The Heirs of the Dragon

"The Heirs of the Dragon" is the series premiere of the HBO fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, an adaptation of the second half of George R. R. Martin's book Fire & Blood. The first episode of the first season was written by series co-creator Ryan Condal and directed by co-showrunner and executive producer Miguel Sapochnik. In the United States, the episode aired on August 21, 2022, on HBO. As the first episode of the series, it introduces the setting and the main characters of the show. The episode received highly positive critical reviews, with praise going towards Sapochnik's direction, the jousting scene, cast, and performances, particularly that of Matt Smith. Plot In 101 AC, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, having outlived all his children, convened a Great Council to select an heir and avoid a potential war of succession. While Prince Viserys, Jaehaerys' oldest grandson, was chosen, several lords supported Princess Rhaenys, Jaehaerys' oldest living descendant. Nine years into Viserys's reign, his wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, is again with child. After many failed pregnancies, Viserys is certain Aemma will bear a healthy son. A great tournament is organized to celebrate the impending birth. Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, insists that Prince Daemon, Viserys's brother and heir presumptive, is unfit to rule, citing his brutal methods as Commander of the City Watch, but Viserys ignores his advice.