We’ve reached the finale, and while we know a second season has been confirmed for the newest Westerosi addition, it’s still hard to say goodbye to the dynamic duo we’ve fallen in love with. Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) have captivated us and captured our hearts. We love any buddy comedy, and these two are off the charts; adorable together. Let’s dig into the fallout of the trial of the seven and what’s next for Hedge Knight and his squire.
“Begone, witch. Fuck off with you.”
Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) has come to check on Duncan and brings the maester to check on his wounds. He is obviously going to die a most horrible death from the festering, to which Lyonel kicks him away. He invites Duncan to come back home with him, to be his brother. Now granted, Baratheons haven’t 
always had the best relationships with their brothers…Robert (Mark Addy) and Stannis (Stephen Dillane) and Renly (Gethin Anthony) and all that… But he cares for Duncan, and that’s not nothing in this world.
But Duncan’s feeling a tad existential and conflicted at the moment. Lyonel’s a tad exasperated by it. And I get both sides. Duncan feels he caused the death of a good man. But Lyonel is also right when he points out that Baelor’s (Bertie Carvel) sacrifice wasn’t exactly a sacrifice. He went into the fight against men sworn not to hurt him. The only men in that arena with a shot of harming him were essentially his own kin. Because all the shade to Ser Steffon Fossoway (Edward Ashley), I don’t think he would have held his own against Baelor. So how much did the prince really risk? But regardless, Duncan seeks to attend the funeral and pay his respects.
“Plenty of sons have died in their father’s armor. How many fathers have died in their sons’?”
Daeron (Henry Ashton) is struggling, particularly with the knowledge that his father used his armor to go fight. I feel for him, but also – you contributed to all of this. Mind you, Aerion (Finn Bennett) was the main culprit behind hurting Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), which spurred this trial. But Duncan was already in everyone’s sights because of your lie. However, to Daeron’s credit, he can’t help his Targaryen madness.
Let’s not forget about our friend Raymun Fossoway (Shaun Thomas), who not only survived but got himself knighted, got himself a lady (Rowan Robinson), and wouldn’t you know it…a baby on the way! Got to hand it to the girl, she’s not stupid, and she knows how to play the game. Duncan’s not stupid either, and while I’m pretty sure he’s clocked her scheme, he doesn’t plan on being the one to ruin his friend’s happiness. They’re both making their own ways up the ladder, so they needn’t step on each other’s toes.
“I think I’m done with princes.”
Maeker (Sam Spruell) calls Duncan to him, explaining he’s sending Aerion to the Free Cities. Great, inflict him on other innocent people. I get the idea that his son will learn some things, but honestly, given your son’s inherent cruelty, wouldn’t keeping him close to home actually be the better play? Send Egg off to see the world and learn some values your other son never learned? But since Egg is his one chance to get it right, he can’t sacrifice him or his safety. But that’s fine, because Duncan kind of doesn’t want him. And then, of course, Egg is eavesdropping. And lying about it. Cheeky little shit.
The cinematography ends on the most beautiful note. Souls separate on their new journeys with gorgeous scenery around and a subtle nod to chess. It fit perfectly. This show has struck a perfect note of showing lowborn and highborn life together in Westeros. I cannot wait to see what’s ahead, but I do have to ask for one thing…can we please get more episodes? Six episodes per season are not enough. At least give us 7! But regardless, more episodes anyway, please! No matter how long it goes, I’ll stay tuned.
