House of the Dragon: A Wig War for the Iron Throne?

House of the Dragon has brought fire and fury back to our screens, but with all the dragons and drama, there's another burning question: are the wigs just... bad?

The show, set centuries before Game of Thrones, boasts a platinum-blonde Targaryen dynasty, meaning wigs are the bust-down trend. But unlike Daenerys' iconic locks, some wigs in House of the Dragon have become a source of amusement and distraction for viewers.

A Spectrum of Hair-Raising Experiences

The controversy isn't a blanket condemnation. Matt Smith's Prince Daemon rocks a long, flowing blonde number that's as close to natural as a wig can get. The hairline blends seamlessly, and the texture avoids the dreaded "plastic doll" look. These are the triumphs of the wig department, achieving a sense of realism that complements

the actors' natural features.

However, others haven't been as fortunate. Laena Velaryon's wig seems to defy gravity with its stiff, unconvincing curls, and some characters appear to have raided a costume shop's disco wig section for their on-screen tresses. These are the hairpieces that spark memes and X threads, pulling viewers out of the meticulously crafted world of Westeros.

Behind the Wig Wobble: A Tangled Web

Why the discrepancies? The internet has erupted with memes, theories, and heated debates. Is this a case of budget constraints, rushed production, or a deliberate attempt to subvert expectations? Some viewers argue that the wigs are an intentional comedic element, a wink to the audience that acknowledges the absurdity of the situation. Others believe it's a glaring misstep that undermines the show's grandeur.

The reasons are a tangled web

themselves. High-definition television

is a merciless mistress, exposing every

detail, even the slightest hint of

artifice in a well-made wig.

Additionally, casting a diverse group of actors to portray the traditionally blonde

Valyrians might lead to challenges

in creating wigs that blend seamlessly

with different hair textures. Perhaps

most importantly, there's the question

of artistic choice.

Should the focus be on absolute historical accuracy, even if it clashes

with the actors' natural appearance?

Or should the goal be a more believable suspension of disbelief, allowing

for some creative liberties in terms of hair colour and style for the sake

of casting and performance?

More Than Just Dragons and Drama

Regardless of the reason, the wig controversy has undeniably captured the public's attention. It's a testament to the show's ability to spark conversation and generate buzz, even when the subject matter is as seemingly trivial as hair. Perhaps, in a world where dragons and magic are commonplace, it's the mundane, everyday elements that truly test a show's ability to immerse its audience.

Will the Wigs Rise or Fall?

Ultimately, the wig debate is a microcosm of the larger conversation about the balance between realism and fantasy in television. How much historical accuracy is necessary in a fictional world? Where do we draw the line between artistic licence and audience expectations? These are questions that House of the Dragon, with its mix of stunning visuals and questionable hairpieces, has forced us to consider.

So, while the fate of Westeros hangs in the balance, let us not forget the true battleground: the heads of its inhabitants. The Iron Throne may be coveted, but a truly convincing wig could be the ultimate prize.