Game of Thrones always had an eye for combat. The smaller-scale battles were often fun, like the Hound facing off against Brienne of Tarth, but the larger-scale melees were usually top performers. But one thing that was always missing from the program was the in-between. Thankfully, in just three episodes,House of the Dragon has already given us the Game of Thrones franchises first great medium-sized battle.
[Ed. note: This post contains spoilers for House of the Dragon.]
Daemon Targaryen discusses why he is one of the most feared warriors in the Seven Kingdoms. The two men receive news from Daemons brother, King Viserys, that the crown is sending help. Both men consider this a lack-of-subtle admission of their martial abilities.
House of the Dragons' first big fight takes on an almost immediate significance as a Game of Thrones confrontation. There are tens of thousands of extras joining the fray, detailed close-up kills that are soaked with blood and mud, and the slow focus on the main characters that most of Thrones battles include.
Corlys and Daemon may lead the Stepstones' final battle, but Laenor Velaryon's attack is ultimately won by Seasmoke, his dragon. It is also the first indication of how much bigger the House of the Dragons' scale is.
One of the most significant and most significant moments in Game of Thrones' eight-season run would have been a dragon soaring onto the battlefield and fiery waves of Targaryen foes. In House of the Dragon, everyone is expected, except the poor Crabfeeder, who may be resting in peace. The battle itself is also an indication of how big House of the Dragon might be.
The majority of Game of Thrones' major battles were separated into separate episodes. Things like the Wildling assault on Castle Black, Hardhome, the defense of Kings Landing, and the Battle of the Bastards all took up the majority of the episode devoted exclusively to them. However, none of them lived up to the standards of previous conflicts and were easily overpowered by House of the Dragons' first open combat attempt.
The Stepstones conflict feels like the perfect length to both demonstrate Daemons' unreliable bravery and dragons' dominance on the battlefield.
House of the Dragons' first battle shows that thanks to the show's huge budget, huge battles are available at any time. Each episode has a bit more spontaneity and unpredictability, as you might imagine if you know the story.