A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: S1E1 Review

Episode-Level Perspective

Episode one worked as a standalone premiere. A viewer could begin with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms never having seen either Game of Thrones nor House of the Dragon, or having read any of the source material. The tone was immediately established as character- and story-driven with strong elements of humor. Unlike its predecessor series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is less action-oriented thus far, with a clear goal of establishing Dunk as a character and his place in Westeros.

Tone & Storytelling Approach

A natural inclination would be to expect the same level of big spectacle we are used to from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Episode one instead offers a more lighthearted, down-to-earth connection to a character who is neither a king nor from a great house. There are such characters in both predecessor shows; however, in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, such a character is central to the story and series.

Series Direction

There doesn’t appear to be any hesitation in the approach to stray from set precedent, giving A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms a level of confidence in the old audience adjusting to the new approach to storytelling, while also drawing in a new crowd that may have shied away from the grit in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.

Character & Chemistry

Central relationships are being established at the beginning of the series, allowing the audience to join the journey as Dunk and Egg form their bond. Rather than presenting fully realized emotional stakes, the episode invites the audience to grow into the relationship alongside the characters, creating space for connection and intimacy to develop organically.

Dunk is immediately set up as the central character on a hero’s journey, with Egg presented as his would-be squire along the way. Dunk initially dismisses Egg’s bid to serve him, leaving him at the inn and heading off toward the tourney alone, immediately establishing tension and contrast in their dynamic.

Throughout the episode, we see several flashbacks of Dunk’s interactions with his now-deceased mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree. Despite how favorably Dunk recalls their time together, Ser Arlan appears hard on him, shaping Dunk’s sense of duty, restraint, and self-doubt.

Dunk attempts to secure an endorsement from Ser Manfred Dondarrion to enter the tourney, believing Dondarrion’s acquaintance with Ser Arlan should be enough to vouch for him. Dondarrion is initially unavailable, and after teasing by the camp women Red and Beony, Dunk is instead invited to supper at Lord Lyonel Baratheon’s tent by the younger and more agreeable of the Fossoways, Raymun Fossoway.

Baratheon is immediately funny and charismatic, recalling a Tyrion Lannister-like presence. A dance scene between Baratheon and Dunk reinforces the tonal difference between A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and its predecessor series. Baratheon appears poised to support Dunk’s entry into the tourney after Dondarrion turns him away.

Dunk also encounters a small play performed by Tanselle, who immediately catches his eye and subtly sets up a potential future love interest.

At the tourney grounds, Maynard Plumm, the master of games, offers humor and familiar character traits reminiscent of figures like Larys Strong or Petyr Baelish, though with a noticeably less refined presence.

After a difficult day, Dunk returns to his isolated camp to find that Egg has followed him, washed his clothes, and begun preparing dinner. Egg establishes himself as a worthy squire, offering Dunk encouragement, hope, and luck as a shooting star passes overhead, cementing the beginning of their bond.

Franchise Context

The atmosphere and environment are familiar, like visiting a place you already know but with a different tour guide. Perhaps it’s like getting a local guide rather than the one the resort organized. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feels like an inside look at Westeros, a peek behind the curtain.

Looking Ahead

Choosing to tell this story in 30-minute episodes rather than hour-long installments is a deliberate choice by the creators. On one hand, it fits the more intimate scale of the story, as no time felt wasted on filler content. On the other hand, there was a slight feeling of wanting more. The weeks-ahead trailer promises some action for those seeking excitement, but the greater curiosity lies in how Dunk and Egg continue to establish their relationship and how Dunk grows into confidence as he strives for glory at the tourney.

Overall, critics agree that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms opens with a noticeably different tone from previous entries in the franchise. Episode One is being praised for its smaller scale, character-driven focus, and lighter, more intimate storytelling, even as some reviewers note the slower pace may surprise viewers expecting immediate high stakes.

What Critics Are Saying

• Variety: “If Game of Thrones pointedly ran counter to certain tropes, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is outright irreverent.”
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• The Hollywood Reporter: “A smaller, smarter, funnier, and more charming glimpse into George R. R. Martin’s bigger-is-better realm.”
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• Entertainment Weekly: “The premiere sets expectations early: this is Westeros scaled down, driven by personality and humor rather than power plays and brutality.”
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• BleX: “By centering character over conquest, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms feels more approachable than previous entries in the franchise.”
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• CinemaBlend: “A refreshing, accessible entry point into the Game of Thrones universe, with a lighter tone and strong chemistry between its leads.”
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Early fan reactions largely echo the critics’ response, with many viewers praising the show’s quieter, character-focused storytelling and the chemistry between its leads. Others have focused on the premiere’s unexpected humor, sparking debate over whether the lighter tone enhances or distracts from the Westeros setting. Overall, fan conversation reflects curiosity and cautious optimism as audiences wait to see how the season balances intimacy with rising stakes.

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Critics Score: 87%

Inside the Episode

Watch Trailer: Weeks Ahead