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Two of the biggest shows of 2022 (Maybe ever) release two weeks apart. HBO’s House of the Dragon August 21, 2022 and the Amazon Original The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Sept 2,2022. Both have Dragons, both cost millions and millions of dollars to produce, both are fantasy driven stories that breathe life into the idea of our dreams coming to life. But in that instance, with the idea of two vast and expensive shows releasing so close together, there begins the debate and the dilemma. Can we as fans and even reviewers discuss and debate these shows on their own merits without comparing or contrasting the two together. There will be enough battles and fighting within the shows, we as fans do not need to do the same online. Rings of Power vs House of the Dragon? It doesn’t have to be.
Enough Dragons for Everyone
People will compare the similarities that each show has. The fantasy nature, the fantastical creatures, the costumes, the music etc. When two shows are released so closely together like Rings of Power and House of the Dragon are, the comparing of similarities is almost second nature. But the issue that will arise when to comes with the line of thinking, is that there is enough of everything to go around. It is not a one or the other type of scenario.
Amazon and HBO both offer different and compelling series and movies. Being on two different services should distinguish what similarities the shows may have with one another.
When it comes to the fantastical nature of each show, there is enough mystical creatures for everyone’s taste. Both series will have dragons. They have both had them in the past. With Smaug ruling The Lord of The Rings Universe, and Danaerys’ three dragons ruling Game of Thrones. For House of the Dragon, with Dragon in the name and the house Targaryean ruling, Dragons will rule Westeros again. When it comes to Rings of Power, mystical creatures are bound to pop up, but it will be interesting to see how the use of dragons blends into the storytelling.
Off with There heads
HBO’s Game of Thrones series was and will be known for it’s harsh and at times bloody story telling. It is not a show for kids/families. One way that Rings of Power should and will distinguish itself from House of the Dragon is by its rating. Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers and Return of The King (and the 3 Hobbit films) are an epic fantasy adventure. Yes they had a level of violence. It was nothing that warranted a hard R rating or would scare away families and younger viewers. There are levels of violence that House of the Dragon will go to that Rings of Power will not. Furthering the gap between the two.
In a way, the shows themselves via their rating, will make it so there is no need for comparing the two. Only certain viewers are “able” or will want to watch House of The Dragon. What has been released via trailers and BTS content by Amazon, Rings of Power is being promoted and marketed as a family level show. The cuteness Hobbits/Harfoots possess automatically shows the viewer that Rings of Power will be for a different age range.
What Matters To You
You ultimately decide what to watch and how to talk about it. Heck if you wanted, you could compare and debate the two shows till you’re blue in the face. But when it comes down to it, both shows can be viewed and enjoyed in a vacuum.
Rings of Power vs House of The Dragon? It doesn’t have to be. Westerors vs Middle Earth? Definitely not. Enjoy both. Or dislike both. Like one or the other. In the end, base your enjoyment off the merit of the shows themselves. Not what one show does that the other does not. Social media can be a toxic place for opinions, but they are just that, opinions. And in this writers opinion, in the battle between Rings of Power and House of the Dragon. There is only one winner. THE FANS.