The Most Important HotD Deleted Scene Could've Made Season 1 Even Better
Now the final episode of the first season has aired, it is clear that House of the Dragon proved a massive hit with Game of Thrones fans.
Throughout season one, there were some striking moments as the show introduced new characters and drama of the early Targaryen dynasty.
Unfortunately, not everything can be included in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood. And ultimately, some scenes are left unseen on the cutting room floor.
Now, after the final episode of the season has ended, the show's creators Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik have discussed some scenes they would have loved to include in season one, but unfortunately couldn't fit in. One scene in particular sounds like it could have been exceptional.
The beginning of Alicent and Rhaenyra's feud
During an interview discussing the series, Ryan Condal mentioned how they originally intended to show the increasing tensions between Rhaenyra and Alicent as it led up to her wedding to Viserys.
Viserys' wedding to Alicent is never seen in the series. Instead, the series jumps from the King's decision to marry her, to a point where she has already been elected queen.
Although the show alludes to the tension growing between the two young royals, who were initially good friends, there are few on-screen depictions of their rivalry early in the season.
However, parts of Viserys and Alicent's wedding were indeed filmed.
And although it never made it into the show, Condal has revealed that parts of episode two would have included a scene with Rhaenyra helping Alicent into her wedding dress, confronting her about her future as queen.
Even the co-creators admitted, seeing the formation of the pair's hostility towards each other could have really brought much more depth and meaning to their hate of each other as the story moves on. Not to mention two new scenes seeing Alicent prepare for her wedding, and a heated fight between the two would have been an exciting thing to watch.
Director Gregory Yaitanes confessed to feeling disappointed that both scenes were eventually cut, but described them as 'powerful'.
Other scenes cut from season one
Alicent's wedding was not the only scene to be removed from the season, with many other smaller moments simply not making the cut. One scene included Viserys telling his brother Daemon about the song of ice and fire prophecy. Although this was cut for not meeting the right tone, and ultimately not making sense concerning the character or the show.
Queen Aemma birth scene (as traumatic as that was) was also meant to be even more intense. Josh Horowitz admitted in an interview, he formed much of Viserys' character after Aemma's and their son's death scenes. Including scenes that see the king in mourning for his late wife and son.
Ultimately this led Horowitz to view the character as one who had been permanently affected by such traumatic loss. But some of the scenes themselves never made it into the show.
Finally, the initiation of Ser Criston Cole into the Kingsguard. A scene that would have seen the valiant knight gives his vows to his Princess and becomes a protector of the house of Targaryen was unfortunately never included in the final version of the episode. Although it was written to give Cole's character a deeper meaning and understanding of his commitment to his duty, it eventually was removed for good.
Fabien Frankel of course expressed his dismay over the choice to remove the scene in particular. He felt it better explains the hatred his character later feels for Rhaenyra after she plays her part in ruining his good name and reputation. Ultimately this scene was also destined not to be featured in the series at all.