Season 1: The first season of 'House Of The Dragon (2022-)' is definitely up there with the best seasons of 'Game Of Thrones (2011 - 2019)'. Asserting its dominance early on, the show details the consequences of the peaceful Targaryen King's decision to name his first-born daughter heir to the iron throne - consequences which only become more complex after he later sires a son (who, according to tradition, should supplant his older sister). The core of the narrative is based around political intrigue, with the various players plotting to give the throne to whoever's ascension would benefit themselves the most. The backstabbing, betrayal, heel-turns and revelations are all incredibly compelling, and the show manages to weave a tight-knit tapestry out of its various factions and conflicts. It's in some ways more focused than its older brother, focusing entirely around a decades-long issue of succession and more-or-less bouncing between two primary characters (although it takes a while for the pieces to all fall into place). There's still plenty of intrigue to be found, though, and the narrative twists and turns many times. It remains wholly engaging throughout, even as it navigates several hefty time-jumps and even recasts its core characters. It's really well-executed, a mature and impeccably written affair from start to finish. It also looks amazing, with immersive costuming and set-design and tactile special effects (the dragons look fantastic). The acting is all great, too, with the stand-out being the phenomenal Paddy Considine - although Olivia Cooke, Emma D'Arcy, Millie Alcock, Emily Carey, Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans and Eve Best are all notably strong as well. It's all just really entertaining, an often jaw-dropping and delightfully frustrating experience that puts you on the edge of your seat and keeps you there. It also features some palpable character arcs and is surprisingly affecting on occasion. It's just a brilliant series overall, even though it does have a few slower episodes (which thankfully tend to have great endings). It also leaves you wanting more, much more, so it's a good thing that season 2 isn't far away. I watched 'Game Of Thrones (2011 - 2019)' after it had all been released, so I didn't experience the wait between seasons which I'll now have to with this show. Honestly, I just can't wait until it returns. I hope that it continues to be as good as this. Incredible stuff.

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