A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2 Review | TIR Screens

Brief Recap Episode 1

Introductions were made in episode 1, we were introduced to the main characters, Ser Duncan The Tall “Dunk” and went along as he met his squire to be “Egg”. Dunk told us of his deceased mentor Ser Arlan of Pennytree, and we watched Dunk journey to the Ashford Meadow in hopes of earning his place as a True Knight in the tourney. A true knight has honor, likely a recognized name and perhaps land. Dunk on the other hand is a Hedge Knight, landless with questionable lineage. See the ep1 review here.

Legitimacy and Access

Dunk continues trying to find support to gain access to a place in the tourney, as he requires someone of status to vouch for him based on their knowledge of Ser Arlan of Pennytree and Dunk was turned down by Lord Dondarrion in episode 1. Dunk is also met by lords denying their acquaintance of the late Ser Arlan in episode 2 but finds support in the Targaryen Prince Baelor.

Identity, Symbols, and Labor

After gaining tourney admission, he has a second encounter with Tanselle (Tanselle Too Tall), who we met briefly in ep 1, who agrees to paint a new sigil for Dunk, as he can’t use that of Ser Arlan’s as he is not blood lineage. With design assistance from Egg, Dunk’s sigil is to be an elm tree on brown background with a shooting star over it, we are looking forward to seeing it in the upcoming episode.

Dunk then introduces us to Steely Pate, the armor, who he barters with to procure armor for the upcoming tournament. Dunk continues to find his place in Ashford, participating in a tug of war at the behest of Lord Lyonel Baratheon “the Laughing Storm”, the charismatic standout we met in episode 1.

Relationships

There is a budding romance growing between the two as we see Dunk seeking counsel from young Egg about their interaction, Egg commenting that they have being tall in common. Per creator George R.R. Martin, it is also a characteristic of a descendant we are very familiar with from Game of Thrones, Brienne of Tarth.

Dunk–Egg Dynamic

Episode 2 provided more context for the story, Dunk’s place and his journey figuring out both the world around him and his place in it without Ser Arlan to tell him what that is. Compared to episode 1, we see the wheels turning and Dunk’s outlook and perspective of the world changing. He gave Egg a more honest take on the person Ser Arlan was and his relationship with him. He constantly reminds those around him that he is worthy of the space he takes up.

The same can be said for Egg. He proves valuable to Dunk as a guide and even young mentor helping him navigate not only the customs Dunk is unaware of but offering support in matters of the heart, all while hiding in plain sight from his Targaryen family who is looking for him. Egg’s value lies not only in loyalty but in his instinctive understanding of status and power, a skill sharpened by the secret he’s still hiding in plain sight.

TIR Episode Rating: 7.5

What Critics Are Saying

• On Rotten Tomatoes’ review aggregator page, critics summarize the episode as “incredibly encouraging — and occasionally, even touching”, noting the effective contrast in class and character building, even if it doesn’t sprint forward narratively. 🔗 Read Rotten Tomatoes Review
• Den of Geek — “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2 Review: Hard Salt Beef”: Critics there highlight how the episode deepens character stakes and places Dunk’s legacy front and center: “Dunk’s strangely melancholy, reflecting on the life that Ser Arlan lived… ‘I am his legacy,’ Dunk says, and it sounds like a promise.” This review praises narrative nuance alongside the Targaryen arrival and how the episode honors the spirit of the source material. 🔗 Read Den of Geek Review
• Decider – This article frames Episode 2 as a continuation of Dunk’s journey toward recognition and identity, highlighting his social struggle and the narrative payoff as he gets closer to competing in the tourney: “Dunk’s introspective narration and grittier, humble view of life in Westeros—far removed from noble privilege—bring a more personal flavor to the world.” 🔗 Read Decider Review

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: Critics Score: 95%

IMDB Rating: 8.5/10

Inside the Episode

Watch Trailer: Weeks Ahead