‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Season 1 Review: No Iron Throne, No Dragons — No Problem

The Game of Thrones universe, if you can even call it that, needs no introduction. HBO’s epic fantasy series adapted from the works of George R.R. Martin was a hit unlike any other. After the last (and very, very controversial) season, it was revealed that Game of Thrones was only the beginning. House of the Dragon was announced not long after and it premiered in August, 2022. That wasn’t the end of it, though. There are many projects in the works at HBO adapting the fantastical tales penned by the renowned author with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms being the latest entry.

It is another prequel taking fans 90 years back into the bowels of Westeros. The series follows Dunk (played by Peter Claffey), a lowly knight, as he flounders to find his place in a world where social inequality and injustice are the bane of everyone’s existence. The knight he was squiring for, Ser Arlan of Pennytree, has died, so Dunk must go on by himself and his three horses, Thunder, Chestnut, and Sweetfoot. It doesn’t take much for Dunk to find a companion when he is on his way to the Tourney at Ashford Meadow. A bald boy. Egg (played Dexter Sol Ansell). There begin the tales of Dunk and Egg as they embark on their journey. Egg must squire for a knight, so Dunk will do. Dunk is a hedge knight who needs a squire, so Egg will do.

If you’ve read the books, you know exactly what to expect. The latest in HBO’s expansive Game of Thrones universe is a breath of fresh air. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms sets out on an entirely different path from that of its predecessors, the aforementioned and ever-successful Game of Thrones, and the Targaryen-focused prequel, House of the Dragon. Though A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms may have been preceded by two epic fantasy shows that are more about the game of thrones itself than anything, it builds an identity for itself that cannot be questioned. I would even call it the most closely adapted season, save the first couple of seasons of Game of Thrones, that we’ve seen in this franchise.

The Iron Throne is perhaps the most iconic image of George R.R. Martin’s novel series. It makes Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon what they are. The latest instalment in the series is a different case entirely. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes you as far away from court intrigue… hell, it takes you far from the court itself. No, you will not get to see King’s Landing here. No Winterfell, either. Instead, we start in The Reach. A region seldom shown in the previous shows. Yes, there are overarching similarities. You cannot have a program set in this world and not have any Targaryens in it. Luckily for you, they do. You might find it a little hard to root for them here, though there are some exceptions. Targaryens aren’t the only familiar name you’re going to hear here. Baratheon, Lannister, Tyrell… they’re all here. But the newer names outnumber them. Good luck remembering them all.

The first season is a faithful adaptation of the first novella, The Hedge Knight. As I said earlier, more closely written with the source material in mind than almost all Game of Thrones seasons and the two seasons of House of the Dragon. It’s a considerably shorter series, but that was to be expected. Does it use its small number of episodes and shorter runtimes well? I think it does, for the most part. I’ll start with the positives first. A change of tone and pace never before seen in this world makes for an engaging story carried well by the two main characters.

There is an engaging conflict here that drives our protagonists, Dunk and Egg, and their motives. Clashes in status are explored in Game of Thrones, but are much more relevant here. The characters are mostly well-written, but my only nitpick is the disparity of screen time. Since there are no dragons, giants, or direwolves here, most of the budget seems to have gone into heraldry and armour. I mean, it’s based around a tourney, so it makes sense right? Still an important positive to note. The jousting scenes are tremendous. Maybe even the best since A Knight’s Tale, which the show does share a few similarities with.  Costume and set design are a sight to behold. The Kingsguard armour is to die for. Truly stunning. 

Sadly, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is not without its flaws. It is filled with flashbacks that often take up any screen time for most of the side characters. Unfortunately, even Egg. Dunk seems to be the core focus of the first season, and that’s justified as he is the titular character. Though, a little more done with Egg, or the Targaryens, or even Tanselle would’ve elevated this first season. I would probably say that is due to the showrunner, Ira Parker, playing it safe because of the backlash received by the previous 2 shows, but he has added some sequences here (mostly flashbacks) that aren’t present in the book at all. The editing of said flashbacks especially during a crucial action-filled scene makes it feel anti-climactic. 

Dunk is a young knight born in Flea Bottom. He’s got nothing to his name, but three horses and armour left behind by his master. All he’s got left of himself is… his courage, and desire to do good and be good as befits a true knight. He is as clumsy as he is dim-witted and that he is often told by others. Peter Claffey may not be as tall as most book purists would like someone portraying Dunk to be, but in my opinion, there is no one better. Claffey’s performance throughout these 6 episodes is full of charm, and whimsical fun. He can only get better.

As perfect as Peter Claffey was for Dunk, I don’t think there is any other casting choice that I’ve been so delighted by than with  Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg. Egg is a bald boy, pleading with Dunk to take him on as his squire. Dexter Sol Ansell’s comedic delivery carries the relationship of Dunk and Egg. We might just have gotten a TV duo for the ages. All in all, he’s awesome. As great a child actor as young as him can be. Other notable appearances here are Finn Bennett as Aerion Targaryen, Daniel Ings as Lyonel Baratheon, Shaun Thomas as Raymun Fossoway, and Bertie Carvel as Baelor Targaryen. I would’ve liked to mention Sam Spruell, who plays Maekar Targaryen, and Tanzyn Crawford (Tanselle), with the other three, but I just don’t think they get to work with much here. 

Ultimately, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a success. It’s a well-adapted tightly written (not without some discrepancies) 6-episode series that is both funny and emotional when it is attempting to be, and it makes you care for the characters. Though, I wish it made you care for more characters than it does. It might even be a good starting point for the Game of Thrones franchise. Jump into it with no prior A Song of Ice and Fire knowledge, and you’ll like it. If you are as obsessed with George R.R. Martin’s world as I am, you will still finish this one wanting more. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the latest entry into the Game of Thrones franchise, premiering on January 18th, on HBO Max. The series stars Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Finn Bennett, Daniel Ings, Bertie Carvel, and more.

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