Big Death Reveal in House of the Dragon Season 2 Pays Off Major Season 1 Book Change
One death in House of the Dragon season 2 has been officially confirmed, and this revelation strengthens the likelihood of a deviation from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book.
One character’s death in House of the Dragon season 2 has already been unveiled, and this revelation confirms how the show will address a significant alteration made in season 1 to George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.
While House of the Dragon season 1 generally adhered to the main narrative outlined in Martin’s book, it also had to introduce several creative elements due to the book’s nature as an in-universe historical account.
While some of these changes were minor, others were undeniably major, such as Laenor Velaryon’s survival and Aemond Targaryen accidentally killing Lucerys Velaryon. The consequences of these decisions will continue to unfold in the storyline of House of the Dragon season 2.
In particular, the event above catalyzes all future developments, as it triggers the commencement of the Dance of the Dragons. The Targaryen civil war will unfold over the remaining seasons of House of the Dragon (probably three more, including season 2), bringing forth large-scale battles and significant fatalities.
Both humans and dragons will meet their demise, and leaked set photos and videos have already revealed one significant character’s death, confirming the fate of Meleys in House of the Dragon.
Meleys’ Death Is Confirmed For Season 2 Of House Of The Dragon: How It Takes Place
Meleys’ demise occurs at a pivotal moment during the Dance of the Dragons, where the faction supporting Rhaenyra gains the upper hand by capturing the strategically important Harrenhal castle and securing the allegiance of several influential houses.
In response, King Aegon II Targaryen takes drastic measures, removing Otto Hightower from his position as Hand of the King and appointing Ser Criston Cole instead.
This change has significant consequences, including the Battle at Rook’s Rest. Rook’s Rest, the ancestral seat of House Staunton located in the crownlands north of King’s Landing, becomes the target of Criston’s forces as they march north with nearly 3,000 soldiers.
They first bring Houses Rosby and Stokeworth under their control before turning their attention to House Staunton.
Staunton barricaded himself and his troops within the confines of Rook’s Rest and reached out to Rhaenyra for assistance. Just over a week later, their plea for help was answered when Rhaenys Targaryen arrived with her dragon, Meleys.
Initially, their arrival seemed to shift the balance in their favor, despite Criston’s preparations, as archers launched arrows at them. However, at this moment, Criston executed his plan, unveiling Aegon and Aemond mounted on their dragons, Sunfyre and Vhagar, respectively.
The three dragons engaged in a fierce battle in the skies, clawing and breathing fire at one another. Although the faction supporting Rhaenyra suffered casualties, and both Sunfyre and Aegon sustained severe injuries, Rhaenys and Meleys ultimately perished in the encounter, unable to overcome the numerical disadvantage.
The dragons fought fiercely, crashing to the ground and causing widespread destruction below, but Meleys was the one who met her demise alongside Rhaenys. Subsequently, Meleys’ severed head was brought to King’s Landing, as revealed in the set photos of House of the Dragon season 2.
Meleys’ Death in House of the Dragon Season 2 Pays Off the Dagonpit Scene from Season 1
In episode 9 of House of the Dragon season 1, a significant alteration was introduced to the book’s storyline by featuring Rhaenys and Meleys during the coronation of King Aegon II Targaryen.
While Rhaenys chose not to harm any of the supporters of Aegon, her destructive actions inevitably resulted in the deaths of numerous smallfolk, possibly amounting to several hundred casualties.
This act of devastation was bound to have repercussions. At the time, it appeared to set the stage for the eventual storming of the Dragonpit—an event that occurs later in the Dance of the Dragons, where the inhabitants of King’s Landing breach the Dragonpit and slay the dragons within.
This narrative development remains consistent, but the death of Meleys serves as an early payoff to that storyline.
The recently leaked set photos and videos from House of the Dragon season 2 reveal a notable scene featuring the display of Meleys’ severed head being paraded through the streets of King’s Landing. This occurrence is a cause for celebration, underscoring how Rhaenys’ actions have backfired.
The citizens of King’s Landing, who may have suffered losses or experienced fear within the Dragonpit, now cheer at the sight of the dragon’s demise. This event is a significant element of the greens’ campaign to gain support and undermines trust in Rhaenyra.
It aligns with subsequent developments where the Black Queen is proclaimed “Rhaenyra the Cruel” within the capital city of King’s Landing.
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How the Writer’s Strike Might Affect the Present Filming of House of the Dragon Season 2
Amidst the ongoing Writers Strike, top-rated television series like House of the Dragon, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Andor are forging ahead with their productions.
This has sparked discussions among online audiences about the potential impact of the strike on the filming process compared to previous seasons. As per the guidelines set by the Guild, House of the Dragon writers will not be physically present on the set for the foreseeable future as the strike persists.
Despite Martin’s assurance that the scripts for House of the Dragon have undergone multiple revisions and are considered complete, there are lingering concerns about potential unseen obstacles that may affect the show’s overall quality.
In a typical production process, having the writers involved allows for adjustments to be made during filming. This involvement enables them to fine-tune scenes based on the cast’s performances and chemistry or address any issues related to stage direction or physical locations.
While Martin’s involvement as the creator of the source material and overseer of the show’s adaptation into television provides a strong foundation, the absence of the writers during unforeseen circumstances could still have a noticeable impact on the final version of the show, as there would be limited opportunities to make necessary alterations.
As writers advocate for fairer compensation and improved protections in an evolving industry, their decision to go on strike has garnered attention from viewers concerned about the potential impact on their favorite shows.
The previous writers’ strike that occurred during 2007-2008 lasted for 100 days and affected the quality of film and television projects. Therefore, despite Martin’s assurance that the scripts for House of the Dragon are finished, it remains to be seen how the ongoing strike and any resulting implications could influence the production of season 2.
