‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ the latest ‘Thrones’ spinoff, is more muddy than magical

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I’ve been watching the new “Game of Thrones” show, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” and it’s so different! Unlike Cersei, who always chose fighting, or Rhaenyra with her dragons, the main character, Dunk, isn’t about revenge or power. He’s actually a really good guy – honest, kind, and he just loves the simple things, like sleeping out under the open sky. It’s a refreshing change of pace!

Peter Claffey’s story, set around 100 years before “Game of Thrones” and 70 years after “House of the Dragon,” doesn’t feature fantastical elements like magic or dragons, nor large-scale wars. However, it stays true to the gritty realism of the world, with plenty of dirt, blood, and general unpleasantness – keeping consistent with the tone of the other series.

However, there’s an issue: watching intensely graphic and unpleasant scenes – like those filled with bodily fluids and violence – isn’t enjoyable unless it’s balanced by compelling elements such as dramatic conflicts, complex characters, supernatural events, and a larger, promising storyline.

The new show “Knight,” which begins Sunday, is inspired by George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” (Martin is also the author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, the books behind “Game of Thrones”). It tells the story of an ordinary traveler who hopes to become a knight.

The story is told in six episodes, covering just a few days – a much shorter timeframe than the first seasons of shows like “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon.” This focused approach – with a simple, acoustic soundtrack and characters dressed in humble clothing rather than royal finery – feels initially like a welcome change.

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Whether you’re just discovering the world of Westeros or are a longtime fan, here’s a regularly updated guide to the ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel – everything you need to know!

Dunk, also known as Ser Duncan the Tall, is a physically strong but insecure young man who lacks experience. The story begins after the natural death of his mentor and father figure, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (played by Danny Webb). Ser Arlan was a wandering knight – a hedge knight – who offered his services as a protector for hire throughout Westeros, sometimes helping those who couldn’t afford it. He once rescued young Dunk from a thief and subsequently took him in as his squire.

Now traveling alone, Dunk wants to become a knight, and he’s heading to a tournament to try and prove himself. There, he meets a bright and resourceful boy named Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). While Dunk is simple and honest, Egg is quick-witted and clever. Just like in old tales, Egg becomes Dunk’s squire, and together they get ready for a competition that Dunk doesn’t really stand a chance of winning.

Ira Parker created “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” a David and Goliath-style story with a fairly predictable ending. It’s important to note that David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the creators of “Game of Thrones,” were not involved in this project.

While nothing will likely match the epic scope and excitement of the world with characters like the White Walkers, the Red Queen, and the Faceless Man, relying too heavily on magical realism and then trying to compensate with the straightforward goodness of characters like Dunk isn’t a recipe for success.

A standout part of the show is definitely Leo Ansell’s performance as Egg. He brings a lot of energy to what is otherwise a pretty bleak setting – the tournament grounds. It’s compelling to watch his cleverness and resourcefulness go up against the knights’ raw strength and aggression; they make a great contrast.

Despite the spectacle, the most brutal fights – whether with maces, axes, or clubs – ultimately determine the outcome of the tournament. The level of violence rivals some of the most intense scenes from other HBO shows set in George R.R. Martin’s universe. However, without a compelling overarching story to lift it beyond the gritty details of the competition, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” remains bogged down and unsatisfying.

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2026-01-16 14:05