In the few episodes of House of the Dragon that has aired thus far, there is a lot for fantasy fans to appreciate. From its exotic creatures, illustrious dragons, vast landscapes, its stunning cinematography, and breathtaking costumes, the first of many Game of Thrones spin-off series, has inspired some fans to give the growing fantasy franchise another chance. Thus far, the Targaryen-centered series has introduced a number of new and incredibly memorable characters, but it is a non-Targaryen character that's stealing the show.
Within the handful of episodes House of the Dragon has already aired, viewers have found themselves latching on to various characters. Rhaenyra's (Milly Alcock) feisty, confident personality has left many captivated by her journey thus far, and intrigued by where she might be headed. She is contradicted by several characters including Daemon (Matt Smith), her far more erratic and slightly irrational uncle. However, it is Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), a non-Targaryen House of the Dragon character that has run away with the hearts of countless audience members.
Ser Harwin has had very few scenes in House of the Dragon, but it hasn't stopped him from capturing the affections of HBO viewers. He first appeared in the third episode of House of the Dragon as one of the many observers of Rhaenyra's triumphant return to Aegon's lavish name day celebration, where she was covered in blood. Harwin was then spotted in House of the Dragon's following episode as a member of the City Watch. Traditionally, his character is considered to be the strongest man in the Seven Kingdoms, having been given the nickname Breakbones. He has not had an opportunity to prove this in House of the Dragon quite yet, but the opportunity to do so should arrive shortly. Until then, Harwin has proven himself as a meaningful addition to House of the Dragon in other ways.
In "Second of His Name" (season 1, episode 3), Harwin is one of several onlookers who watches Rhaenyra walk through the camp covered in the blood of a boar. King Viserys (Paddy Considine), Alicent (Emily Carey), and Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) all look toward Rhaenyra with various disdainful expressions, while Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall) looks toward her in disgust. Harwin's reaction stands out among these cuts to various characters, as he wears an expression that is both pleased and proud of Rhaenyra's recent adventure. His silent but enthusiastic support for Rhaenyra in this scene creates a bond between Harwin and House of the Dragon viewers that found themselves proud of Rhaenyra's confident stride into camp.
Harwin continued to redeem himself in the following House of the Dragon episode entitled "King of the Narrow Sea." Harwin is once again only spotted for a brief moment in the episode, but crafts another reason for viewers to continue to trust or admire Harwin's character. As a member of the City Watch, Harwin runs into Rhaenyra during her secret nighttime outing with Daemon. He first believes Rhaenyra's disguise as a city boy, but upon realizing that it's the princess, he jokes with her before allowing her to leave with Daemon. Given the rate at which "King of the Narrow Sea" progresses to explore what happened between Rhaenyra and Daemon that night, Harwin's apparent silence and potential reluctance to come forward to confirm or deny these claims, allows both viewers and Rhaenyra to consider Harwin as a likely candidate to place their trust in going forward.
As the eldest son of Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes), House of the Dragon has already begun to argue that Harwin comes from a line of reasonable judgment. Lyonel has proven himself as a trustworthy ally to King Viserys while serving as his Master of Laws. Lyonel has attempted to persuade Viserys to do what is right for his House and the realm throughout House of the Dragon, though Viserys has not always been wise enough to heed his advice. It's also worth noting that Lyonel has abstained from using his connection to Viserys for his own personal gain. It was Lyonel that suggested Viserys repair his relationship with Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint), at least for the financial benefits. He suggested Viserys wed Corlys' daughter Laena to do so. When Viserys refused, Lyonel proposed it again between Rhaenyra and Corlys' son Laenor (Theo Tate).
Thus far, Harwin has been a man of few moments on screen and even fewer words, but that is likely to change over the course of the series. Should House of the Dragon remain faithful to the book it is adapted from, Harwin will become a significant character to Rhaenyra's development and the attitudes toward her marriage and eventual children. House of the Dragon has already begun to plant some sort of seed for this to occur with Harwin's eagerness to support Rhaenyra's tendencies that others are eager to tear down. He has also proven that he is willing to protect Rhaenyra, as the City Watch is sworn to do. Rhaenyra's recent romantic encounter with Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) may also begin to suggest her willingness to explore her sexuality.
House of the Dragon is now streaming on HBO Max.