I Know I'm Late Yapping About This Show

Overall Take

The speaker finishes watching Season 3 of House of the Dragon and argues that, while it’s a noticeable improvement over Season 2, the season still struggles due to weak writing, repetitive dialogue, and poor character utilization—especially for Rhaenyra.

Season 3 is better than Season 2, but still not close to Season 1.

Key Points / Main Arguments

Season 3 is better than Season 2, but not close to Season 1

• The reviewer liked Season 1 and disliked Season 2, calling it mostly setup with little payoff.
• They say Season 3’s early episodes provide closure for threads left hanging in Season 2.
• Visually and performance-wise, the season is praised:
  • Top-notch visuals
  • Strong acting

Core criticism: pacing and repetition

• The season is criticized as being needlessly dragged out, with:
  • many small council meetings
  • repeated character conversations
• The reviewer claims certain exchanges—particularly the Rhaenyra/Daemon/Allyson-style back-and-forth—repeat beats without advancing character or plot.
  • They describe key interactions as looping instead of developing.

Rhaenyra’s character is criticized as “stupid,” not just “bad”

• The speaker argues Rhaenyra is portrayed as:
  • incompetent
  • reactionary
  • repeatedly ignoring advice
  • blaming others
  • making decisions that don’t align with what she supposedly knows
• They say the show reinforces the public’s belief that she’s a failing ruler, while she tries to frame herself as divinely chosen—but it lands as almost comedic because her decisions backfire so often.
• Example cited:
  • Aegon’s presumed death and other strategic choices are framed as reckless or poorly executed.

Missing follow-through on major emotional plotlines

• A major complaint is that major events aren’t fully explored.
  • For instance, Jace’s death (tied to Rhaena’s taming of Sheepstealer) feels devastating, but the show allegedly doesn’t let Rhaenyra meaningfully confront/engage with Rhaena afterward.
• The reviewer says this relationship conflict is set up but not paid off.

Character-Specific Assessments

Praised

• Aegon
  • Described as compelling and hateable, reduced to a helpless shell.
  • Praised for an exciting “final stand” moment when Sunfyre returns, saving/torching Rhaenyra’s loyalists.
  • The reviewer calls it cool, but also “convenient” given earlier assumptions about Sunfyre’s death.
• Daemon
  • Strong presence and given more to do this season.
  • Includes satisfying action and a “more responsible” side where he tries to protect Rhaena despite personal risk.
• Ormund Hightower
  • Praised as a solid villain: cunning and merciless.
  • Still receives criticism for some framing choices (noted below).
• Gwayne
  • Presented as a meaningful supporting figure and Darren’s main trusted companion.
  • Some exploration of how closeness to Ormund’s corruption affects him.
• Action sequences
  • Fight scenes are singled out as well-executed.

Criticized

• Aemond
  • Called boring/dragged out during Harrenhal.
  • The reviewer criticizes the Alicent / “Lady” / mysterious seduction dynamics as pointless romantic push-pull that goes nowhere.
• Allison
  • Mostly reduced to being sent on tasks; the reviewer criticizes how her involvement is used.
• Dragonriders loyalty dynamics
  • The reviewer argues Rhaenyra repeatedly pushes away the people who should support her, producing hatred without meaningful change or productive action.
• Kriston Cole
  • Development is said to get “wiped out” later.
  • The culmination is described as a death march that feels wasteful rather than rewarding.
• Ormund’s death
  • The reviewer dislikes that it’s played for laughs.
  • They point to the show leaning on Ormund’s “sickness with bad smells” quirk (including a dry-heave/puke reaction) and a “proper” from the north line.
  • They argue Ormund’s threat and narrative role deserved a more serious end.

Ending Outlook

• The season ends with setup for major upcoming conflict involving the Two Betrayers.
• The reviewer is curious but not optimistic, feeling the show has backed itself into narrative corners with Rhaenyra’s current portrayal.
• They reiterate that pacing—the repeated scenes and conversations—hurts the season overall.
• Final verdict:
  • Not hated
  • Some strong characters and moments
  • But “not incredible” and still short of Season 1

Presenters / Contributors

• The YouTube narrator/reviewer (unnamed in the provided subtitles; only “Tip” appears as a sign-off at the end).