There’s oneHouse of the Dragonepisode that beatsGame of Thronesat its own game.House of the Dragonseason 3is underway, with a hopeful release date for Summer 2026. Following the show’s divisive second season, the critical and fan response to the upcoming series matters more than ever.
Regardless of how one feels aboutHouse of the Dragonseason 2’s endingand the entirety of its eight episodes, it’s undeniable that season 1 offered some outstanding episodes.“The Princess and the Queen” is one of the show’s strongest works, and it’s because it does what this franchise does best.
House of the Dragon’s “The Princess and the Queen” Is a Flawless Fantasy Episode
This Is House Of The Dragon’s Best Drama-Focused Episode
Notably,“The Princess and the Queen” is named after the novella that George R.R. Martin wrotethat dove into the Dance of the Dragons for the first time. BeforeFire & Blood, this short story examined the divide between Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen, examining how the war began.
This is family drama and political intrigue at its best.
If there was any story that was mandatory forHouse of the Dragonseason 1 to tell, it’s this one. “The Princess and the Queen” novella is the core of whatthe Dance of the Dragonsis all about: fractured relationships escalating, tearing the Realm apart, and starting the domino effect that would lead to the Targaryen dynasty’s downfall.
This is the episode that picks up events after Rhaenyra and Laenor’s wedding, and it’sthe closest we see to Shakespearean drama in the Red Keep. The feud between Rhaenyra and Alicent takes center stage, with the years of animosity evident in their expressions.
The previous episode saw Criston Cole beating Joffrey Lonmouth to death; now it’s Ser Harwin Strong clobbering Cole in the training ground. Even Rhaenyra and Alicent’s children share distaste for each other, struggling to get along during their sword practice. This is family drama and political intrigue at its best.
The Season 1 Episode Outdoes Game of Thrones With Political Intrigue
“The Princess And The Queen” Is Pure Westeros Shakespeare
As I said, “The Princess and the Queen” is like a Shakespearean drama in the Red Keep, even outdoingGame of Thrones. Season 4 is likely the peak ofGame of Thrones’political drama, with all the Lannisters, the Tyrells, and Oberyn Martell present in King’s Landing. The season has weddings, trials, and more.
Of course, the dynamics inGame ofThrones, particularly those of the Lannisters, are driven by long-standing family bitterness, butrarely was anything as raw and emotionally driven as this episode. I’d love to seeHouse of the Dragonreturn to what made this episode so special.
