AI vs. Hollywood: ‘House of the Dragon’ Gets a Robot Friend

Can a robot write a TV show? Well, that's what we've been trying to figure out all week. In our series AI vs. Hollywood, The Messenger has been taking a deep dive into the complicated problem of AI and what it is actually capable of doing. We asked ChatGPT to write us five scripts from five different existing TV shows, all with plots involving AI. None of them are what you might call "good," but they can all tell us something about what AI has learned about itself and its place in the world. Spoiler alert: It seems just as confused as the rest of us. 

We've already shared AI-generated episodes of Law & Order: SVU, Succession, Ghosts and The Big Bang Theory. And now, we present to you the pièce de résistance: an episode of House of the Dragon, all about AI. Perhaps that doesn't make sense to you, as they do not even have computers or electricity in the world of Game of Thrones. Somehow, ChatGPT found a way, even if it got a little confused. 

You see, ChatGPT stopped learning in 2021. It doesn't yet know anything about the actual show House of the Dragon, but it knew enough to generate a script about members of the Targaryen family. They're not the right members, but they are names from the Game of Thrones books. So that's something! 

Title: House of the Dragon - Episode: "Artificial Flames"

INT. DRAGONPIT - DAY
The Dragonpit is bustling with activity. Daenerys Targaryen's descendants, along with various lords and ladies, are gathered to discuss the future of Westeros. In the center of the pit, a massive table is adorned with maps and scrolls.

PRINCE RHAEGAR, a young and charismatic Targaryen, stands at the head of the table. At his side is LADY ALYSANNE, an intelligent and fierce warrior.

RHAEGAR (looking at the map): We must secure our hold on the Iron Throne, but we face countless challenges. Our enemies are cunning, and our resources are limited.

ALYSANNE (smirking): Perhaps it's time we explore new allies, ones who possess unmatched knowledge and wisdom. I've heard rumors of a powerful artificial intelligence, capable of analyzing vast amounts of data.

RHAEGAR: Artificial intelligence? How can a machine help us in our fight?

ALYSANNE: Imagine an ally that can predict our enemies' moves, optimize our resources, and even strategize battle plans. With such technology, we could gain a significant advantage.

Rhaegar ponders for a moment, contemplating the possibilities.

INT. MAESTER'S CHAMBER - DAY
Rhaegar and Alysanne approach MAESTER ELYAS, an elderly scholar well-versed in ancient knowledge.

RHAEGAR: Maester Elyas, we seek your counsel on a matter of great importance. We've heard tales of an artificial intelligence. Do you have any knowledge of such a creation?

ELYAS (slightly intrigued): Ah, the wonders of technology. Yes, my prince, there have been whispers of artificial intelligences developed by the maesters in recent years. They are said to possess vast knowledge and the ability to analyze complex problems.

ALYSANNE: Can we acquire one? Will it aid us in our pursuit of victory?

ELYAS (slightly hesitant): My prince, artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword. It may provide valuable insights, but it is not without risks. The power it holds can be dangerous if misused.

RHAEGAR (serious): We will proceed with caution. I understand the potential dangers, but I believe we must explore this path. Bring me the maester who developed this artificial intelligence.

INT. LABORATORY - DAY
Rhaegar and Alysanne enter a dimly lit laboratory, filled with complex machinery and glowing screens. MAESTER LYONEL, a brilliant inventor, is busy at work.

LYONEL (raising his head): Your Highness, Lady Alysanne, what brings you here?

RHAEGAR: We have come to discuss the possibilities of artificial intelligence. Can it truly aid our cause?

LYONEL (adjusting his spectacles): Indeed, Prince Rhaegar. With the right programming and guidance, the AI can provide insights and strategies that could turn the tide in your favor.

ALYSANNE: But what about the risks? Can we trust this AI?

LYONEL (firmly): Trust, Lady Alysanne, lies in the hands of those who wield power. The AI is a tool, and it will do as it is instructed. We must ensure we give it ethical guidelines and establish clear boundaries.

INT. STRATEGY ROOM - DAY
Rhaegar, Alysanne, Elyas, and Lyonel gather around a table with a sophisticated AI TERMINAL at its center.

RHAEGAR (slightly apprehensive): Very well, let us proceed with caution. Lyonel, program the AI to provide us with strategic insights for the upcoming battles.

LYONEL (nods): Understood, Your Highness.

As Lyonel begins feeding the AI data, the terminal lights up, and the AI's voice emanates from the speakers.

AI: Greetings, Prince Rhaegar and esteemed guests. I am the Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Operations and Tactical Engagement, ASOTE. How may I assist you?

The room falls silent as everyone looks at each other, realizing the power they now possess.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Note: This script sets the stage for incorporating AI into the storyline of House of the Dragon. The subsequent episodes can explore the benefits and risks of AI, the challenges of human-AI interaction, and the consequences of relying on such advanced technology in the pursuit of power.

The takeaways

Just imagine the scene in House of the Dragon where Targaryen royalty walks into a room filled with "complex machinery and glowing screens." That is simply a completely different show, though to be fair to ChatGPT, it doesn't really know what House of the Dragon is anyway. But it clearly does know Game of Thrones and has plans for the future of the script it wrote, and seemed to have no trouble incorporating itself into the world. And it is sort of impressive that it found characters from the world of Game of Thrones who might fit into the concept of House of the Dragon. 

Essence: It's better than GoT Season 8. 9/10
Structure: They mostly go to the right places. 9/10
Plot: The fact that there even is a plot with this mixture of concepts is good enough for us. 7/10
Dialogue: The dialogue is so-so, but the title earns extra points here. 6/10
Total: 29/40

What has become most clear after asking AI to write five episodes of TV shows about AI is that it doesn't have a lot of ideas. It has one general plot in which the characters of the show are introduced to a new AI concept, they all consider it, and then at the end, they are cautiously excited about its possibilities.

None of the characters are already using AI, and it even found a way to make the guys of The Big Bang Theory suspicious by having Penny bring up an advanced kind of AI. ChatGPT is not great at stakes or actual plots, but it is fairly competent at understanding the general concept and vibe of every show we asked it to reproduce — it's not great, but competent. 

Basically, it's a tool. With a fair amount of human guidance, it could be very helpful in writing scripts, but it might take so much human guidance that the human might as well just write the script themselves.