"Not enough build up" — House of the Dragon fans agree that Red Wedding was more dramatic than 'Blood and Cheese'

House of the Dragon season 2 released on HBO and Max on Sunday, June 16, 2023, at 9 pm EST. Soon after the premiere of episode 1, 'Blood and Cheese' became the talk of the town and fans began comparing it to the Red Wedding, an iconic moment from Game of Thrones.

Fans on X believed the recently released installment was not as shocking and impactful as the Red Wedding and mentioned there wasn't enough build-up. They also noted that "nothing in cinematic history" could top the massacre they witnessed in Game of Thrones season 3 episode 9.

Fans also mentioned they felt more connected to the characters at the Red Wedding because they had more time to get to know them. However, they believed that while Blood and Cheese was still a massive moment in House of the Dragon, it possibly did not have such a major impact as it happened so fast.

"We had connection to these characters in the red wedding. As for blood and cheese we didn’t spend enough time to form an actual attachment or connection to these characters a couple quick clips and trying to show Aegon with his son is not enough to form connection in my opinion," an X user added.

"it has been proven once again that nothing in cinematic history can top the red wedding," an internet user said.

"I thought Blood and Cheese would be as gut wrenching as the book scene but those changes watered it down some. So officially, nothing is topping the Red Wedding on screen probably," a fan wrote.

"Not even a glimpse of what the red wedding was! a netizen commented.

Fans also believed that the scene in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1 "failed to live up to it's expected hype."

"The blood and cheese scene failed to live up to it's expected hype. Its was too mild. I was expecting a gory and traumatizing scene; just like the red wedding, only to be served with this mediocre performance," an individual wrote.

"Wow blood and cheese was absolutely sh*t in the tv show and they really hyped that up like it was gonna be the next red wedding and then completely removed everything from the book that made it gutting," another fan added.

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House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1 recap

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1 picks up after Aemond killed Lucerys and tensions rise as the Blacks and the Greens rally allies. Queen Alicent crowns Aegon, as fans witness Rhaenyra's coronation at Dragonstone. Episode 1 sees Rhaenyra send her son Lucerys on Arrax to seek Borros Baratheon's support at Storm's End, only to find Aemond there, seeking revenge for his eye. Lucerys refuses Borros' marriage proposal due to a prior betrothal, prompting an angry Aemond to demand retribution.

Borros prevents violence under his roof, but as Lucerys flees, a deadly confrontation takes place in the sky. Aemond's attempt to intimidate Lucerys backfires when Vhagar attacks and kills Arrax, leading Aemond to realize the unpredictability of dragons.

Aemond's return in House of the Dragon is met with disappointment rather than glory; he is branded a 'Kinslayer.' While the news of Lucerys's death enrages Dragonstone, Lucerys' brother Joffrey seeks vengeance and is held back by his elders. Prince Daemon's message promises revenge as he says:

"An eye for an eye, a son for a son, Lucerys shall be avenged."

This desire for revenge leads to the harsh and violent act called Blood and Cheese, which takes place after the Battle at Rook's Rest during the Dance of the Dragons. This dark moment highlights the effects of the war and the disagreements within the Targaryen family.

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House of the Dragon season 2 episode 1 is now streaming on Max.