‘House of Dragon’ Episode 7 Was Too Dark to See, and It Was on Purpose

Enjoying HBO Max’s House of the Dragon? Me too. At least, what I can see of the Game of Thrones prequel.

Seven episodes in, it’s fair to say the show is abnormally dark, and I don’t mean gloomy and pessimistic, though it is those things. I mean physically dark. As in, I cranked up the brightness on my laptop and I still need the captions to figure out who’s zooming who.

And trying to watch it on a regular television set is even tougher.

Episode 7, which aired Sunday night, was especially dark. Spoilers ahead. 

Daemon and Rhaenyra are hard to see in this dark image of them on the beach from episode 7

Squint and maybe you can see them. 

HBO

Laena Verlaryon’s funeral scene was outside and mostly OK. But anything taking place inside the castle, or after nightfall? It was like I was trying to see my hand through a piece of black construction paper.

There were shapes? And sometimes the Targaryen blond hair was visible? But when Otto cuffed a drunk Aegon, and when Daemon and Rhaenyra were walking on the beach, and especially when Aemond was trying to coax Vhagar the dragon to let him ride it?

Yeah, it was like staring into a cup of black coffee squinting to see outlines. This is a complex show. I’ve read Fire & Blood, the 736-page book it’s based on, so I pretty much know what’s going on.

But for a more casual viewer, it’s got to feel like you need a flowchart to keep up. Every other character’s name is AE-something, or RH-something, they’re all related and/or married to each other, and everyone’s got some form of claim to the Iron Throne. I love the show, but that’s why I just want to be able to see it.

 I’m not alone. One Twitter user implored HBO to lighten things up on Sunday, tweeting, “Can I get a little light in this episode?”

Other people complained directly to the HBO Max Help Twitter account, but the official responses may not have been very satisfying. “We appreciate you reaching out about a night scene in House of the Dragon: Episode 7 appearing dark on your screen,” the response read. “The dimmed lighting of this scene was an intentional creative decision.” (THIS scene?

There wasn’t just one, HBO!)

Hey there! We appreciate you reaching out about a night scene in House of the Dragon: Episode 7 appearing dark on your screen. The dimmed lighting of this scene was an intentional creative decision.

Thanks! ^LL

— HBOMaxHelp (@HBOMaxHelp) October 3, 2022

So, OK, do not attempt to adjust your set — the filmmakers want it this dark. But there’s a rising tide on social media protesting the “creative decision.” One viewer wrote, “I get that the showrunners want to convey, ‘sneaky shit happens at night’ But ppllleeeeeaaaaasssseeeeee add a little more color, cuz this is me,” adding the meme photo from the show Community showing actor Ken Jeong squinting at a tiny piece of paper.

Joked another, “The lighting budget for this episode: £12.”

And another Twitter user is trying to get the hashtags #HBOFixTheLighting and #HBOWeWantLight trending.

One user shared two images of Daemon and Rhaenyra walking on the beach — one in which they’re clearly visible and easy to see, and another that might have been filmed through chocolate pudding.

A cinematographer weighed in to say we shouldn’t be blaming the lighting.

“This isn’t a lighting issue; it’s a color grading issue,” Oren Soffer wrote. “The second still was shot in broad daylight — plenty of light. It was graded to look this dark, though, which is the problem. Begging people to at least try to understand the things they are (rightfully) complaining about.”

This isn’t a lighting issue; it’s a color grading issue.

The second still was shot in broad daylight – plenty of light. It was graded to look this dark though, which is the problem. Begging people to at least try to understand the things they are (rightfully) complaining about.

— Oren Soffer (@orensoffer) October 3, 2022

Lighting or color grading, it seems like showrunners would want their expensive, carefully filmed scenes to be seen. 

House of the Dragon has a dark plot — with murder, torture and all kinds of bloody vengeance.

Does it also have to be visually dark?

Tags:

db listed on couponmatrix.ukeve-lom listed on couponmatrix.ukreebok listed on couponmatrix.uksonic-direct listed on couponmatrix.uktower-london listed on couponmatrix.ukvivienne-westwood listed on couponmatrix.uk
db listed on couponmatrix.ukDb has long stood as a travel staple for anyone seeking storage during their journeys. Whether it’s in the form of convenient-sized backpack or a compact luggage case, Db bags are there to help share the load so you can focus on the fun stuff. Employ a Db discount and you can secure top-value prices on quality luggage that’ll go the distance. So next time you’re planning a train trip across Europe, backpacking in Asia or just chilling in Ibiza, trust Db to supply the storage you need.
eve-lom listed on couponmatrix.ukPurify, nurture and restore with Eve Lom skincare – designed by trade professionals for phenomenal, fast-acting treatment. With an ethos which derives that truly radiant skin starts with a proper cleanse, give their signature cleansers a try for a fraction of the price with an Eve Lom discount code from Groupon. Offering an array of morning masks, moisturisers, creams and balms to keep your skin feeling soft and soothed without fail, start your skincare revival with the help of Eve Lom today.
reebok listed on couponmatrix.ukSince 1958 Reebok have produced high quality sportswear and they carry on this tradition to this day, offering sport shoes, clothing and accessories for all kinds of sports. Need some clothes for a workout at the gym? With a Reebok discount code handy you can find everything you need at a minimal cost - including leggings, shorts, tank tops and clothing designed specifically for dancing, MMA, cross training and boxing.
sonic-direct listed on couponmatrix.ukWelcome to Sonic Direct, the one stop outlet for all your TV and home appliances. With thousands of products available from cookers to dishwashers and everything in between, Sonic Direct provide exceptional quality home appliances for an affordable price. Whatever your homes needs, you won't find a better price than Sonic Direct, and with Sonic Direct discount codes you can enjoy the product range for even less. Whether you need a toaster, blender or hair dryer, you'll find it all with Sonic Direct.
tower-london listed on couponmatrix.ukTOWER London are perhaps the most exciting footwear retailer to emerge in the UK in living memory, headquartered in London's buzzing Shoreditch with a branch in the legendary Brick Lane along with three other top London sites. Use the Tower London discount code and you'll be able to shop for classic brands that never go out of style like Vans, Converse, Lacoste, Ted Baker and Sketchers - and you'll have so much change left over that you'll save up enough to make a return visit quicker than you ever imagined.
vivienne-westwood listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you know Vivienne Westwood, you know runway fashion. Making headway since she exploded onto the punk and new wave scene in the 1970s, Vivienne Westwood has evolved along with the trends to deliver cutting-edge designer clothing for over 40 years. With the help of a Vivienne Westwood discount code, you and your wardrobe can get acquainted with the fashionista’s distinct flair for hundreds less, adding styles that get only better and more collectable with age.