhaenyra’s kids, with Aemond repeatedly calling them “Strong boys” (a hint at their true lineage), until a fight breaks out.
Still, the more tender and touching moments at the family will surely put a smile on viewers’ faces. Especially those who miss the friendship between Princess Rhaenyra and Queen Alicent. However, we aren’t sure how long their rekindling will last as with his dying breath, King Viserys brings up Aegon’s dream again, and tells Alicent that she is the prince that was promised to unite the realm against the cold. Where this will lead, only time will tell, but it can’t be good. And just when the two ladies seemed to be reforming their friendship.
Overall this is a really great episode. It is more set up for the future, but also is able to weave in some blood, gore, and death. The King’s face is truly grotesque. The prosthetic / VFX work that went into it is impeccable. There were times we had to turn away from the screen, especially when he was talking with his mask removed. Really incredible work done there. No dragons made an appearance but there were some dragon eggs, so perhaps we have more flying creatures to look forward to.
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: 4 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.