An Unprecedented Backlash

The latest episode of House of the Dragon has stirred up a hornet's nest, receiving an overwhelming number of one-star reviews on IMDb. This wave of negative feedback, often referred to as a "review bomb," erupted following the unexpected kiss between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her advisor, Mysaria. The episode, which aired recently, has become the lowest-rated in the series, with fans and critics alike reeling from the surprise twist.

A Deepening Bond

The scene in question unfolds in a moment of raw vulnerability and trust. Rhaenyra, the determined and often embattled queen, finds solace in Mysaria, who has risen to become her most trusted confidant.

This intimate moment was not scripted as a kiss but evolved organically during filming, adding an unexpected depth to their relationship. Emma D’Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra, felt a natural impulse to comfort Sonoya Mizuno’s Mysaria, leading to the now-infamous kiss that sparked such a fierce reaction​​​​.

The Episode's Unveiling

Throughout the episode, the bond between Rhaenyra and Mysaria is portrayed with a nuance that caught many viewers off guard. Their shared history and mutual respect culminate in a scene where Mysaria opens up about her traumatic past.

This heartfelt revelation prompts Rhaenyra to hold her, and the kiss that follows is a spontaneous expression of their growing connection. Fans on social media were quick to share their mixed feelings, with some praising the scene for its emotional weight and others criticizing it as unnecessary​​.

The Fallout

The fallout was immediate and intense. Within hours of the episode’s release, IMDb saw an influx of over 27,000 ratings, with a significant portion of them being one-star reviews. This negative response was particularly pronounced in regions like Saudi Arabia, where cultural norms around same-sex relationships are more conservative.

Critics accused the show of pushing a "pointless agenda," while supporters defended the scene as a powerful and genuine moment of character development​​​​.

Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag

On platforms like Twitter and Reddit, fans expressed a wide range of opinions. Some celebrated the scene as a bold move that added layers to the characters' dynamics. "Rhaenyra and Mysaria are a hot couple. I’m rooting for them," tweeted one fan. Others felt blindsided by the direction the show took, questioning the necessity of the kiss within the broader narrative of the series. Despite the divided opinions, one thing is clear: the scene has generated a significant amount of discussion and debate among the House of the Dragon fandom​​.

Behind the Scenes

Sonoya Mizuno, who plays Mysaria, revealed in an interview that the kiss was not initially in the script. Instead, it was a moment of improvisation that felt right in the context of their characters’ relationship. This decision has been both praised for its authenticity and criticized for its departure from the source material. The showrunners defended the choice, stating that it added a new dimension to Rhaenyra and Mysaria's bond, highlighting the complexities of their alliance​​​​.

The Larger Implications

This episode's controversy sheds light on the challenges and risks involved in adapting beloved source material for a modern audience. It underscores the delicate balance between staying true to the original story and introducing new elements that can resonate with contemporary viewers. The reaction to Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s kiss serves as a reminder of the passionate and often polarized responses that such creative choices can provoke.

Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on the kiss between Rhaenyra and Mysaria? Do you think it was a meaningful addition to the show, or was it an unnecessary diversion from the main plot? Share your opinions and join the lively debate!