In a time of peace, House of The Dragon (HoD) starts off slowly. The politicking wears down the weak (King Viserys), while sharpening the predatory (Daemon Targaryen). Princess Rhaenyra proves to be a fighter and survivor despite her young age.

HoD compares poorly to GOT in terms of the secondary characters. The dynamics of the Stark siblings. Arya Stark and Sandor "The Hound". The Lannisters and the Tyrells. The villains Littlefinger and Ramsey Bolton. The desperate defence against the Night King and his White Walkers.

That said, HoD gets very realistic about the subordinate role of women in conservative society. And, the very real dangers and pain of child bearing.

It remains to be seen if HoD has the reach to be an epic. Matching the the twisted journeys of Daenerys and Sansa Stark toward their destinies!