'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Has Arrived & Here's Whether the New GoT Spinoff Is Worth Watching

On January 19, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the third full-length series in the Game of Thrones universe, debuted on HBO Max.

Based on George R.R. Martin's best-selling Tales of Dunk and Egg novels, the series deliberately eschews grand court intrigue and multiple plotlines for an intimate story about a knight-errant and his young squire.

What Is 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Episode 1 About?

Duncan was Ser Arlan of Pennytree's squire. After his master's death, the young man picked up his sword and proclaimed himself a hedge knight.

He sets off for a tournament at Ashford Castle, hoping to make a name for himself – and perhaps earn some money. Along the way, he meets Egg, a sharp-tongued orphan who wants to become his squire.

Upon arrival, the organizers inform him that he must first confirm his title.

'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Is a Breath of Fresh Air in the 'Game of Thrones' Universe

Following the complex Game of Thrones, with its numerous houses and characters, and the intense House of the Dragon, which focuses on one family's endless intrigues, the new show feels deliberately simple and accessible.

It's a story about a duo, not dozens of warring factions. Rather than observing the fates of continents from the throne, we see the world of Westeros from the ground up through the eyes of ordinary people who are forced to fight for survival and honor.

This creates an unusually warm atmosphere, showing the everyday lives of ordinary people and small-time knights, and making Martin's world truly tangible.

'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Episode 1 Is Rather Slow and Measured

Fans of fast-paced series, where every episode is packed with action and twists, may find the first episode a bit drawn out. There isn't a single major battle, and the plot moves slowly, focusing on the characters' journeys and personalities.

However, this slow pace is a deliberate artistic choice reminiscent of classic slow-paced dramas like Mad Men and The Wire.

The creators give viewers the opportunity to get to know the main characters, empathize with their insecurities, and experience life in Westeros.

Dunk and Egg Are Two Extremely Charming Main Characters

Peter Claffey plays Duncan, a rare character in the franchise – he is physically powerful yet emotionally vulnerable, awkward, honest, and constantly self-doubting.

His internal monologues, accompanied by flashbacks, often diverge from reality in an ironic way, creating a touching and comical effect.

His partner, the young Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell, is his complete opposite: sharp-tongued, observant, and intelligent beyond his years.

From the very first scenes, the actors' palpable chemistry is evident, and their dynamic, built on mutual teasing and budding respect, promises to be the heart of the show.

When Will 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Episode 2 Be Released?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Episode 2 is scheduled to be released on HBO Max on January 26.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Episode 1?

• A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has 88% from critics and 80% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, Episode 1 has a score of 8.4/10.