Summary

Examining decisions in Season 1 reveals Season 2’s crucial repercussions for
House of the Dragon
‘s coming war.
A few choices could have saved the Targaryens from a tragic civil .
Naming Aegon the heir would’ve averted crises; Viserys’ misjudgment in giving power to Otto fueled tensions.

With the coming war approaching in the second season of House of the Dragon, examining the decisions made in Season 1 that lead to the repercussions expected in Season 2 is crucial. Every episode served as a reminder of the tension between the Targaryen family, and the growing tensions could have been avoided with a simple choice. However, the lack of agency from one character in the show set the Dance of the Dragons in motion, and the civil war is here.

The war results from a dispute regarding the succession following King Viserys’ (Paddy Considine) death and whether Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), his firstborn child, or Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney), his firstborn son, is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. The realm is divided, with supporters of the Blacks remaining loyal to their oath to honor Rhaenyra as heir and supporters of the Greens favoring Aegon II because he is a male heir. Averting a division in the realm and infighting within the family was possible had Viserys decided to make what was perhaps not a better choice but a safer option for the Seven Kingdoms.

Uniting the Blacks and the Greens

It’s not uncommon for Targaryens to practice unusual customs, and marrying within the family is one of them. Marrying Aegon and Rhaenyra, in true Targaryen fashion, is one possible solution. It would ally one side of the family to the other, and the union could’ve prevented the war. With the idea that the two would be married, both characters can see each other as a team and stand against outside forces that would pit them against one another. The Targaryens are fiercely loyal, after all.

Another possible union between Jacaerys Velaryon (Harry Collett) and Helaena Targaryen (Phia Saban) would potentially resolve the family’s quarrels. If Viserys had insisted on this match and ignored Alicent’s protests, everyone would have gained something. The bloodlines would merge, and both the Greens and the Blacks would have their bloodlines on the Iron Throne. Had Alicent forgone her animosity towards Rhaenyra, she would have accepted that this proposal would benefit everyone.

Avoiding the Succession Crisis: Naming Aegon the Heir

The obvious answer to all the problems in House of the Dragon was for Viserys to keep with Westerosi tradition and name Aegon, his firstborn son, his heir. When Aegon was born, every lord in Westeros expected Viserys to change the line of succession, but he never did. There were moments where Viserys contemplated naming Aegon his heir, but out of loyalty and what was spite at first, he remained steadfast in his decision to name Rhaenyra his heir.

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Had he discussed changing the succession with Rhaenyra, it would’ve mentally prepared her to be disinherited. Yes, this would cause tension between a father and daughter, but ultimately, the downfall of House Targaryen and a divided realm could’ve been avoided. Rhaenyra’s resentment towards her father would grow, but that resentment doesn’t measure up to the cost of war.

Giving Otto the Power of the Hand

Viserys giving Otto Hightower the role of Hand of the King again was a significant misjudgment on his part. Viserys knew of Otto’s ambitions for the throne when he relieved him of his post the first time, so giving him power again shows how easily Viserys could be manipulated. Otto’s return to power inflames the Greens and their supporters to push against Rhaenyra’s claim and creates more tension within the family as he continues to move the pieces of the board.

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The king had many different options to fill the position after Lyonel Strong’s (Gavin Spokes) death. Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) as Hand of the King would have solidified the alliance between House Velaryon and House Targaryen aside from the union of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon. His support of Rhaenyra would’ve never been questioned, and the stability of the realm would remain intact. Viserys also had Rhaenyra to consider for the role of Hand, as it would’ve taught her more about the politics of Westeros and prepared her for the role of Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. House of the Dragon is streaming now on Max.