Review: ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Premiere
Westeros is alive and well, once again, although for those fans of the HBO franchise, that was never in doubt. Since the flagship series, Game of Thrones, came to its epic, and dare I say, incredibly controversial, ending back in 2019, the cinematic world of George R. R. Martin has continued to find life with both House of the Dragon and the latest series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
In both of the currently running series, HBO has decided to take a step back in time, before the Mother of Dragons makes her way to Westeros in hopes of claiming her throne. While House of the Dragon follows closer in line with the epic series that came before, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms gives a new perspective with an intimate story set within the larger world of Westeros. Based on Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, which is a series of novellas he created in conjunction with his A Song of Ice and Fire novels, this first season begins with the first tale, The Hedge Knight, which also happens to be the title of episode one.
So does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms live up to the rest of the HBO franchise? Or did it leave me craving for the return of some fire-breathing dragons? Let’s dive into what this series has to offer!
[Warning: spoilers from the premiere episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are below!]
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a welcome return to Westeros
From the opening moments of “The Hedge Knight”, the familiar look and iconic music immediately ground audiences back in the world of Game of Thrones. But it quickly becomes clear that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is not interested in retelling the kind of story we’ve already seen. Instead, it offers something quieter, more intimate, and surprisingly refreshing. While this may be set in the same franchise, creators Ira Parker and the author who started it all, George R. R. Martin, want A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to have an identity and voice for itself.
The series follows the adventures of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), also known as “Dunk,” who gives audiences a perspective rarely afforded in this universe: life outside the courts of kings, queens, and high lords. This is Westeros as experienced by an ordinary, struggling person, unsure of his place in the world, which feels incredibly shocking, although even more so welcoming to a franchise that is well into its second decade on television screens. While the tone feels strikingly different from what longtime fans may expect, it’s also a version of Westeros we’ve never truly seen before. The show balances that difference well, blending nostalgia with a fresh perspective.
A new perspective breathes new life into this HBO franchise
One of the most intriguing questions the premiere poses is simple but effective: What does a Game of Thrones story look like without dragons and overwhelming spectacle? The answer, at least so far, is a character-driven narrative that trusts its performances and storytelling to carry the weight.
Dunk himself is immediately likable. Despite his importance to the larger mythology, he’s humble, timid, and clearly unsure of himself. That vulnerability makes him feel human in a universe often dominated by power and ambition. His developing relationship with Egg, a Targaryen (did your heart quicken as much as mine when that name was spoken on screen once again, winking at the larger world of Westeros?), who Ser Duncan chooses as his squire, hints at a strong, brotherly bond, one that already feels genuine and emotionally grounded.
Compared to the premiere of House of the Dragon, this episode is far less action-packed and instead focuses on individual stories and characters. The pacing is slower, but intentionally so. As a standalone tale within the larger universe, it’s easy to follow even without deep lore knowledge. It’s clear that after so many years, HBO is hoping to bring a new generation of adventurers into the world of Game of Thrones without the need to watch or read everything that came before. That said, its place within the broader Game of Thrones television landscape remains unclear for now, even if there are the smallest of hints towards what’s to come across the universe, and Dunk’s long-term motivations are only just beginning to take shape.
While “The Hedge Knight” is full of wonderful performances, it’s Peter Claffey’s acting that anchors the episode. His portrayal is purposefully stiff in a way that feels authentic rather than awkward, making Dunk compelling to watch. It’s clear A Knight of Seven Kingdoms wants to honor what came before while still standing confidently on its own.
Final thoughts on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ premiere episode
Ultimately, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feels like a Game of Thrones story made for both longtime fans seeking a familiar taste of Westeros and new viewers drawn to grounded fantasy and character-focused storytelling. If the premiere is any indication, this is a quieter journey, but one well worth taking.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs Sunday on HBO and is streaming on HBO Max! Have you watched the premiere episode yet? What did you think of the episode? Let us know your thoughts @bsb.insider on social media!
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