House Of The Dragon Episode Nine Review - 9 Ups & 1 Down
9. Up - The agonizing implications of the Song of Ice and Fire
The apparently unnecessary inclusion of the legend of A Song of Ice and Fire within House of the Dragon's storyline initially appeared to be a tired, played out addition to the show, designed as nothing more than a cheap throwback to Game of Thrones, but ultimately the brilliance of using the legend's significance within the succession race was inspired.
The fact that Viserys' dying words have been twisted so wretchedly out of proportion by the power crazed Alicent adds an extra pang of regret to proceedings; the tumultuous events that are unfolding are completely without foundation, twisted by plotting schemers so as to benefit themselves. Fan favorite Viserys' wishes being disregarded so callously in the immediate aftermath of his heartbreaking death is a bitter blow for any fans that align themselves with the Black faction and invokes a genuinely devastated emotional response from audiences.
It will be intriguing to see whether the legend plays a role of any further significance on House of the Dragon now that civil war appears to be imminent. Aegon now possesses the catspaw dagger that belonged to Viserys as the new King, so the ominous myth of the war in the North to come may yet feature again with the storyline.