The episode opens with the Riders stumbling upon the entrance to the Ice Realm, a stark departure from the fiery and crystalline environments we’ve seen previously. While the group is eager to explore this "brand-new, frosty" world, the icy terrain brings more than just cold weather—it brings back a familiar face with a dangerous agenda. The Return of Buzzsaw
Beyond the action, "Cold Open" sets up a season-long theme of obsession. We see Tom struggling with his determination to open the Viking puzzle box, a drive that mirrors Buzzsaw's own unhealthy fixation on dragons. Meanwhile, Olivia's scientific curiosity at Project ICARIS is leading her dangerously close to the truth the kids are trying to hide. Why it Matters
The highlight of "Cold Open" is the return of Leonard "Buzzsaw" Burne (voiced by Haley Joel Osment). In a classic "Wounded Gazelle Gambit," Buzzsaw disguises himself as an injured hiker who supposedly fell into the realm by accident. Cold OpenDragons: The Nine Realms : Season 4 Ep...
While the human Riders are quickly fooled by his sob story, the dragons—led by Thunder—aren't as easily convinced. The tension peaks when:
This premiere effectively raises the stakes for Season 4. It establishes Buzzsaw as a persistent, season-long threat and introduces environmental hazards like "snowcanoes" and blizzards that will push the Riders to their limits in upcoming episodes. The Nine Realms, Season 4 | How to Train Your Dragon Wiki The episode opens with the Riders stumbling upon
Thunder outsmarts him, leading to a chase that results in a massive rockfall of crystals.
Season 4 of Dragons: The Nine Realms kicks off with "Cold Open," an episode that literally and figuratively chills the Dragon Riders as they venture into the frosty new Ice Realm . A Frosty New Discovery We see Tom struggling with his determination to
Buzzsaw eventually lures Thunder away, revealing his true goal: he wants the dragon's head for his fireplace.