Get your popcorn. Put away your morals. Dragons, brutality and bloodthirst for the Iron Throne are back on the television screen. “House of the Dragon,” the prequel to the most watched show in television history, is HBO’s latest attempt to feed the empty stomachs of “Game Of Thrones” fans. Left angry after the last foul serving of Game of Thrones, fans are eager to have the essential question answered: is this a cash grab or a genuine venture in creativity?  

While it’s still too early to call, the first two episodes of “House of the Dragon” were absolutely promising. At a budget of just under $20 million per episode, you’d hope it would be — a jump from roughly $15 million per episode for the final season of “Game of Thrones.”  

Set 170 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” explores the Targaryens at the height of their power. In a political landscape riddled with jealousy and desire for power, the king, without an apparent heir, must choose one. So who will take power, the reckless bastard brother or the young princess?  

So how does this show stand up next to “Game of Thrones?” Well, right off the bat, this show’s pace at the beginning is much faster when compared to “Game of Thrones.” The characters we are learning to love — or hate — are already at the top of the food chain; there is no sign of morality being employed like the Starks did in “Game of Thrones.” 

I definitely think this pace is a little quick for a “Game of Thrones” show. The show thrived because of the little conversations that drove the tension through the roof. Right now, “House of the Dragon” is lacking in that department. Like the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race.  

“House of the Dragon” delivers a suspenseful storyline filled with dynamic characters, each with their own sinful desires. It has every ingredient needed to be a classic: scenes that make you squirm in horror, characters you love and hate and underdogs that haven’t recognized their power. I like the show, it’s basically everything needed to get you daydreaming and lost in the world of “Game of Thrones” — always wondering what will happen next.