House of the Dragon: Season 1 Episode 7 – Recap & Review

Welcome, fellow Targaryen enthusiasts, to the fire and fury of a new era in Westeros! House of the Dragon has premiered, taking us back 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones to explore the rise and fall of House Targaryen. Episode 7 of House of the Dragon, titled “Driftmark,” brings together the major players of the realm for a somber occasion – the burial at sea of Lady Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell). However, beneath the surface of mourning, tensions simmer and old wounds resurface, threatening to erupt into open conflict.

House of the Dragon Season 1 Episode 7 Video Review:

Family in Mourning, Realm in Flux

The episode opens with the Targaryen and Velaryon families converging on Driftmark, Laena’s ancestral home. King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) appears increasingly frail, his health deteriorating. Meanwhile, Queen Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) maintain a frosty civility, their past disagreements casting a long shadow. The episode masterfully portrays the complexities of family dynamics, particularly within the Targaryen household, where ambition and jealousy often outweigh familial bonds.

A Dragon Without a Master

The arrival of Prince Aemond Targaryen (Leo Ashton), Alicent’s youngest son, introduces a new layer of intrigue. Aemond, ostracized for not having claimed a dragon, seizes an unexpected opportunity when he encounters Vhagar, Laena’s powerful dragon, left riderless by her death. This act sparks outrage, particularly from Rhaenyra’s sons, Jacaerys (Leo Hart) and Lucerys (Harvey Sadler), who believe Vhagar rightfully belongs to them. The ensuing confrontation highlights the volatile nature of Targaryen claims to dragons and the potential for conflict when ambition clashes with tradition.

A Whisper of War

The episode takes a shocking turn when a heated argument erupts between the younger generation. Jacaerys confronts Aemond over Vhagar, leading to a brutal brawl. In the ensuing chaos, Aemond loses an eye, and a dark accusation is thrown out – a reminder of the parentage scandal surrounding Rhaenyra’s children. This revelation throws the entire court into disarray, threatening to fracture the fragile peace and raise the specter of war.

A Dance of Blades and Secrets

“Driftmark” culminates in a tense standoff between Queen Alicent and Princess Rhaenyra. The episode builds towards this confrontation, showcasing the simmering resentment and distrust between the two women. As accusations fly and swords are drawn, it becomes clear that a line has been crossed. The episode concludes with the entire court on the brink, leaving viewers to wonder if war can be averted.

Dragons, Duty, and Deceit

Episode 7 of House of the Dragon is a turning point in the series. It exposes the deep divisions within the Targaryen family and the realm at large. The episode explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the enduring conflict between tradition and personal desire. The consequences of Laena’s death and Aemond’s actions will undoubtedly shape the course of future episodes, propelling the realm closer to the inevitable Dance of the Dragons.

Share Your Fire!

What did you think of House of the Dragon’s seventh episode? Did the confrontation between the younger generation surprise you? Share your thoughts on the episode, the characters, and my video review in the comments below! Let’s keep the fire of conversation burning bright as we delve deeper into the world of House of the Dragon.

Showrunner: Ryan Condal, Miguel Sapochnik
Stars: Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, and Milly Alcock
House of the Dragon Season 1 can be stream on HBO Max. Be sure to follow E-Man’s Movie Reviews on Facebook, Subscribe on YouTube, or follow me on Twitter/IG @EmansReviews for even more movie news and reviews!