A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (HBO) 

By: Rachel Brodeur

Nearly fifteen years after Game of Thrones reshaped television fantasy, HBO returns to Westeros with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a lighter and more approachable addition to the franchise. Drawn from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire universe, the story was first referenced early in the original series, when Old Nan reads Bran Stark the “Tales of Ser Duncan the Tall and Egg” in Episode 3 of Season 1. Set roughly a century before that moment, the new series brings those stories to life as a fully realized prequel.

What A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gets right is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Creator, Ira Parker, who was also responsible for other Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon, keeps the tone of this series more playful than its predecessors. Moments of intensity and heartfelt emotion are juxtaposed with quick cut edits of comedic irony. The humor is a little blue in that it deals with the foul odors and literal excrement of medieval life, but it does so in a way that while irreverent, is not gratuitous. The action scenes are clear and devastating in their brutality, and the episodes that vary in length from 30 min to an hour, are well paced. 

Another strength of the series is in its casting. Duncan the Tall, played by Peter Claffey (Small Things Like These and Bad Sisters) is immediately a character that audiences want to root for. He’s likeable, approachably handsome, physically capable, and adept but relatable. His kindness is immediately evident and it makes up for the fact that he may or not always be truthful. His past is compelling and reveals that even as a knight, he lacks status within the rigid and often brutal Westeros society. Claffey’s co-star is now eleven year old Dexter Sol Ansell, who was just nine years old at the time of filming. For someone so young, his on-screen presence is magnetic. Ansell’s comedic timing and natural line delivery add charm and levity to most scenes. 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the strongest of the Game of Thrones spinoffs. It is less convoluted and much more narrow in scope than House of the Dragon. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is more character driven and because of that, it is both a strong entry point for new viewers unfamiliar with the Game of Thrones world, but yet also manages to satisfy superfans by incorporating tiny mentions and references to the known mythos. 

Rachel’s Rating: 8.5/10

HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms succeeds by scaling back the spectacle and leaning into character, humor, and a sense of adventure. Strong casting and thoughtful pacing help ground the fantasy, offering a version of Westeros that feels both familiar and newly inviting.