The finale of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” premiered on Feb. 22, bringing a cathartic end to the show’s six-episode first season. A distantly related prequel to “Game of Thrones,” the show has been one of the highest performing shows on HBO Max of the year so far. Though “Game of Thrones” faced harsh criticism for its final season, the fanbase is clearly still around for new adaptations like “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.”
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is based on a trilogy of novellas of the same name by George R. R. Martin. The first season of the show follows the story of the first novella, titled “The Hedge Knight,” with further seasons expected to adapt the next two novellas.
One of the show’s biggest appeals is its straightforward storyline, following a single character’s perspective — the titular knight, Duncan the Tall — with one other main protagonist, the young boy Egg, who Duncan takes on as a squire. The first half of the season has a witty, lighthearted tone, focusing on the jovial relationship between Dunk and Egg. This simpler, brighter take on Martin’s world of Westeros is refreshing compared to the complicated, grim tone of “Game of Thrones.”
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” however, is not without teeth. Halfway through the season comes a dramatic tone shift as Duncan’s focus turns from winning a tournament to fighting for his life: first hopelessness and despair in Episode 4, then brutality and bittersweet triumph in Episode 5.
The show nails this shift brilliantly, making its point that masculine violence and the death it brings should never be lighthearted. Even as Duncan saves his own life, three of the knights fighting for him die, including the heroic Prince Baelor Targaryen, Egg’s uncle.
The final episode of the series is quietly heartbreaking as all the characters who survived the trial deal with the aftermath of Baelor’s death. The heart of the season’s story comes to an emotional conclusion as Duncan finally processes the death of his old mentor in the wake of his guilt and self-hatred for Baelor’s death. For Egg, there’s a loss of innocence, as he contemplates murdering his older brother, Aerion, who has been the cruel, ruthless villain of the season.
The show’s quality and success is only made possible by the cast. Peter Claffey portrays Duncan as a kind yet awkward hero, who physically slumps in every scene as if he thinks he doesn’t have a right to be as tall as he is. Dexter Sol Ansell is incredible as the scarred yet innocent and optimistic Egg, while Daniel Ings and Sam Spruell add to the story brilliantly as Lyonel Baratheon and Maekar Targaryen respectively.
As an adaptation, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is faithful and only adds to the story of the novella, making it a hit among fans of Martin’s writing as well as fans of “Game of Thrones.” HBO can likely expect the next two seasons to be equally popular, if the showrunners stick to their source material and maintain the hopeful, beating heart that makes the tales of Dunk and Egg beautiful.
