House Of The Dragon Episode Four Review - 8 Ups & 2 Downs

10. Down - A Song of Ice and Fire

The references to the ancient conflict (and the one to come!) between humanity and the White Walkers have played a prominent part in the introduction to House of the Dragon. Viserys first recounts the secret to Rhaenyra upon naming her heir to the throne, before revealing this week that when heated, his Valyrian steel dagger bears an inscription once again referring to the infamous Song of Ice and Fire.

Is this all really necessary though?

While the constant mention of the legend constitutes an affectionate homage to Game of Thrones, it could be argued that the war to come bears no relevance or significance within the context of House of the Dragon's story. The show is based on Fire and Blood, the history of the civil war between the Targaryens that came to be known as the Dance of the Dragons. Ancient evil to the North, White Walkers and the Prince That Was Promised do not feature whatsoever within the story unless recounted as a story or song, which begs the question as to why HBO continues to give this narrative oxygen in an apparently unconnected story.

One shudders to think that those responsible for the disastrous final season of Game of Thrones at HBO may try and cram the White Walkers into House of the Dragon for nothing more than shock value and a few gasps. Indeed, unless a White Walker suddenly pops up unannounced in King's Landing, all the references to the conflict to come do little more than remind viewers of the dismal ending to the original show.

And nobody needs to be reminded of that.