“SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 10”
Season 2 of House of the Dragon would have an ensemble similar structure to Game of Thrones, according to creator Ryan Condal. Season 1 of House of the Dragon followed a smaller array of prominent characters than its parent series, as the attention was mostly devoted to the royal Targaryen family. The season revolved around the developing feud between former friends Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. While other plotlines received considerable attention, such as Lord Corlys Velaryon’s near-death experience and Lord Larys Strong’s devotion to Alicent, everything seen was explicitly related to the Dance of the Dragons.
Despite the unifying emphasis, the House of the Dragon’s lead-up to civil war was seen through the eyes of several different characters. While they did not appear in every episode of the series, characters such as Corlys, Larys, and Ser Criston Cole of the Kingsguard have been affected by the building conflict. Ser Criston, for example, progresses from wishing to marry Rhaenyra to becoming a devoted servant of Alicent, even after King Viserys’ death. The decision to establish numerous individuals as essential participants from the outset sets the tone for the House of the Dragon season 2 framework.
House of the Dragon creator Ryan Condal told EW that season 2 of the program would take a broader look at Westeros, with an ensemble cast akin to Game of Thrones. Condal stated that, while House of the Dragon season 2 will not have the same sweeping plot as Game of Thrones, it will become familiar to those who have watched the parent series. See what Condal had to say about it below:
“I don’t know if the Dance of the Dragons will ever have the sprawl that the original Game of Thrones did, simply because of North of the Wall and Esso and all these other places that it went. But certainly the season that we’re writing, the rhythms of this show are going to feel much more like a middle season — seasons 3-6 of Game of Thrones — in terms of its scope and breadth and the number of characters.”
“[Season 2] does fall into that ensemble piece where you’re following multiple characters. They’re not all in the same place, but this is still very much a story of Alicent and Rhaenyra and their families pitted against each other. We’re not gonna suddenly pull away from telling their stories. It’s just the nature of this thing, in season 2, it really opens up the world in a big way and the sprawl grows quite a bit.”
Who to Watch for in Season 2 of House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon season 1, episode 10 hinted at the prospect of a wider geographic focus for season 2 in keeping with Condal’s vow. Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s offspring, are charged with using their dragons to fly out and gather supporters for the impending conflict with Queen Alicent and the greens in charge of King’s Landing. Aemond Targaryen’s dragon kills Lucerys when he is on a mission to Storm’s Landing. His final resting place might make it possible to display House Baratheon’s perspective on the conflict. The Starks will reappear in the world of Game of Thrones as a result of Jacaerys’ escape to recruit friends in the North, maybe introducing a character like Lord Cregan Stark who can provide viewers with a northern viewpoint on the Dance of the Dragons.
Characters who the audience is already familiar with might also get more attention. Aemond’s point of view on the consequences of his serious error might be presented in House of the Dragon season 2, furthering the sadistic young prince’s character growth. Lord Corlys, who swore allegiance to Rhaenyra and gave her the Velaryon fleet to sever trade with King’s Landing, is another option for a fresh, primary perspective. There are many opportunities for Condal to convey an ensemble war narrative to viewers in season 2 thanks to the addition of new characters and the reiteration of well-known individuals in House of the Dragon.
Source: EW