“Peter Claffey as Dunk, left, and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg in HBO’s “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” (Steffan Hill/HBO/TNS)
Advertised as a much tamer look into the “Game of Thrones” world of Westeros, I was unsure of how I would like this universe’s newest series “A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms.”
Used to and loving the grandiose castles, fire breathing dragons, and magical-entity-filled world of the previous two series, I initially thought this series would appear lackluster. However, I was pleasantly proven wrong.
Premiering on Jan. 18, 2026, this series is based on another of George R. R. Martin’s works: “The Hedge Knight.”
Hedge knights (often lowborn individuals with no family name and little money) wander around the land in search of employment from lords. These nomads, including our main character, obtain their name from their tendency to sleep under hedges and trees.
Through the simple yet charming hedge knight known as Dunk, short for Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), it feels like a story following a person just like me and you.
Dunk, alongside a young boy named Egg (Dexter Sol Anell), who he names as his squire, is a man trying to find his place in the chaotic world of Westeros. A rarity, Dunk grew up during a moment of peace, sheltered from the world’s workings we’ve followed in past series.
A nine year old boy, Egg seems to know everything about everything, a stark contrast to Dunk struggling to even remember noble houses.
Providing a comedic tone and interesting companionship between the two, each mentors the other on various aspects of the treacherous world.
Knighted by his former master, who we see Dunk laying to rest in the opening scene of the show, I see Dunk’s situation in my own life and many others here at SXU.
Similar to us as we begin our careers, Dunk is a person who has suddenly been thrust into the real world, no longer shielded by his master, and must find his way on his own from the bottom up.
With the initial arc following Dunk joining a tournament with the goal of winning riches and establishing a name for himself, we are constantly reminded how far down the hierarchical pyramid we have fallen compared to past shows.
A surprisingly honest man, Dunk is a rare good-intentioned person in a land usually filled with deception, death, and conflict. You can’t help but feel hopeful when watching him.
While the series maintains the gritty feel of the previous two series, one aspect that’s different yet enthralling is the humor.
In previous series, humor came about through clever quips which still served to carry the plot forward. Here, we see much more physicality, a reminder that we are no longer following noble-borns who have a certain reputation to uphold.
Alongside humor, the cinematography takes a more grounded route than its predecessors. Opting to follow the two almost exclusively, as opposed to a constant swapping between groups.
This approach gives the series an intimate feel. I felt as though I was part of their group, experiencing everything they see and hear right there with them.
A parallel to the end of our careers as students, Dunk is on a journey into the unknown. Put down at every turn, he is a reminder to keep pushing no matter how far we are from the top.
With three episodes out so far, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has been a refreshing look into the “Game of Thrones” universe. Leaving me eagerly anticipating each Sunday night, I can’t wait for more.
“A Knight of The Seven Kingdoms” is now streaming on HBO Max.