Television

Review: House of the Dragon and the Pursuit of Political Power

The Game of Thrones prequel is a show about managerial leadership.

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MINISHOUSEOFDragon | <em>House of the Dragon</em>/HBO
(House of the Dragon/HBO)

At its best, HBO's House of the Dragon echoes questions about politics that drove the early seasons of Game of Thrones. How does one obtain or lose power? Why are those who desire it so often unfit? The right bloodline and a loyal army—or a big dragon—can take you only so far.

The dragons and armies play a bigger role in the spinoff series, but the show's recently completed third season occasionally embodied the spirit of its predecessor.

The third episode finds Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, having seized the throne with a daring raid on Westeros' capital, planning a hasty coronation and banquet. She's thwarted by a deluge of other problems, large and small. The treasury is empty. Key allies seek favors. And who gets which bedroom in the palace?

With an entire episode dedicated to Rhaenyra's first day in her new job, House of the Dragon shows how successful leaders aren't defined by battlefield glory—mostly, it's about managing endless meetings and demands. … [Subscribe to continue reading]

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