‘House of the Dragon’ season 2 premieres with return of familiar northern house

The first episode of season 2 began with a surprising return and notorious deaths.

The highly anticipated return of ‘House of the Dragon’ has kicked off Season 2 with a dramatic episode titled ‘A Son for a Son.’

The episode begins with a significant moment as Cregan Stark and Jacaerys arrive in the North, reintroducing House Stark to the storyline after a long absence. The scene sets the stage for the Starks' crucial role in the unfolding conflict.

As the episode progresses, Daemon orchestrates the notorious Blood and Cheese event, seeking revenge against the Greens for Lucerys' death. This brutal retaliation culminates in the tragic death of Helaena and Aegon's son, Jaehaerys. The show modifies the events slightly from the original ‘Fire and Blood’ books, adding more context and showcasing the brutality and madness of Blood and Cheese.

Matt Smith, who plays Daemon, revealed that Season 3 is set to begin filming later this year, hinting at a quicker release schedule. Meanwhile, the show's creators have redesigned the intro, replacing the Valyrian Freehold model with a tapestry depicting the Targaryen family tree, symbolising the bloodlines and power struggles central to the series.

The episode also highlights the political manoeuvring within King's Landing, showcasing Alicent's complex relationship with Criston Cole and her diminishing influence over her son, King Aegon. As tensions rise, viewers are reminded that the show is not about clear heroes and villains but rather a tapestry of morally complex characters driven by power and revenge.