While HBO Dragon House once assured to fans that it would stay true to its source material, many character stories were changed, especially that of Alicent Hightower. Based on the novel by George RR Martin, Fire & Bloodthe prequel series focuses on the rise and fall of House Targaryen and the impending civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
The story is told from different angles, and unlike the direct approach of the novel, the series had to make several adjustments in order to convey its goals. The first season of Dragon House showed many modifications in the portrayal of various characters. Alicent, the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower and second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen, was far less evil than expected.
RELATED: House Of The Dragon: 5 reasons to read Fire & Blood before watching the series
Depiction of Alice in House Of The Dragon
Given the critical situation that took place in the second episode, when Viserys announced his wedding plans, the ages of Alicent and Rhaenyra were changed to establish that they grew up together. This would turn out to be one of the conflicts in Rhaenyra’s story as the unexpected marriage will destroy their friendship.
From the first episodes, viewers can conclude that Alicent is more of a puppet than a villain. Emily Carey, the actress who plays young Alicent, said the character is a product of a patriarchal society that surrounds her. This is evident in the way Otto Hightower uses his power to manipulate Alicent into doing his bidding, one of which is to seduce the king.
In the third episode, Otto proposes to marry Rhaenyra and her two-year-old brother Aegon to end all controversy. King Viserys thought it a ridiculous idea, though unbeknownst to him it was more of a self-serving proposition than a general concern.
The book says otherwise; it was Alicent who made this suggestion, and Viserys being the paranoid king he has become, accused his wife of wanting to ensure her own blood on the Iron Throne. This turned out to be one of many incidents that established Alicent as an antagonist. The series, however, shifts the spotlight from the villainess to her father.
RELATED: House Of The Dragon: Viserys finally announces the downfall of the Mad King
Now everyone thinks she’s not the bad guy
Dragon House painted the character a more sympathetic color, showing that Alicent didn’t entirely want to cause a rift in her friendship with Rhaenyra. Some fans would compare his presence on the show to Game of thrones Cersei Lannister, but she’s arguably less conniving than the queen herself.
Indeed, all this tension building up between the Targaryens was initiated by Otto himself as he wants his own blood to ascend the throne using Alicent as easy collateral.
RELATED: House of the Dragon vs. Game of Thrones: Is Rhaenyra a better dragon queen than Daenerys Targaryen
