House Of The Dragon Episode 2 Review - 9 Ups & 1 Down

One would imagine that the inclusion of Daemon Targaryen's character featured heavily behind HBO's logic in choosing to adapt Fire and Blood for television out of all Martin's works; so rich is the character and backstory behind the enigmatic Prince, his story alone would make for a compelling television show.

The potential for incredible television that Daemon represents is on full display again in this week's episode. For context, by the time the episode comes to an end, Daemon has stolen and returned a dragon egg, defied and insulted the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, engaged in a dragon-featuring Mexican standoff on Dragonstone's causeway and is revealed to be plotting with Lord Corlys Velaryon as the credits roll. The man simply does not know how to be in a boring second of television, let alone an episode.

Daemon's character development to date has also done a wonderful job of highlighting the Prince's "does not give a solitary f*ck" attitude. The brazen defiance with which he continues to style himself as heir to the throne and steals a dragon egg specifically intended for Viserys' deceased son Baelon (two separate incidents that would result in a death by beheading for most men) has established that, just two episodes into the season, this is a man who fears nothing and will quite happily watch the world burn for his own entertainment.

This is going to be one utterly spectacular, bloody spectacle of a character arc and this writer cannot bloody wait to see it unfold.