It Sounds Like House Of The Dragon Season 3 Will Be Worth The Wait After Controversial Season 2 Ending

House of the Dragonseason 2 has a fairly divisive ending, but thankfully, it looks like season 3 will be worthwhile — even with a lengthy wait for the next chapter of the series. House of the Dragon is the first Game of Thrones spinoff to make its debut, and while it doesn't quite reach the heights of the original series, it proves an impressive addition to HBO's fantasy franchise. The prequel gets off to a strong start, but House of the Dragon season 2 falters a bit, especially as it nears its conclusion.

Even the early episodes of season 2 are somewhat divisive, as the show's adaptation of Fire & Blood's Blood and Cheese sparked backlash, even from author George R.R. Martin himself. But while things pick up with the Battle at Rook's Rest and the Dragonseeds, House of the Dragon season 2's ending isn't what many fans hoped for. And as filming for House of the Dragon season 3 is starting in 2025, there will be a long wait for a better payoff. Thankfully, it sounds like the next outing will be worth waiting for.

House Of The Dragon Season 2's Ending & Episode Count Sparked A Backlash

The Finale Felt Disappointing And Lacked Payoff

House of the Dragon season 2's book changes are pretty divisive, but the latest outing's episode count and ending are even more disappointing. Both sparked complaints, with House of the Dragon season 2's finale going down as one of the most heavily criticized finales in Game of Thrones history. The episode, titled "The Queen Who Ever Was," sparked backlash due to how anticlimactic it was. While the episode itself wasn't bad, it didn't work as an ending point — even with Game of Thrones' reputation for slower finales after explosive ninth episodes.

House of the Dragon's episode count being cut from 10 installments to eight is partly to blame, though it was probably inevitable with production happening amid 2023's Hollywood strikes. But with viewers waiting two years for new content, House of the Dragon's eight-episode second season didn't feel like enough. And while there are high points throughout season 2, very little of significance happens in the final installment. In fact, House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7 feels more like a finale than the actual ending. There's not enough payoff, though it sounds like season 3 will deliver on it.

House Of The Dragon Season 3 Will Begin With A Big Battle That HBO's Really Hyping In

The Battle Of The Gullet Will Be A Strong Start To The Season

Corlys Velaryon in battle in House of the Dragon season 1 (2022) next to Jacaerys Velaryon's character poster from House of the Dragon season 2 (2024)

There will likely be another two-year wait for House of the Dragon season 3, but HBO is giving Game of Thrones fans something to look forward to when the series returns. Francesca Orsi, the head of drama series and films at HBO, told Deadlinethat the third season will open "with an exciting battle." She's, of course, referring to the Battle of the Gullet, which could have served as season 2's climax. Instead, it will open season 3, and Orsi already has great things to say about it:

“You know what, it was worth the wait. I was just on set and saw all the elements and what was behind it. I’m so glad we waited because it’s going to be better than ever, and I don’t think we had the time at that point to do what it is that we’ve achieved now this season."

Orsi also noted that Kevin de la Noy, one of the producers leading the charge on the Battle of the Gullet, worked on the Titanic — and that he brought that expertise to season 3's big action piece. Hyping up the beginning of House of the Dragon season 3 is probably a good strategy after the complaints about season 2's ending being somewhat dissatisfying. And if Orsi is to be believed, it sounds like the Battle of the Gullet alone will make the wait for House of the Dragon season 3 worthwhile.

The Battle Of The Gullet Should Be One Of House Of The Dragon's Greatest Events

This Conflict Should Rival Game Of Thrones' Biggest Battles & Tragedies

Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) looks over his shoulder in fear in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1 — Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1

HBO is hyping up House of the Dragon season 3 by praising the Battle of the Gullet, and that's to be expected. However, this House of the Dragon conflict really should be one of the biggest events of the entire spinoff. If that means taking more time in order to get it right, then it's a good thing the network is choosing to do so. The Battle of the Gullet is a huge action piece, and it's one of the biggest battles to occur during the Dance of the Dragons.

The Battle of the Gullet should rival Game of Thrones' best battles when it comes to the action and scope.

Needless to say, the Battle of the Gullet should rival Game of Thrones' best battles when it comes to the action and scope. It should also boast a similar emotional impact, as there's a major death that takes place during it — and it's one that's certain to push Rhaenyra Targaryen even further over the edge. Given how long viewers have had to get to know these characters, House of the Dragon season 3's opening could pack a powerful punch. And if it manages to deliver a better ending than season 2, it could be the best outing of the spinoff yet.

Source: Deadline