House of the Dragon season 2: A bleak philosophy

There is no one to sympathize with in this bleak portrayal of the horrors of war, as the characters "march towards annihilation."

"Perhaps all men are corrupt," Ser Cristen Cole remarks in the House of the Dragon finale. "And true honour is a mist that melts in the morning." This "bleak philosophy," as another knight puts it, suits a season focused on the human cost of war.

Courtesy: HBO

Although the second series' marketing campaign for the Game of Thrones prequel encouraged fans to choose between Team Green and Team Black, the show itself made a case for neither. The final episode wrapped up a season filled with sacrifices: of hopeful dragonriders, firstborn sons, and principles. The ethical bar in Westeros is low, and few surpass it, as they are trapped in mutual destruction.

Game of Thrones traditionally showcased flawed people, but it also had characters who were "good" (Davos Seaworth, Samwell Tarly, Brienne of Tarth) and those loved despite their flaws (Arya Stark, Tyrion Lannister, The Hound). However, since House of the Dragon killed off Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), the most admirable character, it became clear heroism would not be rewarded.

This bleak perspective stems from the show being a prequel to a known story. Whether or not viewers have read Fire and Blood, we know from Game of Thrones that the Targaryen house and its dragons are nearly destroyed in this war. There is no happy ending, and the characters seem to recognize this. The grim realities of dragon warfare have turned the conflict into one fought by those who either enjoy or have accepted destruction, with Rhaenyra caught in the middle.

In Game of Thrones, some characters were self-serving, while others fought for a greater good. The White Walkers provided a clear, evil enemy that united everyone. In House of the Dragon, the war is based on a grave misunderstanding, driven by a lust for power, retaliation, and vengeance, and fought with devastating weapons.