Season two of House of the Dragon has left fans buzzing with excitement and clamoring for more. Among the myriad controversies swirling this season, one plot twist has sparked particularly intense debate: Blood and Cheese.
The House of the Dragon controversy extends beyond the screen, as both series fans and book enthusiasts weigh in on the significance of the Blood and Cheese event.
Opinions vary widely on its necessity, with many speculating how the narrative might have unfolded differently had this pivotal moment not taken place.
Even after the season finale, discussions among fans about the future of House Targaryen continue to heat up.
Spoilers ahead.
Context Within The House of the Dragon Plot
Season one concluded with the heartbreaking death of Luke at the hands of his cousin Aemond and his dragon, Vhagar. While the incident appears to be a tragic accident, with Aemond losing control of his dragon, Rhaenyra and Daemon were quick to demand retribution.
By the end of the first episode of season two, Rhaenyra makes a chilling declaration: Aemond must pay with his life for the loss of her son.
In a bid to fulfill Rhaenyra’s orders, Daemon seeks out two assassins known as Blood and Cheese, one of whom is a rat catcher. Stealthily infiltrating the castle with a mission to eliminate Aemond, the killers pose a crucial question to Daemon: What if they couldn’t find him?
Without hesitation, Daemon replied, “A son for a son,” signaling a chilling commitment to vengeance.
These ambiguous orders ultimately led Blood and Cheese to kill Jaehaerys, Aegon’s son, in a scene that was as brutal to the point of being difficult to watch—even for viewers of a show known for its graphic depictions of violence.
Despite sparing viewers of the bloodshed, the chilling sounds of the act echo through the castle as his mother, Helaena, flees with her young daughter. Her desperate race through the halls in search of help added another layer of trauma, making the moment all the more harrowing.
The massacre, dubbed ‘Blood and Cheese,’ arguably cemented the onset of the catastrophic war that follows. Known as the Dance of Dragons, this conflict marked the most devastating chapter in House Targaryen’s history, leading to the downfall of many family members and the tragic loss of their dragons.
Fan Debate Around Blood and Cheese
Herein lies is the crux of the debate.
Some fans argue that The Dance of Dragons would have unfolded even without Blood and Cheese, pointing to Luke’s death at the hands of Vhagar as a catalyst.
This perspective is largely bolstered by Aemond’s lack of remorse for Luke’s demise in the books, a deviation from his more regretful portrayal in the show. Aemond’s callous attitude towards Luke’s death would have, on its own, set the stage for the ensuing conflict.
Still, it seems the general consensus among most fans is that Blood and Cheese marks a point of no return. Moreover, the intentions behind the act are vastly overshadowed by the brutal consequences (including the beheading of a child). As a result, many in the fandom blame Daemon for all the chaos and bloodshed that ensues, fostering a sense of disdain towards his character.
As anticipation for season three builds, promising a thrilling showdown of dragons, fans can’t help but speculate: Could the catastrophic events have been averted if Daemon hadn’t turned to Blood and Cheese? Or, at the very least, if he had clearly indicated that Aemond should be their only target?
How might this shift in fate reshape have on Daenerys Targaryen’s destiny, the character whose entire narrative arc is built upon these events?
Fans will have to wait a long time to get more clarity. Though HBO has renewed The House of the Dragon for a third season, production is not slated to start until 2025.
Either way, what’s done is done.
The House of the Dragon seasons one and two are streaming on HBO Max.
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