Shairdressers Coming soon for episode 2 of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”.
HBO “Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” stands out from previous “Game of Thrones” series with its hopeful first episode. In addition to the lack of grisly deaths, the only funerals in the series premiere were those of Ser Arlan (Danny Webb), who is lovingly mourned by the series’ hedge knight protagonist, Dunk (Peter Claffey). Episode 2, admittedly, is more violent, as Dunk aims to enter – and win – the Ashford tournament to earn a living. He still does not participate in the opening match, even if he obtains an unlikely benefactor in the person of Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), who remembers Ser Arlan. This alone sets Dunk apart from all the other protagonists in the franchise: he is not yet a hero and must prove his mettle in the journey ahead.
Even an outsider like Jon Snow (Kit Harington) had his highborn statusnot to mention the truth about his lineage and how prophecies played a role in fleshing out his “Game of Thrones” arc. In contrast, Dunk grew up in Flea Bottom and Ser Arlan was not a high-ranking noble with connections, which is why most tournament knights do not remember his diligent service. Dunk wasn’t even knighted by Arlan before the old man passed away, prompting him to use a rope as a makeshift belt to secure his sword. Dunk only attracts attention because he’s unusually tall (around seven feet in the original “Dunk & Egg” novels!), while people like Raymun (Shaun Thomas) and Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) gravitate toward his nervous earnestness.
There is also Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), Dunk’s quick-witted squirewho has already established close ties with him. But is Dunk’s compassion compatible with the kill-or-be-killed world of Westeros?
Dunk may be a tender-hearted hedge knight, but he’s no pushover
Although Baelor is kind enough to vouch for Dunk, the latter has never participated in tournaments or fought with formally trained knights. This lack of experience is revealed when Dunk watches the opening match and is unable to handle how brutal it is. We see him hyperventilating as he recognizes the shortcomings of his training and the fact that he’s going up against Kingsguard-trained royalty.
Additionally, Episode 2 highlights how disconnected Dunk is from notions of cruelty or honor via bloodshed. He is far from a knight eager to fight and sees the tournament as a stepping stone to a better life. But that doesn’t mean Dunk isn’t a brave or honorable man. Indeed, George RR Martin’s source material dictates how dedicated he is to the oath to protect the innocent, something we have yet to see in the series.
This genuine compassion is reflected in the small moments with Egg, who Dunk welcomes and promises to take care of him even though he has almost nothing to his name. The two may bicker and joke from time to time, but Dunk is clearly protective of the child (who, in turn, trusts Dunk enough to be a squire to him). After the first tournament, Dunk opens up to Egg, acknowledging the fact that Arlan was not a true knight since he did not die in battle. But Arlan raised him well enough, which fuels Dunk’s determination to continue. Such transparent honesty is rather refreshing, considering how even the best heroes are often unaware of their flaws. But not Ser Duncan the Great, who will hopefully defend himself (and those who deserve it) when the need arises.
New episodes of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” air Sundays on HBO.
