Episode 148 - House of the Dragon Premiere (ft. Professor Pat)

We're back to Westeros in podcast format this time with the premiere of the first Game of Thrones spinoff/prequel, "House of the Dragon." Created by Ryan Condal & Thrones alumni Miguel Sapochnik, the show takes place 172 years before the rise of Daenerys Targaryen, while House Targaryen still ruled Westeros, focusing on the reign of King Viserys Targaryen I (Paddy Considine) who faces a political struggle when his claim to the Iron Throne is challenged with the death of his wife and son, with the claim for the Throne now divided between his brother Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and his daughter Rhaenrya (Emma D'Arcy). Other figures that will play a part include Small Council members Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), the King's Hand and Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) who's married to the King's cousin Rhaenys (Eve Best) previously passed over for the Throne by their grandfather despite having the better claim. Talks for a Game of Thrones spinoff had been in the air for awhile, and after the cancellation of one that was set to star Naomi Watts, news finally broke last year that HBO had elected to go with material based off George R. R. Martin's "Fire & Blood" anthology book of the history of the Targaryens, including the war of succession, aptly titled the Dance of Dragons. Dom & Pat break down the similarities and differences to Game of Thrones, the potential for the show to succeed and what it brings to the table that's different than Game of Thrones. Be sure to keep tuning in to new episodes of the #talkintvpodcast