House of the Dragon returned this Sunday (16) with an impressive opening. The episode, titled “A Son for a Son”, adapted one of the most anticipated moments from Fire & Blood: the murder of Prince Jaehaerys. The scene, however, divided fans’ opinions, mainly due to the significant changes in relation to the book. George RR Martin’s original description is arguably superior and more intense.
What is Blood and Cheese like in the Book?
Unlike the TV adaptation, in the book, Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) and Helaena (Phia Saban) have three children: Jaehaerys, Jaehaera and Maelor. Ryan Condal, producer of the series, chose to cut Maelor from House of the Dragon, citing difficulties in introducing him in the first season. However, this omission is notably felt given Maelor’s importance in the Blood and Cheese sequel.
In the book, mercenaries infiltrate the castle at the behest of Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and invade the chambers of Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). After gagging the queen mother, they wait for Helaena and her children, who used to visit their grandmother every night. When the queen arrives with the children, the mercenaries force her to choose between her children, repeatedly, as she cries and begs to be killed in her place. After threatening Jaehaera, Helaena finally chooses Maelor, believing that he was too young to understand, compared to the older one – they were two and six years old, respectively. Cheese, in a cruel act, whispers to Maelor that his mother wants him to die. However, just like in the series, Jaehaerys is the one who ends up decapitated.
Adaptation Concerns
The lack of fundamental dialogues and the alteration of key elements are worrying. In the book, Helaena’s choice and the brutality of the scene add an emotional depth and tension that was missing in the series. Turning Blood and Cheese into a moment worthy of the Game of Thrones universe doesn’t necessarily require the graphic display of a child’s decapitation, but elements from the book could have been used for greater emotional impact.
It’s alarming to see the series’ showrunners taking creative liberties that significantly alter the source material. This approach raises serious doubts about the ability to maintain fidelity to the work of George RR Martin and deliver a narrative that resonates with the intensity of the original text. The final season of Game of Thrones is a clear example of how questionable decisions can ruin a series that was widely acclaimed. The possibility that House of the Dragon will follow the same path is a real concern.
Despite Phia Saban’s excellent performance in portraying Helaena’s despair, the lack of crucial elements from the book harms the scene. Fans deserve an adaptation that respects and honors the source material, providing the same depth and emotional impact that George RR Martin delivered in his books.
House of the Dragon returns next Sunday (23) from 10pm (Brasília time). In the meantime, fans can only wait and hope that the showrunners adjust the course of the series, avoiding the same disappointing fate that Game of Thrones had in its final season.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
