‘House of the Dragon’ is not letting viewers off the hook as it returns for season 3. HBO, however, seems to be prepared to start the new season with one of the most ambitious episodes the series has ever tried. The episode’s runtime, which was revealed in the premiere, is around 72 minutes, making it one of the longest in the series to date.
That long duration is more than just a number; it’s a sign of how significant the first chapter will be in the most lethal phase of the Dance of the Dragons. Season 3 might provide instant gratification for fans who thought season 2 had come to a close just before the war broke out.
HBO Is Giving ‘House Of The Dragon’s Biggest Battle The Time It Deserves
The main attraction of the premiere is the much-anticipated Battle of the Gullet, which was originally planned for season 2. Instead, HBO held the massive naval battle for season 3, to be used as a springboard for the next phase of the Targaryen civil war.
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This battle is one of the most notorious in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, featuring dragon battles, sea fights, and massive casualties. The scale of the sequence has been teased by the cast and showrunner Ryan Condal on multiple occasions, implying it will take the series to a new space.
Considering the length of the episode, it seems the creative team wanted to give themselves room to explore the action and the emotional impact of that action. This is good news for fans who’ve been waiting for the conflict to come out of the political game and into the war zone.
Season 3 Marks A Turning Point For The Series
The long premiere is also indicative of ‘House of the Dragon‘s overall story’s place. There are only two seasons left of the show, and each major event has a greater impact than ever. Season 3 is the start of the end, as it leads into the end of the Targaryen civil war and the tragedy that will unfold.
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What’s remarkable is how the premiere pales in comparison to some of the most iconic battle scenes in the franchise. It’s not the longest episode in the history of Westeros. However, it’s certainly one of the longest in the series, and it seems HBO is treating the opener like a season finale.
‘House of the Dragon’ feels like it’s going exactly where fans wanted it to go. The pieces are on the board, the dragons are in the sky, and the war is no longer far away. Westeros is finally in for its most explosive chapter yet after years of build-up.
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