Well, Sapochnik knows how to direct, he's great as a matter of fact, as long as he's got good staff around him. However, Game of Thrones will forever define him. Whether he likes it or not. It still blows my mind how Miguel could have directed a masterpiece like episode 8 of season 5: Hardhome, then make the mistake of not screening something like season 8's The Long Night. Just compare both episodes, the best to the worst. Anyway, belonging to the heartbroken GoT victims..I mean..former fans, House of the Dragon is good not great, yet. But it kind of, sorta fills a great void left by Dumb & Dumber. Sorry, David & D. B..(not sorry!) There are some great things about the show. Like dragons glore, familiar sword play, and great evil villians. Talented actors like Paddy Considine, Rhys Ifans and Matt Smith..all excellent. And actresses, Olivia Cooke, underrated for sure. And Milly Alcock, who's a ringer for a young Carly Simon (hint, hint..life story there..call it, "Clouds in my Coffee.") But, it doesn't have the magic GoT once had, at least through the first 5 seasons anyway. GoT had a raw, visceral emotion that will certainly never be matched, or most likely seen again. House of the Dragon is political, not as sexy or mysterious but it's got the potential to be above average. I'll keep watching. With my guard up, for now.