The House of the Dragon: The impact of the new unnamed character

The series 'House of the Dragon', derived from the successful universe of 'Game of Thrones' and based on the work of George R.R. Martin, has caused a stir among its followers by introducing a new character that does not exist in the original books. This unexpected inclusion has been praised by Martin himself, who is usually strict regarding adaptations of his work. The character in question is a nameless dog that has captured the hearts of viewers and added a new layer of complexity to the series' plot. Throughout the nine seasons of 'Game of Thrones', fans became accustomed to seeing divergences between the series and the books, even at times anticipating Martin's original story in various aspects. However, with 'House of the Dragon', based on the book 'Fire and Blood', a stricter fidelity to the original source was expected, given the clear structure of characters and events presented in the work. Set in a period prior to the events of 'Game of Thrones', the series narrates the Dance of the Dragons, a crucial conflict in the history of Westeros involving the Targaryen house. While the first season focused on introducing the main characters, the second season surprised by incorporating a completely new character in the form of a dog notable for its interaction with the character of Queso. George R.R. Martin expressed his admiration for this new character on his personal blog, breaking his usual stance against the addition of characters in adaptations. The author praised the humanity that the dog brings to the plot, highlighting its emotional impact on the audience and its relevance to the story's development. The second season of 'House of the Dragon' has received praise from both critics and the audience, with impactful moments keeping viewers on edge. The episode 'Son for Son' (2x01) has been particularly noted for its intensity and the dramatic consequences it has triggered in the plot, further fueling the conflict among the Targaryen. However, the presence of the dog in the series raised concerns among fans after a scene in which the animal received a kick. Actor Mark Stobbart, who plays Queso, reassured fans that the dog was unharmed and that the scene was a result of special effects. This clarification highlights the production's commitment to animal welfare and compliance with current regulations on animal protection. In the context of the strict Animal Welfare Law 7/2023 in Spain, which regulates the use of animals in audiovisual productions, the inclusion of Bobby, the street dog portraying the character in question, underscores HBO's commitment to the care and respect for animals involved in their projects. Bobby, rescued and trained by Julie Tottman, has showcased his talent in various productions, now adding a new success to his career with his participation in 'House of the Dragon'. The presence of this iconic nameless dog has added a new layer of meaning to the series, reminding viewers that even in a world of intrigue and violence, kindness and humanity can find space. The evolution of 'House of the Dragon' as a worthy successor to 'Game of Thrones' is strengthened by the series' ability to surprise and captivate its audience with new elements and unexpected twists. The ongoing success of the series foretells a future full of surprises and emotions for fans, keeping alive the magic of the universe created by George R.R. Martin.