Can we trust 'House of the Dragon' after that last season of 'Game of Thrones'?

The upcoming premiere of HBO's first "Game of Thrones" spinoff, "House of the Dragon," has divided fans of the original series into at least two categories: those whose enthusiasm is tempered by disappointment over the controversial way "Game of Thrones" ended, and those who are wildly excited because they really enjoy watching dragons fly around and incinerate things.

USA TODAY commentary editor Austin Bogues falls in the former category, while columnist Rex Huppke, known for not being the sharpest tooth in the dragon's mouth, falls in the latter.

In anticipation of the show's Sunday night premiere, here is their discussion of how best to proceed.

Austin: I still unabashedly believe "Game of Thrones" is one of the best television shows to ever air – for the first seven seasons. And then, after a drawn-out, exhaustive two-year wait for the conclusion, we were rewarded with the massive letdown that was Season Eight in 2019, which landed with a dud. So I was more than a little skeptical when I learned Westeros would be coming back to the small screen with the upcoming "House of the Dragon" spinoff, a prequel that deals with the Targaryen dynasty.

Rex: Dude. The word "dragon" is literally in the title of this one. There will be more dragons. What else matters?

Austin: To me, and I suspect for millions of others, it's a matter of trust. And "Game of Thrones" has a while to go before it can earn back the level of investment I gave it in years gone by.

It's the only show I watched every episode the night it aired. I spent hours talking with my best friends and co-workers about fan theory. I re-watched episodes for tidbits and hints and combed through podcasts, YouTube shows and social media for discussions.

Rex Huppke: Can Thor's naked butt unite a divided America? Yes. Yes it can.

But we watched 'Game of Thrones' for the dragons, right?

Rex: I mainly watched it for the dragons. You know, like that one part where the dragon comes along and is like, "WHOOOOOOOOSSSSHHHHHH! I'M BREATHING FIRE ON YOU TINY HUMANS! BWAH-HAH-HAH!!!" That was freakin' awesome.

Austin: For the new "House of the Dragon" series, I've watched the trailer once. I'm somewhat familiar with the contours of the backstory, but to be plainspoken, it's going to be on probation.

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Rex: Probation? Look, I appreciate where you're coming from, but have you forgotten that along with the aforementioned dragons (which are SO cool), the show also contains lots of large swords and head-lopping and battles and such? They could have just called it "A Buncha Scenes of Sword Fights and Dragons" and I'd watch it for days.

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Austin: "Game of Thrones" captured the cultural imagination like few television shows ever have, creating everything from hip-hop-inspired albums to political metaphors in our lexicon. We now refer to any purge no matter how vile or innocuous as a "Red Wedding." If someone makes a direct confrontation or espouses a controversial opinion, "You chose violence." 

Rex: There was also a good bit of nudity, not that it should matter or anything. Just sayin'. Continue.

Why did the ending of 'Game of Thrones' go so wrong?

Austin: Most premium television shows fizzle after a season or two, much like a soda bottle that bursts with carbonation at the beginning but goes flat after it stays open and the content dwindles. "Game of Thrones" seemed headed in that direction with Season Five, before course-correcting to its strongest overall Season Six, where it cashed huge narrative paychecks that led to gripping moments like the "Battle of the Bastards" and Daenerys Targaryen sailing to Westeros.

Rex: WITH. THREE. GIANT DRAGONS!!!

Austin: Despite that reinvigoration, the hurried pace of Season Seven and especially Season Eight took away from the authenticity of the main characters. Targaryen, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, one of the best characters ever conceived, has an awful plot pivot to massacring King's Landing and being knifed through the heart by her lover/nephew Jon Snow. Not to mention a whole bunch of unanswered questions that seemed poised to be answered got left out.

Rex: Yeah, that was pretty messed up. Would've been better if they all just turned into dragons.

Austin: For examples of how to close out shows or storylines with grace, check out "The Good Place." The movie "Avengers: Endgame" had a near-perfect ending to the opening phases of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Rex: I agree with you on both counts. But let me say this: After a long day of having my brain turned to lukewarm oatmeal by reading about viruses and dishonest politicians and online bullies and real-life baddies, there are few things I enjoy more than watching some make-believe dragons exact justice, barbecue-style.

Austin: OK. OK. I admit it, it doesn't matter, I'm going to watch regardless because ... dragons. And just like I can remember all the bad, I remember the good times too with "Game of Thrones." But I won't be getting my hopes up. I don't have another eight years of my life to wonder if a story is going to turn out well. Dracarys!

Austin Bogues is commentary editor for USA TODAY Opinion. Rex Huppke is a USA TODAY Opinion columnist. Follow them on Twitter: @AustinBogues and @RexHuppke

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can Game of Thrones win us back with House of the Dragon? We'll see.