A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isn’t like Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon. Yes, they share a universe, and some of the themes are the same, but the vibe of the show is different. This writer isn’t just referring to the goofy scenes that viewers have seen. Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon have humorous moments that made viewers laugh, too. The difference here is that there’s a feeling of hopefulness in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and it’s perfectly highlighted in episode 4 (“Seven”),
At the top of the episode, Ser Duncan is forced to face the consequences of standing up for Tanselle against Prince Aerion Targaryen. Despite the laws forcing the Dunk to be killed for his "crime," he had people inside the Targaryen family defending him. Later, Ser Duncan starts to have doubts about becoming a knight. He even goes as far as to think that he shouldn’t have helped Tanselle, and he’s being punished for, as he put it, not knowing his place. Then, like a tiny angel, Egg shows up to help him understand otherwise.
Egg and his father are all standing up for Ser Duncan in the trial of seven. They understand that going up against Prince Aerion Targaryen could lead to dire consequences, including, but not limited to, being alienated by their family and their deaths. Still, with everyone having Dunk’s back in this conflict, Ser Duncan still feels like he’s a burden and destined to cause the deaths of people who will fight for him. Then a moment happens when he gets the shield Tanselle designed.
Dunk tears up when he sees what Tanselle designed and learns that she has faith in him. And when the time comes to charge Ser Duncan for the extra work and materials, the Blacksmith asks for less. Whether it was because he believes in Dunk’s mission, saw him defend Tanselle’s honor against a tyrant, or something else doens’t matter. It further shows that there’s goodness in this dark world.
Aldo, during Dunk's talk with Ser Steffon Fossoway, Steffon says, “I do not know why tragedy oft follows after honorable men. But when I find myself without the answers, the answer always is, more glory. '” It wasn’t just an inspirational. Ser Steffon understands that bad people do awful things and get away with it. However, noble people are bound for glory and to be remembered for their good deeds.
Sadly, Ser Steffon trades his honor in for lordship. However, viewers learn that the quote remains true when Prince Baelor 'Breakspear' Targaryen fights by Dunk's side. Another example of people choosing honor over money and pride.
Lastly, when the time comes to fight, the knights who show up to help aren’t upset. In fact, they understand. One of them has a broken leg, but says as long as he can ride a horse, he can fight. Another says, “...when the crown goes against the gods, Ser Robyn goes against the crown.” So, for them, this is a fight of honor and faith. Two things that may be needed in the fictional Game of Thrones universe, and in real life.
Like a lot of you Game of Thrones fans, this writer is waiting for something tragic to happen. And, yes, I’ve looked up spoilers to see if certain characters die or if Ser Duncan has a happy or tragic ending. While I know the answers to those questions, it’s not as if the source material hasn’t been changed throughout the creation of HBO’s GOT universe. Nevertheless, I’m hoping that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms doesn’t rip my heart out. At least not yet.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow for more A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms news, opinions, interviews, and rumors as they come out.