entertainment
House of the Dragon review
After two forgettable seasons, the Game of Thrones prequel finally comes into its own – blazing back on to our screens with the most epic dragon-based smackdown imaginable. Fans can breathe a fiery sigh of relief!

TL;DR
- House of the Dragon has improved significantly in its third season, finding its focus after two weaker seasons.
- The season premiere features an epic naval battle, the Battle of the Gullet, highlighting both large-scale CGI and smaller, character-focused moments.
- Key female characters like Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower are central to the show's improved dramatic complexity.
- Matt Smith's portrayal of Daemon Targaryen is highlighted as a compelling performance, particularly in his verbal confrontations.
- The show is less reliant on sex and nudity than Game of Thrones, incorporating moments of humor and charm.