PG Score: 9.5/10
House of the Dragon is available on HBO Max. New episodes every Sunday at 9 PM ET.
*SOME SPOILERS BELOW*
Another Wedding...
Weddings! Who doesn't love a good wedding? Open bars, old friends, and just a good time to be had by all. Things are a bit different in the wide world of Game of Thrones, though. Fans will remember the "Red Wedding" and the "Purple Wedding", so a wedding in House of the Dragon shouldn't end up too different.
Rhaenyra-Daemon Fallout
The fallout from Rhaenyra and Daemon's actions have forced King Viserys's hands. It also leads Queen Alicent to make her own declaration after searching for the truth, having been pointed in that direction by a familiar face who might be playing his own game. My favorite episode of the season so far, "We Light the Way" has the drama, love, violence, and politicking that make this world so interesting and exciting. Two major deaths change the future of the Seven Kingdoms as Viserys's health continues to decline.
Visuals
Visually, this was a stunning episode. It was our first time seeing the entirety of Driftmark, and the castle High Tide shows off the extreme wealth of House Velaryon. The costumes, particularly for the wedding, were beautifully crafted; major credit to the props department, as the outfits looked good even during the gruesome death of one of the characters.
Storytelling
Most important are the stories being told throughout. "We Light the Way" features several storylines that all lead to the same place in the end. Actions have consequences, and "We Light the Way", aside from being the words of House Hightower, is a major precursor for what is to come.
Farewell to Two Stalwarts
Loved this episode. Scheming and politicking at its best, Episode 5 as the halfway point is a fantastic farewell for Milly Alcock (Rhaenyra) and Emily Carey (Alicent). Both women have done an incredible job developing these characters and showing their evolving emotions. The biggest time jump yet has them handing their roles over. After their wonderful performances, it will be sad to see them go.
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