The Season 2 finale of HBO's 'House of the Dragon' has sparked widespread disappointment among fans who expected a climactic battle but received a dialogue-heavy conclusion instead. Director Geeta Vasant Patel expressed her satisfaction with the focus on relationships and character development rather than an epic showdown, emphasizing the show's dramatic elements. However, many viewers felt let down by the lack of action and significant plot advancements, particularly after heavy marketing campaigns had built anticipation for a civil war. The finale ended on a cliffhanger, with major battles, including the anticipated Battle of the Gullet, postponed to Season 3 due to production constraints linked to the writers' and actors' strikes. Critics noted the season's eight episodes felt slow-paced and criticized the handling of fan-favorite characters, leaving many fans frustrated with the overall execution. While some elements of the finale were praised, the general sentiment was one of dissatisfaction, reminiscent of other recent disappointing series finales.