IR TV Review: HOUSE OF THE DRAGON - EPISODE 5 [HBO-S3]
Unrest and the factions clamoring through the seven kingdoms continue to progress building likely to a battle as Ep5 of Season 3 of "House Of The Dragon" begins. However an interesting dark horse who before was bending Daemon to her will now is creating a new timeline. Her act is the most mysterious so far in the series because it is unclear what kind of goal or master she serves. Interestingly enough she takes the visage of someone else that her respective ward has mixed feelings towards. Alicent (Olivia Cook) meanwhile continues to shift her approach to the point that thee will be nothing left eventually. Two of her offspring flail without her guidance and the delicate flower of her daughter seems to be withering (but the strength and mental health of that character is inherently flawed or in question). Rhaenyra meanwhile continues to juggle what power means but Daemon makes a crucial faux pas which is not for the darkness of the kingdom but to elevate it...but it still will lead to ruin.
It ultimately though will flip the power struggle. The Iron Throne needs to be exactly that but in trying to be benevolent strains against the same restraints Rhaenyra is losing her way. Dan Fogler, so great in "Fantastic Beasts", plays a member of the council but doesn’t quite walk the line that Rhys Ifans so intricately did. Fogler is inherently wasted in this regard. Rage befalls the Hightowers which will be their undoing even if a splice of ego give Rhaenyra the advantage. Everyone is playing their part but there really needs to be more in the either. "Game Of Thrones" is based upon dark and ethereal images which have been less prevalent in this series. This series needs to be based on more bold storytelling and yet it is getting too lost in the politics. Granted this is a different beast than "Thrones" but human behavior dictates a certain response especially from the opposition. The most decisive moment interestingly enough is Eragorn and yet no one is there to see it. Escape is nearly impossible for anyone and yet the final image does something interesting bathed in religiosity both modern and ancient. B
By Tim Wassberg
