Fans still consider it a mortal sin that House of the Dragon neglected to properly introduce Daeron Targaryen in the show. After Season 2 concluded, viewers only had a quick glimpse of Tessarion, the prince’s dragon, and no more than a tease for his upcoming appearance.
It’s worth noting that the missing character plays a key role in the Dance of the Dragons. While the story is seemingly in the middle of it now, it looks like the show only remembered Daeron’s existence with the impending fall of King’s Landing to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s hands.
Why Daeron Targaryen Remains Missing In House of the Dragon
Prince Daeron Targaryen, also fondly called Daeron the Daring, is the youngest son of King Viserys Targaryen and Queen Alicent Hightower. He was sent to Oldtown to serve as a cupbearer and squire to Lord Ormund Hightower. With the looming war between the Blacks and the Greens, his presence is of much importance.
Viewers had been asking his whereabouts ever since Season 1. The show never mentioned his name in case they would not be able to work around bringing the character on the small screen. But, this is a major error because Daeron will be the biggest threat to Queen Rhaenyra’s throne. Apparently, author George R.R. Martin confirmed in his blog that “Daeron is down in Oldtown, we just did not have the time to work him” in Season 1.
Come Season 2 and Alicent Hightower’s son was finally mentioned in the second episode. When asked if fans can expect to see the character soon enough, House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal told The Hollywood Reporter that “Daeron has not been cast yet.” Still, he confirmed that the character is part of the show and he remains in the shadows for the time being.
It would be too dramatic to suddenly introduce Daeron in Season 3 and have him go toe-to-toe against the Blacks when fans don’t even have any established connection with the figure. The audience would need to see how he becomes the greatest peril to Rhaenyra’s rule.
Fans Expressed Frustration Over Show’s Disregard For Daeron Targaryen
The viewers are equally devastated by how the writers almost cut off Daeron from the show, and when they suddenly recalled to mind that they need him for the upcoming season, they showed Tessarion flying in the sky over the Hightower troops to cover up the fact that they actively ignored him for two seasons.
Hopefully, the show will address this issue in the next season now that there’s more talk about Daeron. There were also reports of a rumored casting of Tolkien star Harry Gilby for the part, although this remains to be confirmed.