Grate Expectations for Blood - House of the Dragon S2E1

Between the first and final episodes of *House of the Dragon* season one, a staggering two decades pass, with cast changes and the slow decline of King Viserys until his sudden death.

Now, brace yourselves because in the world of Westeros, only five minutes seem to have passed between the season one finale and the season two premiere. We all remember that jaw-dropping moment when Aemond One-Eye struck his nephew from the sky? Well, in the season two premiere, it feels like Lucerys Velaryon’s body has just hit the waters of Shipbreaker Bay. While BandC are thankfully toned down from the books, this is still pretty over the top. What was once a tale of House Targaryen's evolving family feud is now an electrifying showdown: Aegon versus Rhaenyra, Green versus Black, dragon versus dragon!

Instead of the familiar King’s Landing or Dragonstone, we kick things off with a raven soaring over majestic mountain lakes, and a Northern accent narrating about duty. Yes, folks, we're in Winterfell! That’s right, home of the Starks! It's such a refreshing break from the never-ending palace schemes. Seeing the rugged, principled men of the North again feels like coming home. And guess who’s narrating? Cregan Stark, Ned’s great-great-great-great-grandfather, talking about duty—something the Targaryens are clearly not familiar with!

Remember the last episode when Queen Rhaenyra sent her son Jacaerys to rally support for her claim to the throne? Now he’s arrived in Winterfell, but Cregan Stark’s response is less than enthusiastic. He’s willing to offer a few thousand old soldiers but keeps his best fighters to defend the North against the true threat—winter itself. Cregan’s stark reminder that what lies beyond the Wall is death itself adds a chilling perspective to the Southern political squabbles.

The first quarter of the season premiere moves at a leisurely but captivating pace, transitioning from the snowy vistas of Winterfell to the stormy shores of Dragonstone, and finally the salty sea air of Driftmark. At Dragonstone, Daemon urges Princess Rhaenys to join him in a revenge mission against Vhagar and Aemond. But Rhaenys, exhausted and knowing Rhaenyra hasn’t authorized this, refuses. Rhaenyra is currently mourning her son in the Stormlands, a heart-wrenching detail that adds depth to her character.

In Driftmark, the scene is a flurry of activity with ships in various states of repair. Corlys Velaryon discusses their naval strategy with Alyn, who saved his life. This conversation not only introduces Alyn but also reminds us of the Blacks’ blockade strategy. Their fleet is in dire straits, and with Lucerys dead, Driftmark has no heir—a significant plot point for the Velaryons.

*House of the Dragon* is nothing if not deliberate in its storytelling, but subtlety? Not always its strong suit. If a character like Alyn is mentioned, you bet they’re important. If Helaena, Aegon’s sister-wife, speaks up, it’s critical. And don’t forget, Viserys took 20 years to die, but subplots here often resolve in a single episode. When Helaena fears “the rats,” everyone should listen up!

Once she mentions rats, the idea spreads like wildfire. Literal rats scurry through the castle, while Otto Hightower uses spies—his own metaphorical rats—to gather information. Alicent, often a pawn, is still entangled with Ser Criston. Their indiscretion is overshadowed by Aegon arriving with his son, Jaehaerys, at a council meeting.

The episode masterfully balances dialogue and dragon action. The Starks and the Vale are undecided, House Baratheon sides with the Greens thanks to Aemond’s marriage pact, and the Westerlands may declare for Aegon II. More Hightowers march south, and Alicent hopes for a peaceful resolution with Rhaenyra, though Otto knows war is inevitable.

Aegon as king is a mixed bag. He humiliates Tyland Lannister, yet shows interest in helping the common folk. Despite having fewer dragons, he’s confident in their victory. Keeping Aemond close shows some political savvy.

Alicent’s alliance with Otto is a misstep. Otto and Alicent try to restrain Aegon’s violent impulses, but Larys Strong manipulates Aegon against the Hand. Criston and Aemond’s influence also grows.

Queen Rhaenyra, seen mourning her son at Storm’s End, returns to Dragonstone with a burning desire for vengeance. Daemon, eager for action, blames various figures for Aegon’s rise, including the White Worm. Rhaenyra’s call for revenge triggers a dark series of events. Daemon recruits Blood, a disgruntled guardsman, and Cheese, a ratcatcher, to assassinate Aemond. They fail to find Aemond but target Helaena’s children instead. Helaena complies to save her daughter, resulting in her son Jaehaerys’s death.

Yes for obvious reasons, the show reimagines the chilling Blood and Cheese plotline from the books. Originally, Blood was a disgraced Gold Cloak butcher, and Cheese, a cunning ratcatcher who knew every tunnel in King’s Landing. Daemon’s hire of these two to assassinate Aegon II’s son is tweaked to target Prince Aemond directly, seeking vengeance for Lucerys’s death. The show’s take is even more sinister and logical with Blood still in the City Watch, giving the plot an insider twist. The most shocking change? The gruesome murder of Prince Jaehaerys right before our eyes! Helaena’s heartbreaking choice, the horrific threats, and the brutal execution leave us gasping, as Blood and Cheese turn the Red Keep into a nightmare.

This brutal act ensures there will be no peace between the Greens and Blacks. With no room for compromise, war is inevitable. An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind, but a son for a son guarantees unending conflict. Get ready for the most intense season yet!