A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
A century before the events of Game of Thrones, two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros: a young, naive but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits await these improbable and incomparable friends.
Episodes
The Hedge Knight
On his journey to the forthcoming tournament in Ashford, Dunk meets a clever young boy named Egg, who offers to…
Hard Salt Beef
Dunk appeals to various lords in order to gain entrance into the tournament...but Egg advises him to hold onto his…
The Squire
After Egg attempts to train Dunk's uncooperative horse, Dunk teaches his new squire an important skill. As they take in…
Seven
After landing himself in the Targaryens' crosshairs, Dunk exercises his right to request a trial by combat.
In the Name of the Mother
Dunk finds himself drawn to the promise of a new future.
The Morrow
The people of Ashford mourn a significant loss following the tournament; Dunk reflects on his future and evaluates his responsibilities…
Where to watch
THEDORAMA.COM Review
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” arrives not with the thunderous fanfare of dragons, but with the quiet, persistent clanking of an improbable knight’s armor. This prequel, set a century before the familiar machinations of Westeros, is a refreshing departure, daring to scale back the epic scope while retaining the intricate world-building that defines its lineage.
The series excels in its understated direction, which resists the temptation for gratuitous spectacle. Instead, it grounds itself in the intimate journeys of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). Directorially, the show understands that true drama often unfolds in the quiet glances and hesitant steps rather than grand battles. The cinematography, while occasionally leaning into a slightly desaturated palette that feels too familiar for fantasy, finds its footing in capturing the vast, untamed landscapes of Westeros, emphasizing the isolation and ambition of its protagonists. Claffey, as Dunk, delivers a performance of earnest naivete, his towering physicality juxtaposed beautifully with a gentle, often bewildered, spirit. Ansell’s Egg is a revelation; his precocious intelligence and hidden lineage are conveyed with a mischievous glint that never becomes irritating. Daniel Ings, though given less screen time in this initial season, hints at a compelling complexity that promises much for future installments.
Where “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” occasionally falters is in its narrative pacing. The six-episode structure, while concise, sometimes feels like it rushes through pivotal character developments, particularly in the initial forging of Dunk and Egg’s bond. The screenplay, while rich in dialogue and historical allusions, occasionally relies on the audience’s pre-existing knowledge of Westerosi lore to fill in emotional gaps, rather than fully earning them within the present narrative. This isn't lazy writing, but rather a slight overestimation of how deeply every viewer will be immersed in the broader mythology.
Despite these minor stumbles, the series is a poignant exploration of duty, identity, and the often-unseen heroism that shapes history. It’s a compelling argument for the small story in a big world, reminding us that art lies not just in the dragons and the thrones, but in the heart of a knight who simply strives to be good. A solid 8.5/10, it’s a series that respects its heritage while carving its own distinct, honorable path.
