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Come join us again in 2027 when we (hopefully) get season 2
Well, this is the final chapter in our tale of live reacting to the “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 1 finale. Join us back in 2027 when we’re supposed to get season 2, which is currently in production.
If you don’t want to wait quite that long to hear from us, though, make sure to follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
Could ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ run into the same issue that ruined ‘Game of Thrones’?
On the subject of existing texts … well, let’s just say George has done it again. “A Song of Ice and Fire” author George R.R. Martin is notorious for leaving some stones unturned, as he still has yet to finish his seminal series.
That led to problems in “Game of Thrones” where the showrunners ran out of source material to go off of in the final few seasons. The final seasons were poorly paced and made decisions that stunned and angered fans, declaring them out of character.
Well, bad news, friends. George has only finished three novellas in the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” series. He’s said there are as many as 12 (!) novellas he has mapped out, but are as of yet unfinished.
The good news is that Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon’s stories are relatively set in stone, with a definitive endpoint in the Westerosi canon. So while “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” could run into the same problem that derailed “Game of Thrones,” there’s at least an end of the road that we’re ultimately heading towards, rather than seemingly having to make it up as we go along. — MM
What to expect in season 2?
In terms of what the show gives us, we know that Dunk and Egg are off on a new adventure, purportedly with the blessing of Prince Maekar — though we know that’s not quite the case.
But we know for a fact that season 2 will adapt the novella “The Sworn Sword,” which was published as part of the “Legends II” anthology. If you don’t want to be spoiled at all, turn back now, but I’m not going to give up much in the next paragraph.
“The Sworn Sword” kicks off with Dunk in the Reach in the service of Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast. He’s a complicated character, as we learn, and this story is largely set within the confines of a (relatively) local squabble over land. So if you’re someone who likes getting into the weeds of the feudal system of Westeros, season 2 could be the season for you! But don’t be surprised if the showrunners add a wrinkle or two to the existing text. — MM
Season 1 wraps up neatly, and we’re on to our next adventure
Overall, a solid season finale. Definitely tame compared to the previous two episodes, but that happens sometimes with finales. Sure, there are some season finales, including a few “Game of Thrones” season finales, that leave you stunned. But often, it’s the penultimate episode that drops the hammer, and then the finale is left to clean up whatever is left.
That was certainly the case for “The Morrow.” But despite the lack of a stunning moment or an incredible monologue, it was more than serviceable. A fine cap to an excellent season of television. — MM
What is that song?
As the credits roll, we hear “Sixteen Tons” performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford. If it’s a familiar tune, that’s not a total shock. The pro-Union anthem about hauling tons of coal has been covered numerous times and features in shows and movies on several occasions. For an episode that started with an anachronistic needle drop, it’s fitting that we end with another.
But this choice must have a deeper meaning other than being a great song. Dunk has often felt like a stand-in for the proletariat during this season, but he’s about to train a Targaryen, so I wouldn’t attribute it to anti-royalist sentiment. Perhaps the song is referring to the life of servitude that Dunk has just agreed to undertake, forever destined to serve the crown as Egg’s guardian.
Turns out Aegon is a liar — roll credits!
In a, perhaps unsurprising twist, Maekar reveals that Egg hasn’t been granted permission to squire with Dunk. Instead, he’s run off again, lying to Dunk (again) in the process. Weirdly, a satisfying bookend to the story; we start and end with Egg misleading Dunk to go on an adventure with him.
Egg returns! And drops a bombshell!
Egg arrives right as Dunk is departing, saying his father has allowed him to squire with Dunk. But that’s not the biggest reveal Egg drops on us. Turns out, there are nine Kingdoms! We then get a title card, “A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms,” as our heroes ride off into the wide world of Westeros. Hopefully, that’s not a permanent name change.
Dunk prepares to leave, only to be reunited with Ser Arlan’s beloved horse, Sweetfoot. It’s revealed Ser Raymun has bought back Dunk’s horse, which Dunk then promptly gifts to his newly knighted friend, knowing that Sweetfoot is far better off surrounded by apples.
Dunk agrees to take Egg on as a squire, but a hedge knight’s squire — and is rebuffed
Here, we get an incredibly deep, yet brief exchange between the prince and the knight. Maekar refuses to have his son live as a peasant and eat hard salt beef. Dunk replies that Daeron and Aerion both lived as princes and did not turn out to be worthy of being kings. Maekar, stunningly, seems to agree with that last part, calling Egg his “last son.”
A reference to the fact that he won’t have another son at this stage in his life? It could be. Or perhaps, it’s an acknowledgement that even he knows Daeron is lost and Aerion is a monster, leaving Aegon his last hope for an untainted legacy.
Egg is ready to break
Egg just walked into Aerion’s room, ready to extinguish the “Brightflame.” But waiting in the room is Prince Maeker, who seems to have anticipated this, even appearing to understand that Egg might want to kill his wounded brother as he lies sleeping, an act that would be considered heinous, even for a Targaryen prince.
Prince Daeron pleads with Dunk to take Egg as a squire
At Beesbury’s funeral, Dareon (Henry Ashton) comes to Dunk, and he’s an unwelcome sight. But he’s also the second Targaryen to ask Dunk to take Egg on as a squire.
Turns out Dunk isn’t the knight anyone thought he was
Aegon’s parting words to Dunk are “Maybe you’re not the knight I thought you were.” We then flashback to a conversation where Ser Arlan tells the tale of how he got the name Ser Arlan of Pennytree.
Except it’s not a flashback, something that’s visually apparent from the lack of the vignette at the borders of the shot’s frame. Dunk instead is asking Ser Arlan a question from beyond the grave: “Why did you never knight me?” A stunning revelation, though one that some viewers have suspected to be the case.
What is Dunk doing?? Take Egg to be your squire, you lunk!
But there is a catch — he’d have to swear to serve Maekar. While he was keen to swear fealty to Baelor a day past, Dunk seems less keen on it now. He says he’s done with princes, which Prince Aegon (Dexter Sol Ansell) overhears.
Dunk meets with Prince Maekar
Misery may love company, but Prince Maekar doesn’t appear to hold any love for Dunk. He expects both to be blamed for his brother, Baelor’s, death, and is highly skeptical that the cost was worth saving Dunk.
Mazel tov to Ser Raymun
After the funeral, Dunk runs into Ser Raymun (Shaun Thomas), who seems in good spirits. He’s just beaten his cousin, is newly knighted and has a new shield and a fresh sigil to go with the new title. He’s also got a new wife, Rowan (Rowan Robinson), who we know better as Red, the sex worker in Ser Manfred’s (Daniel Monks) employ.
Baelor is burned
We see Baelor put to rest by (symbolic) dragonfire, and then Dunk goes to talk to Baelor’s son, Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan). It, um … does not go well, and Baelor’s heir dismisses Dunk from his presence.
Lyonel Baratheon makes Dunk an offer
After a surprisingly jazzy cold open, we see Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) chatting with Dunk, and he makes the budding hedge knight an incredible offer: “Come with me to Storm’s End, and I will love you like a brother.”
But Dunk doesn’t accept, at least not yet. He seems shaken by Lyonel’s happiness to see a Targaryen dead. Especially a Targaryen that Dunk feels responsible for getting killed.
Grab your wine and hard salt beef — just 20 minutes to go!
There are just 20 minutes to go before the season finale of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 1 kicks off. Once it starts, it’s just 29 minutes from start to finish, so you want to go ahead and grab your snacks now. As soon as the opening hits, you won’t have a spare moment to take a break. I’ll be live-blogging every scene of the finale, so stay tuned. — MM
Can’t wait for more Dunk & Egg’s adventures? Pick up “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” now
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to Dunk and Egg, I’ve got bad news: after today, we won’t be seeing them for a little while. Sure, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 2 was given the go-ahead before the first season premiered, but HBO has said Dunk and Egg’s adventures won’t continue until 2027.
If you need more from our new unlikely heroes, there’s an easy way to get up to speed on what’s still to come for the pair: you could always read the book “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is based on! — MS
Your favorite moment from season 1 so far
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 1 has only been six episodes (at about half an hour a piece). Yet so much has happened! It’s hard to pick one moment as the best, but we’re gonna make you do it:
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ has re-energized my inner ‘Game of Thrones’ fan
Because I’ve been keeping tabs on all the rumored “Game of Thrones” spinoffs and because I was a little dissatisfied by the “House of the Dragon” season 2 finale, I went into “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” with slightly lower expectations.
I read all three of Dunk & Egg’s stories well in advance of the show’s premiere and really warmed to the two titular heroes, and knew knew it wasn’t going to be the same kind of “Thrones” show, so I went into this new spinoff hoping to just have a good time — but going into tonight’s finale, I’m ready to crown it my show of the year, so far.
Despite a slower start, this has been a great watch, boasting a strong sense of humor that’s been a little lacking in its bigger, grander cousin. I knew the story beats that were coming, but they’ve been rendered brilliantly in the show, and it’s featured some all-time “Thrones” moments; Dunk’s big speech, Baelor’s hands feeling like wood, and, of course, Dunk’s desperate brawl with Prince Aerion.
About six months ago, I was wondering whether Westeros might have lost its luster, but going into tonight’s finale (and having just watched that “House of the Dragon” season 3 trailer), I’m fully aboard this particular fantasy hype train all over again. — MS
Speaking of ‘House of the Dragon,’ it’s coming back this June
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” time on the Iron Throne might be short-lived, though. We’re getting not one, but two “Game of Thrones” spin-offs this year, because “House of the Dragon” is returning with season 3 this June.
On Thursday, we got a season 3 teaser trailer for the show, and I’ll admit, I’m ready to be hurt again. While season 2 underwhelmed and felt like it ran out of money by the end, season 3 looks like a big-budget bloodbath and I cannot wait to see how it goes and who is still alive by the end. — MM
Does the finale need to be good for ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ to surpass ‘House of the Dragon’
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is, notably, not the only “Game of Thrones” spin-off we have. It’s not even the first. “House of the Dragon” already has two seasons in the books and two more are coming.
But the retelling of the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of Dragons has been far rockier than the retelling of Dunk and Egg’s adventures. The second season was not beloved, and I even declared that it was repeating the biggest mistakes from “Game of Thrones.”
Frankly, “Seven” alone has me rating this show higher than its older sibling, and unless the season finale totally drops the ball, I think “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has taken the Iron Throne for now. Even a merely underwhelming finale wouldn’t have me changing my tune. Simply put, this show has executed its storytelling far better than “House of the Dragon.” — MM
Understanding Maeker and his sons
I’ve been enjoying the videos made by A Game of Thrones Historian on TikTok. Here’s one that delves into Maeker’s relationships with his sons, particularly the three at the tournament: Daeron, Aerion and Egg. Getting insights into those relationships, grounded by the books, is valuable to understanding the series. – KW
The Blackfyre Rebellions for beginners
I just mentioned Daemon Blackfyre’s rebellion, which is a spectre that looms over the world of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” though we only get brief glimpses of its aftermath. This was the first of several Blackfyre Rebellions, which played a major role in weakening the Targaryen dynasty in the lead-up to “Game of Thrones.”
So I felt a brief explainer of these rebellions against the throne could be useful context, and I’m going to keep things spoiler-free in terms of “House of the Dragon” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” But if you want no spoilers whatsoever, just skip over this post.
OK, everyone who wants to be gone is gone? Let’s dive into it.
The Blackfyre Rebellion was the first of five attempts by House Blackfyre to usurp the Iron Throne from their Targaryen relatives. The name comes from the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre, which was given to the bastard Daemon Waters by his father, King Aegon IV, and the house took on the Targaryen sigil and colors, but reversed to portray a black dragon on a red field rather than a red dragon on a black field.
Aegon IV had a lot of bastards, dubbed “Great Bastards,” but when he died, he legitimized them all, including Daemon. Not long after Aegon’s death, Daemon declared he was the legitimate heir, and his half-brother, King Daeron II, was really the bastard of Aegon’s brother, Aemon. He then summoned an army to fight against the crown, which was then destroyed by Daeron II and the great houses of the Seven Kingdoms at the Battle of the Redgrass Fields.
That’s where “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” picks up, and House Blackfyre will get mentioned again as this series goes on. The last Blackfyre Pretender wasn’t defeated until 257 AC (After Conquest), mere decades before the events of “Game of Thrones.” — MM
Dunk’s flashback gives us a deeper insight into the world of Westeros
In last week’s episode, we got two episodes in one. There was the Trial of Seven between Dunk and his comrades against Prince Aerion (Finn Bennett) and his knights, but there was also a lengthy flashback to Dunk’s time in King’s Landing and the origins of how he became the squire to Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb).
In this flashback, we see a couple of things that hint at the larger world of “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Dunk (portrayed by Bamber Todd in this flashback) and his childhood friend Rafe (Chloe Lea) are raiding a battlefield just outside the city, which fans of the books will know as the site of the Battle of the Redgrass Field. This is part of Daemon Blackfyre’s rebellion against the crown, which gets a few mentions across the season.
We also get a mention of Essos and the Free Cities. In “Game of Thrones,” these are meant to feel a world away from Westeros, but in this show, we’re reminded that Essos is just across the Narrow Sea, and travel between the continents is simply a matter of having enough money. — MM
Pour one out for a good one: RIP Baelor Targaryen
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a very different kind of show from “Game of Thrones.” But one thing is true in both: Good men don’t last long in Westeros. – Kelly Woo
Baelor gave us the moment of the season in ‘Seven’
Tonight might be the finale, but the emotional climax of this movie was undoubtedly Baelor’s (Bertie Carvel) reveal that he’d be fighting alongside Dunk, aka Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), at the Trial of Seven. As a Targaryen, the crown prince and the Hand of the King, the idea of him fighting against his family in what’s nominally a fight to the death is a stunning one. But for the character we’d seen crafted in front of our eyes over the season to that point, it was the only choice that Baelor could make.
Fans of the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas that this show is based on knew this moment was coming, but even they couldn’t have anticipated the needle drop of the “Game of Thrones” theme that accompanied Baelor’s announcement. It’s the high point of the season, bar none, and might be the best moment “Game of Thrones” has had on HBO since “The Winds of Winter” back in 2016. — MM
Join us live as ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ season 1 ends tonight with a brief 29-minute finale
Welcome to our live coverage of “The Morrow,” the season 1 finale of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” We’re just two hours away from when the episode will start at 10 p.m. ET, and in the lead-up to the opening scene, we’re recapping what’s happened so far, diving a bit into Westerosi history and making some (potentially) dragonfire-level hot takes.
But once the show starts, you’ll want to make sure you’re paying attention so you don’t miss a moment. This final episode of season 1 is just 29 minutes long from when it starts to when the credits roll, so looking down at your phone for even a moment could cause you to miss a significant portion of the episode. — Malcolm McMillan
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