The season 3 premiere of House of the Dragon, "Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood," has finally aired, and the long-awaited opener feels unusual when compared to how most start. Typically, Game of Thrones and its spinoffs kick off their seasons with setup, rather than a climactic battle, such as this episode's Battle of the Gullet.
As such, many viewers have expressed disappointment that this episode acts as the season 3 premiere, rather than the penultimate episode or the finale of season 2. In fact, this was the initial plan, before House of the Dragon season 2 had its episode count reduced. However, when comparing this episode to past premieres and finales, it ultimately worked out as well as possible, as "Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood" functions better as the season 3 opener than it would have as the season 2 closer.
House of the Dragon's season 1 finale
To understand season 2's ending and season 3's opening, it's important to look back at how House of the Dragon season 1 ended. The first season finale, titled "The Black Queen," follows the Blacks, Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) faction, with important Green characters such as Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) entirely absent.
Towards the end of the episode, Rhaenyra's son Lucerys “Luke” Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) flies on the back of his dragon Arrax to Storm's End, to treat with the Baratheons. However, upon arriving, he finds his antagonistic uncle, Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), already meeting with Lord Borros Baratheon (Roger Evans). Before the rival family members can come to blows, Borros forbids bloodshed under his roof and escorts Luke back to his dragon.
On Luke's flight back, he encounters Aemond once again, this time riding on his dragon Vhagar. Aemond attempts to frighten his nephew in the sky, but both young riders lose control of their dragons, and the much larger Vhagar ends up killing Luke and Arrax. This moment is the perfect place to end House of the Dragon season 1, as Luke's death at Aemond's hands marks the point of no return for the Dance of Dragons, with irreparable damage done to the relationship between the Blacks and the Greens.
Jace's death in the Battle of the Gullet
In contrast to House of the Dragon season 1's gruesome ending, season 2's final sequences show both sides preparing for battle. While this ending hypes up audiences for the ensuing battle, many fans feel the finale comes across as inconclusive, failing to end many of the season's storylines on a satisfying note.
Season 3's "Sea and Salt, Fire and Blood" would eventually go on to depict the Battle of the Gullet, seeing the Greens, along with their newfound allies, the Triarchy, go head to head with the Velaryon fleet. Eventually, Rhaenyra's oldest son, Jacaerys “Jace” Velaryon (Harry Collett), joins the battle on the back of his dragon Vermax. Accompanying Jace is Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia), riding her dragon Moondancer. An unexpected guest is also Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell), flying in on the wild dragon Sheepstealer and wreaking havoc.
During the battle, Vermax is shot down by the Triarchy's archers, and falls into the sea below. While trying to stay afloat, Jace himself is then shot repeatedly with arrows, joining his deceased dragon in the depths.
Delaying the Battle of the Gullet avoids a repetive ending
Had things gone as planned and the Battle of the Gullet marked either the penultimate episode or finale of season 2, rather than the beginning of season 3, then the first two seasons of House of the Dragon would have concluded with strikingly similar beats.
Both seasons would have positioned the death of one of Rhaenyra's sons as the big, climactic moment. Jace's death would too closely mirror Luke's to mark the final major tragedy of the season.
Game of Thrones utilized different tones when ending each season. Seasons 1, 3, and 6 all end on triumphant notes for Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her quest for the Iron Throne. Seasons 2, 5, and 7 all end on terrifying and tragic beats, often painting the White Walkers as the ultimate threat to Westeros. Finally, seasons 4 and 8 end with characters exploring new territory, evoking a sense of adventure.
Since House of the Dragon season 1 ends on a sad note, the next season shouldn't conclude in the same way. Although "The Queen Who Ever Was," the final episode of season 2, feels somewhat open ended, it provides some variation in how a season of House of the Dragon can finish.
To find out how season 3 will end, make sure to catch every new episode on Sunday nights.
Add us as a preferred source on Google