HBO’s new television series, “House of the Dragon” has been met with positive feedback from viewers in the Loyola community, and beyond. There’s a lot to enjoy about the show. One of those things being dragons. Lots and lots of dragons. Dylan Houle ‘23 is enjoying the show so far.
“The CGI is really cool,” Houle said. “They clearly spent a lot of time and money developing the sets and filming battles, especially the scenes with the dragons which I like a lot.” Houle was one of 10 million viewers who tuned into the first episode on Aug. 21.
“House of the Dragon” is the latest addition to writer George RR Martin’s medieval fantasy world of Westeros. The show acts as a prequel series to the cultural phenomenon, “Game of Thrones.” Based on Martin’s novel, “Fire and Blood,” “House of the Dragon” takes place 200 years before “Game of Thrones.” The show follows the story of House Targaryen and their quest for power over Westeros. With the premiere season about halfway finished, fans of the show have already seen a lot of what made “Game of Thrones” so popular.
Loyola professor and chair of the communication department, Sara Magee, has also been quite impressed with HBO’s new show. She especially appreciates the camera work and setting.
“The setting has been really impressive to me, and that includes all the characters and how they play off the setting,” Magee said. “They haven’t skimped on the scenery and effects to really put you in the world.”
When characters aren’t resolving issues with their sword, they’re plotting their way to the Iron Throne, the seat which the ruler of Westeros occupies. Conrad Cacciola ‘23 is particularly fond of the “game within the game.”
Cacciola said, “In comparison to ‘Game of Thrones’ the new show is going very well. They’re doing a good job developing the politics within the show.” After a controversial and widely disappointing end to the original series, fans of the fantasy series were excited, but skeptical, for the return to the franchise.
Brian McCormick ‘23, a fan of both shows, said, “I honestly had no idea what to expect. But the first episode jumped right into the new story. It was like a movie, I loved it.”
Fans of George R.R Martin’s work have come to expect great battles, violence, and betrayal which are all already abundant in his newest show. However, beyond the eye-catching visuals and action sequences, there is much more for viewers to enjoy. Like “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” carefully crafts a fluid political landscape which is often the centerpiece of the show’s conflict.
The series just reached the halfway point of its first season, with five episodes left to release. “House of the Dragon” can be viewed on HBO and HBO Max with new episodes dropping every Sunday at 9 p.m.
Featured Image courtesy of Eli Falconer.
