A slow burn with an explosive payoff – Game of Thrones’ new spin-off may be smaller but burns bright

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If you’re looking for a new show to invest your time in, definitely check out A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the spin-off to Game of Thrones. It’s well worth sticking with.

Okay, so this new show is different from things like House of the Dragon. It doesn’t immediately throw a ton of shocking stuff at you to try and hook you. Honestly, I really appreciate that! They don’t dwell on the really gruesome parts of childbirth – thankfully! – and if anyone’s getting a little too close with their family, we definitely don’t see it. It’s a much more restrained approach, and I’m finding it really refreshing.

Rather than being a serious, epic story, the show takes a more humorous approach, following the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) as he tries to become a famous knight. Each episode is around 30 minutes long.

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The most shocking and uncomfortable scenes are still important to the story, just like the signature white-blonde hair of the Targaryen family, but they happen later in the show, and that’s actually a good thing. It gives the series space to develop its own unique feel.

The new, more nuanced tone of this series is a welcome change and helps offset the initially slow start as the story develops. Duncan and his apprentice, Egg, really bring the early parts of the story to life and make it worthwhile.

Duncan’s life unexpectedly connects with a young boy who later becomes his squire, and together they experience a series of mishaps. These adventures unfold in Westeros almost a century before the events of Game of Thrones. Dragons are extinct, but the Targaryen family still rules from the Iron Throne.

The actor playing Duncan, Claffey, is perfectly cast – he portrays the character with a charmingly silly and good-natured energy that makes him instantly likable.

Watching the story unfold in the brutal world of Game of Thrones, you can’t help but root for this kind, innocent knight. Interestingly, his young squire, Egg, seems surprisingly aware of how things really are. The actor perfectly portrays Egg as both charmingly rebellious and subtly serious, capturing a wisdom beyond his years without losing his youthful spark.

Although they start as strangers, Egg and Duncan’s worries and dreams begin to affect each other, launching them into a reckless and dangerous adventure. This shared experience creates a powerful connection between them, becoming the heart of the story.

The connection between the characters keeps you watching even during the slower parts, building up to a shocking plot twist.

Even with everything readers know from the book, they won’t be ready for what happens next. One shocking scene sets off a chain of incredible moments, both on and off the battlefield. Expect intense action that’s difficult, but captivating, to watch.

Though shorter in length than both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms delivers a powerful story. It focuses more tightly on its narrative and has a gentler feel, but it’s still a compelling watch.

Like the shows that came before it, this one excels at building strong relationships between characters. These connections create genuinely moving scenes that resonate with viewers, making it a show you’ll remember long after it’s over – not just something you watch and immediately forget.

It has legs to grow and if you stick with it, the payoff will be worth your time.

Starting January 19th, you can watch ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ on Sky and NOW, with new episodes released every Monday.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can purchase ‘Dolly at 80’ at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-19 10:19