I don’t know about you, but I am very happy to be transported back to Westeros. For those expecting action from the get-go: be patient. The season premiere is about introducing us fans to the characters of this tale, which fit in the time between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. So, the dragons are long gone, and Ned Stark has a good century to go before he is on the scene. This is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. You know, the Hedge Knight, Dunk & Egg.
Now, I think this show is a nice break from the hour-long episodes of GoT. That being said, I also take into consideration that as a fan, while it would be nice to have longer episodes, there are budgets to consider, actors’ contracts to be honoured, and all the extras, such as locations, permits, tradespersons, and the writing that goes into it. Good things come to those who wait. I feel like having shorter episodes will make fans appreciate being back into the Game of Thrones world. Besides, the source material were novelleas anyway, so the series can be shorter as well. I also absolutely appreciate the light-hearted content of this series. Did you catch the GoT theme starting to well up and then abruptly silenced? Just a little jab to note that this isn’t your regular GoT tale. We all know how grim and dark Game of Thrones was, and how House of the Dragon is following suit. It’s nice to see some humour and a slower, nuanced plot. Speaking about the plot, here we go.
Dunk (Peter Claffey) is our main protagonist. We see him burying his former master, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb). The weather is dismal; he is all alone in the world and doesn’t know what to do or what his place is. Imagine having no family, no established name to depend on, and no money. We literally see Dunk burying his mentor, with only three horses, a cracked shield, and some armor to carry on with.
It is on his way to the tourney in Ashford where he meets the mysterious Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). Dunk stops for the night at an inn and automatically assumes that Egg is the innkeeper’s little boy. Dunk must be cautious with his future – with no family name, no prospects, and no money, the only thing he can do to secure any means of living is to pretend he is a Hedge Knight – hence why he took his former master’s armor, shield, and horses. He is skilled enough to fight in tournaments and can handle a sword. But how to make a name for yourself and make a living when you live in Westeros? That’s an entirely different matter. You’re either born into the right family or you’re born into a different class. You must learn a trade, learn to fight, or go into service to survive and carve out a living. The thing is, Dunk is about to find out what it really means to experience jousting and medieval fighting. It’s not for the weak. He has a quick meal and drink and decides to leave to make it to Ashford in good time. When he discovers the young Egg playing around with his war horse, we hear Dunk threaten him – “Would you like a clout on the ear?” Dunk leaves the little lad behind…but we all know that won’t be the last time he sees Egg.
Meeting the Master of Games was an eye-opening event. The Master is rude, curt, and lacks manners and courtesy. Along with him constantly coughing up mucous into whatever cup or goblet was closest, no wonder why Dunk felt ill at ease. The tourney at Ashford provides plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with the right people. Dunk comes by a young man of House Fossoway, Raymun. Raymun is sparring with his older cousin – and not very successful at it, either. He also meets up with some of the ladies who are 
ever-present at the tournament, as they also have a trade to ply, and with all the men there, the market is steady. Dunk is smart enough to know that you need to enlist your name, but you also need to have the right sort of people to back you up. He partakes in a celebration in the tent of House Baratheon – thanks to his connection with the younger Fossoway. Dunk is enraptured at the sights and sounds inside the fancy tent, which belongs to The Laughing Storm – Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings, pictured). This is a well-known name and House that you want on your side. Lyonel, who is handsome, swarthy, rich, well-connected, and in one of the most well-known Houses at the tournament, is the perfect opportunity for Dunk to make connections. The best armor, the best trainers, and the best foods, drinks, and coins that one could imagine. Lyonel certainly made an impression with his dance moves, fancy clothes, exaggerated mannerisms, and ferocious laughter. He’s not called the Laughing Storm for nothing!
A night of drinking, awkward dancing, and trying to find out the rules of society leads Dunk to deduce that he is a lowly knight, and he really needs to fight his way to the top if he is to live and survive. It’s not easy being a Hedge Knight – the prostitutes don’t take him seriously; everyone he comes across either says he’s sad looking or they comment on his height. One bright moment is watching Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), a puppeteer, dazzling all with a cloth dragon story.
Dunk’s frank talk with Lord Lyonel leaves him worried for his future. When he comes back to his camp, he sees the young Egg taking care of his belongings. Egg appears to be pragmatic – he’s washed the clothing, tended to the horses, set up a proper perimeter for the area, and built a sturdy fire. He can’t be that bad to have around. Where did he learn these skills? Why is he so eager to squire for Dunk? And after watching the shooting stars, will both encounter fame and fortune? Or will there be trouble on the way?
Don’t miss A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms streaming on HBO Max and playing on HBO each Sunday at 10:00 pm ET. Join us for the journey. Next week, the Targaryens arrive at Ashford.
