A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Series Review (Season 1)

As one of the biggest properties in fantasy, A Song of Ice and Fire remains immensely popular with audiences. After reaching far into the past with House of the Dragon, a second spin-off was on the cards. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms serves up a bite-sized slice of action and drama, but it still claims a spot among the best small-screen titles.

Based on the Tales of Dunk and Egg by George R.R. Martin, the series unfolds after House of the Dragon but before Game of Thrones. Out in the countryside of Ashfield the gentle giant Dunk (Peter Claffey) sets out to become a knight, entering a tournament to prove his mettle. He is joined by the young Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), a seemingly innocuous boy who seeks a similar goal in squire work. As the tournament is flipped on its head by the ruling Targaryens, their partnership and values are put to the test. AKOTSK makes no qualms about its place in the wider canon; this is a smaller-scale, ground level tale that opts for a more positive and hopeful tone. The sense of unjust conflict and undeserved punishment still takes hold in the latter half, but the script is laced with profane jokes, misdirection and wholesome interactions between the characters. It’s a different side of Westeros that sets itself apart from both of its predecessors, carving out its own place in the lore. What also stands out is the scale; outside of brief flashbacks, there is no cutting away from the core action here. With six episodes of only 30 to 40 minutes each, this spin-off is a lean and deeply focused effort. You won’t find any wayward plot threads or unsatisfying arcs here; the standalone narrative is paced and delivered with gusto.

There’s a lot riding on characterisation here and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms does a brilliant job with both the material and depth. What makes Ser Duncan work so well is his earnest intent; growing up in the gutter and the far-reaching fields, he is loyal to what matters most: protecting the innocent. In spite of his somewhat oafish mannerisms, it’s his steadfast dedication that shines through. Egg is equally memorable; his unwavering loyalty and determination to defy the expectations of both family and those close to him. The biggest theme of the series is a concern for the downtrodden and the arrogance of those at the top of society. When other characters offer up their arm and sword to Dunk, it creates the sense of a rising underdog, a rare thing in this dark fantasy world. Both main actors do a fantastic job in the lead roles; they endear you to their characters very quickly and pull you into their plights. With the lower episode count, some of the side characters don’t receive as much depth, but their witty personalities more than make up for it. Once again it’s the dialogue that defines the cast, drawing out key differences in their approach to society.

Leaving behind the sorcery of previous episodes, AKOTSK recommits to the medieval aesthetic. The tournament set is detailed, but we’re always placed on the same level as the characters, only cutting away to some pretty views of the landscape. There’s also plenty of visual gags as early as the first episode and overall there’s a sense of jovial community spirit that hangs over the season. Everything builds up to one of the best medieval duels you’ll ever see; it’s a mixture of horseback and on-foot combat in the mud with every shot immersing you in the brutal combat. Between intense choreography, extended takes, POV shots and grievous injuries, we feel every impact as well the exhaustion of fighting in heavy plate armour. To maintain the lighter feel, the music uses a combo of whistling tune and more upbeat ballads. It does a great job defining the aesthetic and tone.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is the epitome of “small but mighty”. It’s an incredibly enjoyable set that has you rooting for the main characters every step of the way and fully invested in both the personal and physical stakes. With such an impressive debut from everyone involved, we’re surely in for a treat with future seasons.

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars (Brilliant)