Game of Thrones fans were in for a nostalgic ride in the Season 2 premiere of House of the Dragon, as the series brings us back to Winterfell, albeit very briefly.
With only eight episodes for Season 2, the showrunners need to keep the story tight and focus on the conflict between Blacks and Greens.
In a brief sequence, Lord Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) meets with Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and reaffirms the Starks’ allegiance to the rightful heir of Viserys I, Queen Rhaenyra, while insisting that a bigger threat lies beyond The Wall:
There were various accounts of what followed after their first encounter, but the showrunners cut their introductions short with a distressing message from Dragonstone.
"It didn't feel right to just be at Winterfell for a really long time when you're dying to know what's going on with Rhaenyra,” says executive producer and lead writer Sara Hess in an interview. “We definitely had to pick our narratives there."
However, show co-creator Ryan Condal keeps their options open, considering Lord Cregan’s major role towards the end of the Dance of the Dragons. "We'll see how that plays,” says Condal. “I think we need to play the story out a bit and see where it takes us."
Who is Cregan Stark in House of the Dragon?
[Possible spoilers ahead]
Also known as the “Wolf of the North,” Cregan Stark is the Lord of Winterfell during the civil war.
In the book, he honors his oath by leading a group of northmen to King’s Landing. Upon their arrival, the dust has seemingly settled, following the murder of King Aegon II. Lord Cregan intended to continue fighting in the name of Rhaenyra’s heir, Prince Aegon the Younger, but the remaining Greens have surrendered.
Lord Cregan then set his sights on doing justice, firmly objecting to the manner of Aegon II’s death by poisoning. Named Hand of the King, he presided over trials of traitors he believed were responsible for the late king's untimely death.
After six days in King’s Landing, he resigned from the role and returned to Winterfell where, against all odds, he ruled for a long time, earning him the title, “The Old Man in the North.”
The second season of House of the Dragon is now streaming on Max, with new episodes every Sunday.
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