Dream Beam

I've had my qualms with House of the Dragon this season, particularly with its neglect of House Velaryon, but overall the series has more than surpassed the low expectations set by Game of Thrones ' abysmal final season. The lead cast gave us some memorable performances and, in general, the series itself is among the best written and engaging shows of the year. The finale maybe felt a little too much like table setting, but ended with a worthwhile confrontation that echoes the themes of the show.   Perhaps episode 8 would've been a better endpoint to the season, but then we'd be 2 episodes behind during the long break between seasons. Everyone's guessing 2024 is the earliest we'll see season 2 of a planned 4.  Ethereal Thoughts on the House of the Dragon Season 1 Finale

It's all about the Green Team on the penultimate episode of House of the Dragon 's first season, as Alicent and Otto work to install Aegon as king. But then Rhaenys surprises us all with her entrance and exit at the coronation. Mysaria shows up in this episode, too. She's the only one using her power for the people, so she's got my vote. Also, Larys gets creepier... Ethereal Musings on House of the Dragon Episode 9, Season 1

We've come to the end of the first season of The Rings of Power and I'm feeling a bit empty, like I've watched a pretty show without getting much out of it. The Halbrand/Sauron reveal was half-baked, for sure. There are four more seasons to go, but at this point I'm not at all excited to continue. We'll see how I feel in a year or two's time. I'll probably tune in next season, but I can't see myself covering the show going forward.   Quick Thoughts on The Rings of Power Season 1 Finale

House of the Dragon continues to have a race problem as tragedy befalls House Velaryon yet again in Episode 8. The show refuses to give its cast of color room to develop. On the positive side, HotD excels at spotlighting the pov of women, if they're white that is... Aside from the race factor, the writing continues to be top notch, and Viserys' arc is one for the ages.     Quick Thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 8, Season 1

The penultimate episode of the season might just be the best yet, as all the characters reach their low point and then pick themselves up to embark on their next journey. Too bad the finale is next week, since it feels like the adventure is just getting started. Also, the religiosity and monarchy worship is getting more evident this episode. Anyone else unsettled?  Quick Thoughts on The Rings of Power Episode 7, Season 1

This week we get the confrontation between Alicent and Rhaenyra the marketing has been so eager to tease us with all these months. Plus, this episode has a twist ending that sent me on an emotional rollercoaster. Though I'm not sure it was gay enough... Quick Thoughts on House of the Dragon Episode 7, Season 1