Every episode of House of the Dragon season 1, ranked worst to best

1. “The Lord of the Tides” (Episode 8)

We’ve arrived at the cream of the crop, the best of the best. “The Lord of the Tides” may not be the most action-heavy episode of House of the Dragon, but it’s the most impactful. While many shows mount epic set pieces for their biggest moments, “The Lord of the Tides” somehow makes an old man walking across a room and an awkward family dinner into edge-of-your-seat television. It’s magnificent.

“The Lord of the Tides” centers around a dispute over who will be the next heir of Driftmark. It also covers the final day of King Viserys I Targaryen’s life. The king’s decaying visage is shocking to behold; Paddy Considine gives an acting masterclass as a hale man whose body has been eaten away by years of brutal disease. If only one performer on House of the Dragon can get an Emmy for this season, it should be Considine for this episode.

The throne room scene where the greens assemble to try and strip Rhaenyra’s son Lucerys of his birthright only to have their plans undermined by the sudden appearance of Viserys is iconic. I’m getting misty just remembering how he hobbled across the room, looked to his daughter Rhaenyra, and then is helped up to his throne by his brother Daemon. Then there’s the execution of Vaemond Velaryon, who goes off the deep end shouting about how Rhaenyra’s children are bastards. It’s just a stellar scene all around.

Of course, one scene does not an episode make. “The Lord of the Tides” also introduces us to young adult versions of Aegon II, Aemond, Helaena, Jacerys, Lucerys, Baela and Rhaena. Each have their own moments to shine; in particular, Ewan Mitchell makes an imposing entrance as Aemond Targaryen, letting us know that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the war to come.

Choosing favorite episodes of House of the Dragon is like picking your favorite dragon out of a clutch; they’re all pretty damn amazing. But if we have to choose, “The Lord of the Tides” takes the crown.

What do you think? Do you agree with our rankings, or does your list look different? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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