House of the Dragon Season 3 Review: CGI Battles Shine Amid Pace Issues

The third season of HBO’s House of the Dragon finally delivers the promised war, showcasing extensive CGI dragons and large‑scale battles such as the Gullet conflict. Reviewers note that the visual spectacle is intense, with aerial dragon attacks likened to “bombardments on a medieval battlefield.”

Despite the impressive production values, critics across French, Portuguese and Spanish outlets point to recurring pacing problems. The season repeats the rhythm issues of season 2, with many episodes filled with events that lead to little substantive progress. Character‑driven moments receive mixed feedback: performances by Emma D’Arcy, Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke and Ewan Mitchell are praised, while the development of Aemond and the limited agency of Rhaenyra and Alicent are highlighted as both strengths and narrative constraints.

Overall, the season is described as a blend of high‑budget battlefield spectacle and uneven storytelling, fulfilling the long‑awaited conflict while still grappling with narrative cohesion.