George R.R. Martin promised fans he would oversee the production of House of the Dragon given the backlash that Game of Thrones received after Season 8. It seems like history is repeating itself following the mediocre ending of the prequel series combined with the numerous modifications in storyline.
The season 2 finale of House of the Dragon saw a long-winded teaser for the upcoming battle reserved for Season 3, and more than the mellow ending, the events within the final chapter were far from impressive.
George R.R. Martin’s Promised Creative Control Over House Of The Dragon Evidently Faltered
In his interview with The Wall Street Journal, author George R.R. Martin confessed he was no longer a part of the creative team in Game of Thrones towards the last few seasons. In the same breath, he promised more creative control in the prequel show.
I had no contribution to the later seasons except, you know, inventing the world, the story, and all the characters. I believe I have more influence now [on House of the Dragon] than I did on the original show.
This was a major relief for fans who were upset with the final season of the original HBO series. In fact, the author shared their frustration with what showrunners Dan Weiss and David Benioff did with Game of Thrones.
Martin’s agent, Paul Haas, stated in Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers that “after season five, he did start to worry about the path they were going.” He revealed the author “started saying, ‘You’re not following my template.’” Because of this, Martin asserted he would be more involved in the making of House of the Dragon.
What happened in the season finale – or the entire Season 2 run – was the total opposite of what fans hoped for. Martin knew they were changing important details in the show and adding unnecessary scenes, yet he didn’t do anything to rectify them.
Things like this would make viewers wonder if Martin was really in the writers’ room approving (or rejecting) these pitches. How could he say he has more influence over the show’s direction if the season finale ended just like that?
Major Requirements For The Prequel Show Aren’t Being Followed
On his website, Martin required “four full seasons of 10 episodes each to do justice to the Dance of the Dragons.” Showrunner Ryan Condal decided to release only eight episodes “to give it a good opening and a good ending,” as explained by director Clare Kilner via The Hollywood Reporter.
This is another question mark on Martin’s authority. Fans clamored for 10 episodes, but apart from the dreary ending, they were robbed of two more chapters.
It seems like the famed writer is nowhere near the driver’s seat in this journey. The criticism on Season 2 should remind Martin to use his authority and lead the show where it’s supposed to be.
House of the Dragon Season 2 is streaming on HBO.
