7 Reasons ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Will Redeem the GOT Prequel

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The first season of HBO’s House of the Dragon lived up to the standard set by Game of Thrones, setting the stage for the brutal civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Unfortunately, Season 2 doesn’t build on that strong start. Instead, it focuses heavily on the past relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower, and keeps Daemon Targaryen largely confined while a complex magical plot involving Alys Rivers unfolds.

Okay, so Season 2 of House of the Dragon definitely felt a little shaky – like it fell into that typical ‘second season slump’ thing. But honestly, I’m not worried at all! I have a really good feeling about Season 3. There are so many incredible battles and moments still to come from the Dance of the Dragons, and I truly believe the show will get back on track and deliver something amazing. It’ll redeem the whole prequel, I’m sure of it.

The Battle of the Gullet Will Raise the Stakes From an Action Perspective


HBO

The second season builds to a showdown with both Team Black and Team Green getting ready to fight. Corlys Velaryon and Alyn of Hull are sailing towards the Gullet, leading a fleet of Velaryon ships. At the same time, the Dragonseeds—Addam, Hugh, and Ulf—are putting on their armor for battle. Tyland Lannister and Sharako Lohar are also heading to the Gullet, traveling with the Triarchy.

Although showrunner Ryan Condal has explained why it didn’t happen in the Season 2 finale, the Battle of the Gullet will now serve as a major turning point in the story. As one of the most brutal naval battles in Westeros’ history, placing it at the start of Season 3 effectively ramps up the action and sets a dark tone for everything to come.

Rhaenyra and Alicent’s Head-Scratching Alliance From the Season 2 Finale Won’t Last


HBO

A surprising moment in the House of the Dragon Season 2 finale was the deal struck between Rhaenyra and Alicent. Alicent offered Rhaenyra control of the kingdom, and in return, Rhaenyra promised to spare Alicent, Helaena, and Jaehaera’s lives – but only if Aegon was killed. Alicent ultimately agreed to let Rhaenyra execute her son.

As someone who devoured the book first, I have to say the show’s versions of Rhaenyra and Alicent just don’t hit the same way. In Fire & Blood, they were these really sharp, manipulative players, always thinking several steps ahead. But honestly, in the show, they feel… weaker. They don’t seem to have as much control over their own destinies, and Alicent especially feels like she’s just reacting to things instead of making them happen. It’s a big difference!

Fortunately, the current agreement is very fragile. Once Rhaenyra and her forces arrive in King’s Landing in Season 3 and discover Aegon has secretly left the city with Larys Strong, she’ll immediately suspect Alicent of deception. This will destroy any trust between them, effectively ending their uneasy alliance.

Aemond Will Fulfill His Book Arc in Season 3 by Taking Control of Harrenhal


HBO

Aemond Targaryen is the standout player for Team Green this season. He dramatically eliminates a crucial member of Team Black (goodbye, Rhaenys Targaryen!) and shows just how ruthless and power-hungry he is by directing Vhagar to attack Aegon and Rhaenys. This move sets him up to potentially become Prince Regent while his brother recovers. Aemond seems most likely to follow the path laid out for him in the book Fire & Blood.

Aemond plans to team up with Ser Criston Cole in the Riverlands and take control of Harrenhal, a castle previously captured by Daemon. This move will also introduce Alys, who is hinted at in the books as being Aemond’s lover. Fans who have read the books have been anticipating their meeting since Alys was introduced in Season 2, and it will be fascinating to see how the show develops their relationship and how it impacts Aemond’s rivalry with Daemon.

The New Dragonseeds Will Keep Us on Our Toes in Season 3

It’s clear that not everyone in House of the Dragon can be trusted, and Season 2 began to show the complex and often conflicting motivations of Rhaenyra’s dragonriders. We can expect Season 3 to explore these characters and their desires even further. As with Game of Thrones, power is central to the story, and Season 2 highlighted the danger of quickly elevating ordinary people to positions of great power – a challenge Rhaenyra will now face.

The show appears to be following the same path as the original books. In Season 2, Kat, Hugh’s wife, references Tumbleton, the location of a major and shocking battle described in Fire & Blood. The connections between these new characters and the Targaryens are developing in a way that suggests a dramatic and unexpected conclusion to the season, living up to the excitement fans expect from Game of Thrones.

Casualties on the Battlefield Will Prove That Not All Characters Have Plot Armor


Warner Bros. Discovery

War always brings death, and while some characters might be protected, others won’t be so fortunate. The upcoming third season of House of the Dragon is expected to be much more willing to kill off important characters than Season 2, which only had one major death. While the previous season just hinted at the coming conflict, Season 3 will fully show the war, meaning viewers should prepare for significant losses.

Ultimately, no character is ever completely secure. After the relatively safe feeling of Season 2, viewers need to be reminded of the show’s unpredictable nature. Like the original Game of Thrones, where major characters like Ned and Robb Stark died unexpectedly, House of the Dragon Season 3 will bring back the sense that anyone can die at any time, even within a single episode.

Daeron Targaryen Will Make His Debut in Season 3


HBO

Daeron Targaryen, also known as “Daeron the Daring,” is one of Viserys and Alicent Targaryen’s sons, and many believe he should have appeared earlier in the show—ideally in Season 1. Season 2 hinted at his character through a conversation between Alicent and Gwayne Hightower, revealing he was being raised in Oldtown. We also saw a glimpse of his dragon, Tessarion, during the march in the Season 2 finale. Fortunately, Daeron will finally be introduced in Season 3.

Daeron is Team Green’s secret weapon. Leading many of the battles for the army advancing from the South, he proves that even with fewer dragons, Rhaenyra isn’t guaranteed victory. When Rhaenyra returns to King’s Landing, she sees Daeron as a bigger danger than Aemond. His arrival also happens at the same time Otto is revealed to be imprisoned, suggesting these two events might be connected in the future.

Alyn and Addam Will Give House Velaryon a More Prominent Role in Season 3


HBO

Despite being incredibly wealthy, House Velaryon has faced a lot of tragedy. Corlys Velaryon’s son, Laenor, pretended to die to escape his marriage to Rhaenyra, and his daughter, Laena, died giving birth. His wife, Rhaenys, was also killed in battle. However, Season 2 reveals Corlys has two secret sons, Alyn and Addam, offering a new chance for the family’s future.

Rhaenyra officially recognizes Alyn and Addam as legitimate members of House Velaryon, strengthening the family’s position. This sets the stage for a return to power for House Velaryon, giving Corlys the heirs he needs. As hinted at in the Season 2 finale, his sons can now fight and represent the house. Alyn and Addam also become key soldiers for Rhaenyra’s side, significantly helping her war effort.

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2025-12-13 22:22