The highly anticipated return of HBO's "House of the Dragon" has reignited discussions about the series' boundary-pushing content, with a recent episode drawing criticism and surprise from viewers for its depiction of incest and other graphic themes. The show, a prequel to "Game of Thrones," has long been known for its mature subject matter, including sex scenes, rape, incest, and depictions of violence.
In the latest season's premiere, a scene between Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) and his mother, Alicent (Olivia Cooke), which included a kiss on the lips, has been labeled "disturbing" and "awkward" by some viewers. Actor Ewan Mitchell commented that the scene felt "awkward" and made him want to "throw up in his mouth a little bit." However, showrunner Ryan Condal defended the moment, stating it was not intended to be romantic. He explained that Aemond's behavior stems from early trauma, causing him to conflate feelings for his mother with other male emotions.
The theme of incest is not new to the series. King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is married to his sister Queen Helaena (Phia Saban), and Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) is married to her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith).
The show has also presented violent depictions of childbirth. The series premiere featured Queen Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) enduring a agonizing labor, leading to a procedure that resulted in her death and that of her unborn son. Later in the series, Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) also experienced a difficult birth, followed by a bloody struggle to present her newborn.
Another shocking moment occurred in season two with the brutal beheading of six-year-old Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen by assassins known as "Blood" and "Cheese." This act was reportedly orchestrated by Daemon Targaryen as revenge for the death of Rhaenyra's son, Lucerys.
"House of the Dragon" has also included frequent scenes of bloody violence, such as head trauma and severed limbs. One notable jousting competition in season one between Daemon and Criston Cole was so graphic that a child viewer reportedly became sick.
Explicit sex scenes and nudity have also been a hallmark of the series. A scene in season one between Daemon and his mistress Mysaria, a former slave, was described as awkward and uncomfortable by some viewers, with actor Matt Smith expressing reservations about the frequency of such scenes.
"House of the Dragon" returned for its third season with an eight-episode run, with new episodes airing weekly on HBO Max. The season finale is scheduled for August 10.