House of the Dragon season 1: Every episode reviewed and explained

House of the Dragon is in the thick of airing its third season on HBO, and thus far, it has been a breathtaking affair. From epic battles to edge of your seat court intrigue, tragic demises and surprising alliances, there has been plenty to enjoy as the Dance of the Dragons civil war speeds toward its darkest depths.

But with a show as vast and sprawling as House of the Dragon, there are always more details to uncover. And the best way to do that is with a close rewatch of the entire series to date. Believe it or not, it's been four years since House of the Dragon season 1 introduced us to this generation of House Targaryen, led by King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and his headstrong teenage daughter Rhaenrya (Milly Alcock). That's long enough for even the most diehard of fans to forget a few things.

If you're embarking on a rewatch of House of the Dragon, you're not alone. We've gathered all our reviews and breakdowns from the show's first season in one convenient place, the better to aid you in making sure you miss as little as possible. Bookmark this guide, and take it along with you as you return to the Great Council of 101 AC, the War in the Stepstones, the family-shattering funeral at Driftmark, the Green Council coup and more.

The Great Council of 101 AC. — Paddy Considine (Viserys Targaryen), Siân Brooke (Aemma Arryn), Michael Carter (Jaehaerys Targaryen), Steve Toussaint (Corlys Velaryon), and Eve Best (Rhaenys Targaryen) in House of the Dragon season 1. | Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO.

Episode 101: "The Heirs of the Dragon"

Description: Viserys hosts a tournament to celebrate the birth of his second child. Rhaenyra welcomes her uncle, Daemon, back to the Red Keep.

Directed by Miguel Sapochnik | Written by Ryan Condal

Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen) and Sonoya Mizuno (Mysaria) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 2, "The Rogue Prince." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 102: "The Rogue Prince"

Description: Rhaenyra oversteps at the Small Council. Viserys is urged to secure the succession through marriage. Daemon announces his intentions.

Directed by Greg Yaitanes | Written by Ryan Condal

Milly Alcock (Rhaenyra Targaryen) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 3, "Second of His Name." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 103: "Second of His Name"

Description: Daemon and the Sea Snake battle the Crabfeeder. The realm celebrates Aegon's second nameday. Rhaenyra faces the prospect of marriage.

Directed by Greg Yaitanes | Written by Gabe Fonseca & Ryan Condal

Paddy Considine (Viserys Targaryen) and Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 4, "King of the Narrow Sea." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 104: "King of the Narrow Sea"

Description: After Rhaenyra cuts short her tour of Westeros, Daemon introduces the princess to the Street of Silk after dark.

Directed by Clare Kilner | Written by Ira Parker

Emily Carey (Alicent Hightower) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 5, "We Light the Way" — Emily Carey (Alicent Hightower) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 5, "We Light the Way." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 105: "We Light the Way"

Description: Daemon visits his wife in the Vale. Viserys and Rhaenyra broker agreements with the Velaryons. Alicent seeks the truth about the princess.

Directed by Clare Kilner | Written by Charmaine DeGraté

emma-d-arcy-john-macmillan — House of the Dragon Episode 6 | Courtesy of HBO

Episode 106: "The Princess and the Queen"

Description: Ten years later. Rhaenyra navigates Alicent's continued speculation about her children, while Daemon and Laena weigh an offer in Pentos.

Directed by Miguel Sapochnik | Written by Sara Hess

Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower) and Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 7, "Driftmark." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 107: "Driftmark

Description: As the families gather on Driftmark for a funeral, Viserys calls for an end to infighting and Alicent demands justice.

Directed by Miguel Sapochnik | Written by Kevin Lau

Paddy Considine (Viserys Targaryen) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 8, "The Lord of the Tides." | Photograph by Ollie Upton / HBO

Episode 108: "The Lord of the Tides"

Description: Six years later. With the Driftmark succession suddenly critical, Rhaenyra attempts to strike a bargain with Rhaenys.

Directed by Geeta Vasant Patel | Written by Eileen Shim

Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), and Fabien Frankel (Criston Cole) in House of the Dragon. — Rhys Ifans (Otto Hightower), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), and Fabien Frankel (Criston Cole) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 9, "The Green Council." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 109: "The Green Council"

Description: While Alicent enlists Cole and Aemond to track down Aegon, Otto gathers the great houses of Westeros to affirm their allegiance.

Directed by Clare Kilner | Written by Sara Hess

Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra Targaryen) in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 10, "The Black Queen." | Courtesy of HBO.

Episode 110: "The Black Queen"

Description: While mourning a tragic loss, Rhaenyra tries to hold the realm together, and Daemon prepares for war.

Directed by Greg Yaitanes | Written by Ryan Condal

New episodes of House of the Dragon's third season air Sundays on HBO Max, until the season finale on August 9. Check out our extensive coverage for the series and current season here.

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