A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS: SEASON ONE
Starring: Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Daniel Ings, Shaun Thomas, Danny Webb, Finn Bennett, Henry Ashton, Edward Ashley, Tanzyn Crawford, Sam Spruell, and Bertie Carvel
Creators: George R. R. Martin and Ira Parker
ROBERT
Nothing does wonders for an IP like a palette cleanser, and while that can sometimes have a negative connotation, for a teetering fandom like Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms ended up the highest-end apéritif. The comical aspects of Westeros were always bogged down in expectations and self-seriousness, but the unabashedly funny, small-scale adventures of Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) warmed the heart and soul. With minimal budget came creativity and groundedness, and the shorter episodes paved the way to a focus and efficiency other properties sorely lacked. This is the Westeros by which to aspire.
AMARÚ
The initial shock of this Game of Thrones spinoff’s comedic tone had me recalibrating how I approached it after episode one. Once I did, I found the jokes to be a refreshing addition to the normal Thrones violence, drama, and political backstabbing. Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) have a wonderful dynamic, with Claffey’s stoicism clashing perfectly with Ansell’s tenacity. I haven’t cared this much about Thrones characters’ fates since Ned Stark (Sean Bean), and their relationship, alongside an entertaining ensemble, engaging story, and energizing look at Westeros might make this the best “Dem Thrones” has been since the Battle of the Bastards.
KATIE
I approached The Knight of the Seven Kingdoms with caution, feeling apprehensive about another Game of Thrones spin-off. Thankfully, I absolutely loved it. It follows distinct, well-developed, and endlessly endearing characters, Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), whose dynamic is heart-warming and hilarious at once. Whilst it's funny, it’s also brutal and doesn’t pull its punches. Part of its charm is how simple and focused the story is, and how it isn't about royalty or the fate of the realm, but a grounded story about a knight with a good heart and his squire.
PAIGE
Having no expectations going into A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it ended up being a pleasant surprise. Frankly, it completely blew me away. My only real complaint is that the episodes are too short. This smaller-scale tale is wonderfully written and delivers a sparkle of hope within Westeros. Its more focused and grounded approach allows the dynamic between Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) to truly shine. The chemistry between Claffey and Ansell is the series’ standout, making every scene they share compelling and heartfelt. It’s scrappy, lighthearted, and an all-around great time spent in Westeros.
