'House of the Dragon' Season 2: The Good, the Bad, and the Very Ugly

The battle for the Iron Throne continues in Season 2 of "House of the Dragon," with the civil war between Targaryens taking center stage. This season chronicles the infamous "Dance of the Dragons," a catastrophic conflict that eventually leads to the end of the mighty Targaryen rule.

"...the fire is still lacking" - Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY

Critic Kelly Lawler gives it 2/4 stars, saying the creators have addressed some issues, but the story still falls flat:

"Multiple scenes in which common sense and logic have flown out the window...more twists and surprises introduced without context or feeling to back them up and more gratuitous violence that borders on outright indecency...There are too many side quests and not enough stakes."

Cast and Character Breakdown:

• Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, the uncle and husband of Rhaenyra, and brother to King Viserys I.
• Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, the first-born child of King Viserys I and heir to the Iron Throne, contested by her half-brother Aegon II.
• Olivia Cooke as Queen Dowager Alicent Hightower, the second wife of King Viserys I and mother to Aegon II.
• Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen, the first-born son of King Viserys I, a dragonrider, and rival claimant to the throne.
• Phia Saban as Queen Helaena Targaryen, the sister and wife of King Aegon II.
• Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen, Aegon II's younger brother, who rides the massive dragon Vhagar.
• Bethany Antonia as Lady Baela Targaryen, the elder daughter of Daemon Targaryen, a dragonrider, and betrothed to Prince Jacaerys.
• Phoebe Campbell as Rhaena Targaryen, Baela's younger sister.
• Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, sworn to protect Queen Alicent.
• Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower, the esteemed Hand to two kings, Alicent's father, and Aegon II's grandfather.
• Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, the renowned maritime adventurer, "The Sea Snake," with immense wealth and a powerful navy.
• Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull, a sailor who saved Lord Corlys' life.
• Matthew Needham as Lord Larys Strong, the new Lord of Harrenhal, with a mysterious past.