House of the Dragon will always be the elite show because its made with the female gaze mind and the female audience in mind. Tiny details such as Rhaenyra's reaction to Lannister's misogyny, Alicent's look of reprimand at Criston's C-bomb, the way that Daemon courts Rhaenyra, just speak to the female audience on a different level.
But the best example is the downfall of Alicent and Rhaenyra's relationship. It's not over Alicent feeling betrayal over Rhaenyra's lie or removing Otto and its not because Alicent is married to Viserys. In We Light The Way, both Rhaenyra and Alicent take account of one another and though not explicitly outlined, they realise why they are at odds. Rhaenyra has just broken every Westerosi expectation and limitation for women. And she's gotten away with it. Alicent who has always followed the rules and finds herself so unhappy because of it, sees this and understandbly is enraged. Rhaenyra on the other hand sees Alicent, who does play by the rules and puts herself into the box required by society, and no doubt feels envy with how Alicent is treated with respect by the Small Council and most of the patriarchy. Both women look at one another and while they are opposed in morals and behaviours, they are united in their envy in one another's lives. It is the differing ways they fight against the constraints society has placed on them and their frustrations with the consequences of their struggles that ultimately divides them - yet is also their closest bond.
giggling bc rhaenyra had all of her men at her engagement/wedding feast. literally all of them. she said royal flush: her uncle, her kingsguard paramour, her husband, and her future baby daddy and yes, for people not familiar with the fire and blood book, these are all different men😭😭