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2026-02-23T17:47:05.897Z
What happens to Lyonel Baratheon?
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
While we know Dunk and Egg are off to new adventures (particularly their experiences in the second novella, “The Sworn Sword”), what do we know about what happens to the other characters? Let’s delve into the future of one of the breakouts of season 1: Lyonel Baratheon.
Warning: Spoilers from the books!
Seriously … lots of spoilers ahead.
The “Laughing Storm” almost certainly parties hard across the realm before eventually becoming Lord of Storm’s End. He maintains a strong alliance with Egg once he becomes king, but that falls apart when Aegon’s son and heir, Prince Duncan (yes, named after Dunk), forsakes his engagement to Lyonel’s daughter to elope with Jenny of Oldstones. Angry and insulted, Lyonel begins a rebellion against the Targaryens, which ends with a trial by combat fought by Dunk.
Lyonel loses, but survives and retains his position. King Aegon, trying to make peace, sends his daughter, Rhaelle, to Storm’s End. She marries Lyonel’s son, Ormund. Rhaelle and Ormund’s grandson is Robert Baratheon, whose own rebellion ends House Targaryen’s centuries-long claim on the Iron Throne.
It’s extremely unlikely that we’ll see Lyonel on future seasons of “AKOTSK,” but — hey, we can hold out hope for a cameo.
2026-02-23T17:01:08.597Z
What’s up with Maeker’s other son, Aemon?
2026-02-23T16:20:59.062Z
Current state of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ season 2
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
If you’re wondering when season 2 is coming, there’s good news. In an interview with Deadline, HBO chief Casey Bloys said that “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” will be an annual show. Filming already began in Belfast, Northern Ireland, back in December of 2025, so it seems like showrunner Ira Parker is on track to deliver on Bloys’ promise.
2026-02-23T15:32:24.893Z
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ episodes ranked by IMDb ratings
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
Speaking of IMDb, here’s the breakdown on which “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” episodes were rated the highest by viewers. Just bear in mind that review bombing might have taken a few episodes a few notches lower that they would be otherwise.
“Seven” (episode 104): 9.6 out of 10 (92K ratings)”In the Name of the Mother” (episode 105): 9.5 out of 10 (144K ratings)”The Squire” (episode 103): 9.1 out of 10 (68K ratings)”The Morrow” (episode 106): 8.6 out of 10 (35K ratings)”Hard Salt Beef” (episode 102): 8.4 out of 10 (62K ratings)”The Hedge Knight” (episode 101): 8.2 out of 10 (65K ratings)
2026-02-23T15:05:30.173Z
‘Breaking Bad’ vs ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’
(Image credit: Ursula Coyote/AMC)
The most stunning part of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” isn’t that it’s been great. Yes, it’s a pleasant surprise, but “A Song of Ice and Fire” has produced great episodes and seasons of shows before.
No, the most shocking thing about this “Game of Thrones” spin-off is the beef it’s started between George R.R. Martin stans and lovers of one of the greatest shows of all time … “Breaking Bad.”
If you haven’t followed this feud, here’s the lowdown. “Ozymandias,” the 14th episode of Breaking Bad season 5, used to be the episode to score a perfect 10.0 rating on IMDb. But that record was broken when “In the Name of the Mother,” episode 5 of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” debuted on IMDB with a 10.0 rating of its own.
“Breaking Bad” fans couldn’t let that stand, so they started to “review bomb” (intentionally give poor reviews to lower a rating) “In the Name of the Mother.” Clearly, they forget that the North remembers, as “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” fans then review bombed “Ozymandias.”
Now, nobody has a 10.0. This is why we can’t have nice things. — MM
2026-02-23T14:15:03.444Z
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ has been a big hit for HBO Max
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
I’ll be really interested to see if and when viewing figures come in for the season finale, as, so far, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has been a major success for HBO Max.
If you didn’t know, it was reported last Friday that the new “Game of Thrones” spinoff has practically been appointment viewing for HBO. The series has been averaging close to 13 million U.S. viewers per episode. Per Variety, that means the show is “on pace to be the third biggest series debut in the history of HBO Max.”
Plus, HBO said three-day viewership for each episode has grown from week to week (barring the fourth episode, which aired early due to Super Bowl LX), with the penultimate episode drawing in 9.2 million U.S. cross-platform viewers in its first three days of availability. I wonder how many tuned in for the finale? — MS
2026-02-23T13:45:02.873Z
Go ‘Inside the Episode’ with the ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ companion series
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Inside the Episode: Season 1 Episode 6 | HBO – YouTube
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I’ve spent my morning digging around for news stories and reflections on the “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season finale, and if you want to soak up as much info about the show as possible, there’s another official companion to the show you should go stream, too.
Alongside the official podcast, HBO also releases a shorter “Inside the Episode” video series, which does exactly what that title would imply. Through chats with cast and crew, each episode briefly unpicks the corresponding episode, and you can go watch the clip for the season finale now. — MS
2026-02-23T13:10:34.927Z
Dive deeper into the finale with the ‘Official Game of Thrones’ podcast
George R. R. Martin on AKOTSK Finale | Official Game of Thrones Podcast: AKOTSK Episode 56 (HBO) – YouTube
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If you want even more info about the latest season, you could always go and listen to the new episode of the “Official Game of Thrones Podcast.” You can either watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
In the episode, hosts Jason Concepcion and Greta Johnsen reflect on the finale, throw back to a discussion with George R.R. Martin at New York Comic Con, where he explained why the finale was his favorite episode of the season, and discuss their thoughts about the finale with Ira Parker. — MS
2026-02-23T12:50:36.380Z
Have your say: which ‘Game of Thrones’ show is best?
(Image credit: HBO)
We’ve already asked for your thoughts on the season as a whole, but I thought I’d pose another question entirely, given how much fun “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has been. Of the three shows based on George R.R. Martin’s books, which one is your favorite? — MS
2026-02-23T12:22:37.077Z
That Prince Maekar scene “will be addressed,” says showrunner
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
As mentioned, the season ended with a sweary outburst from Maekar, confirming that Egg ran away against his wishes. Sam Spruell might have confirmed he’s not in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 2, but Ira Parker has said there are plans to “address” what happened in the future. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Parker said that the added scene (which wasn’t in the original story) “will be addressed” — though it also sounds like it won’t massively shape the next season, either.
“I would say we are attempting to be as compartmentalized as possible. That’s the nature of the novellas. It’s not that there are uncertain strings that are pulled all the way through, but every season Dunk and Egg are in a new place, we set up a story, we tell you the story, and we close out the story.”
“So this is a little bit of a thread, but I don’t want to start getting into two big ripple effects that change the nature of the story we’re allowed to tell in [season] 2 that make it too big. It will be addressed, but hopefully it will not detract from anyone’s enjoyment of “The Sworn Sword.”” — MS
2026-02-23T11:29:07.345Z
What’s up with that title change?
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” ended with a title card changed to “A Knight of the NINE Kingdoms” following that revelation from Aegon. If you’re left wondering whether that’s a real name change, it sounds like it was just showrunner Ira Parker having a good time.
Speaking to Variety (who opened their interview with a question about the title change), Parker seemed to just be having a bit of fun and leaning into the series’ vibe.
“That’s maybe me getting a little too jokey,” Parker said. “People may hate it or crucify me for that, but there’s a bit of a lighter touch to these shows. And I’m going to learn some things. People are going to have a reaction to it, and I’m going to have a reaction to it after not seeing it for a few months. And we’ll see.
“I like it. Enough of the wonderful creatives that I worked with liked it, too. It came from an honest place. It’s all true. It’s nine kingdoms at that point. We want to make Westeros a fun place to hang out, even when terrible, terrible things are happening and everyone’s sad, just like real life. You can still make jokes at a shiva, and it’s OK. We need that relief. So even in a bad spot, Dunk and Egg and still Dunk and Egg again.” — MS
2026-02-23T10:43:47.886Z
Get to know Maekar Targaryen a little better
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
Want to get inside the head of the man who played Maekar Targaryen? Now you can. The Hollywood Reporter recently published an interview with actor Sam Spruell, wherein the British actor discusses Maekar’s role in the series and confirms that he he won’t be cropping up in season two. It sees Spruell discussing Maekar’s emotions following the Trial of Seven, and how he is feeling when his youngest son runs after Dunk to continue their adventures.
Asked if the Targaryen Prince sees Egg’s move as a “gut punch,” Spruell said: “Yeah, exactly. It says something about Aegon’s judgment of where he’s going to get the best paternal figure and where he’s going to learn about the world in a more morally stable way. There is a wisdom to Dunk that comes naturally and instinctually, and I don’t think Maekar will ever get close to it.
“That’s what makes Dunk’s heroic nature so compelling. It is just in him in a way that it’s not in Maekar. So Egg can see that as well. He can see that if he’s to be the person that he wants to be, he must follow Dunk rather than his own father, which is unbelievably upsetting for Maekar. So I hope that some of that upset and humiliation will be explored potentially in future books or seasons of the show,” Spruell adds. — MS
2026-02-23T09:35:32.241Z
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ finale reviews are in…
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
As the dust settles on that “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” finale, I figured I’d see how the episode went down with critics — and it looks like we weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the show, judging by the reactions out there.
At IGN, the finale earned an 8/10 from Jim Vejvoda, who wrote: “There’s a small but welcome return of humor after a couple of very gloomy episodes, but for the most part “The Morrow” is a dramatic and ultimately hopeful conclusion to what’s been a wonderful journey back through Westeros.”
Likewise, Den of Geek’s Lacy Baugher said the show “wraps up its pretty perfect first season with a quiet, reflective, and yes, pretty perfect, finale.”
Reflecting on the themes of the series at AV Club, Jarrod Jones also proclaimed it 2 “terrific season finale” and praised the series’ “six exceptionally well-crafted episodes.” — MS
2026-02-23T04:31:04.684Z
Come join us again in 2027 when we (hopefully) get season 2
(Image credit: HBO)
Well, this is the final chapter in our tale of live reacting to the “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 1 finale. Join us back in 2027 when we’re supposed to get season 2, which is currently in production.
If you don’t want to wait quite that long to hear from us, though, make sure to follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
2026-02-23T04:10:49.859Z
Could ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ run into the same issue that ruined ‘Game of Thrones’?
On the subject of existing texts … well, let’s just say George has done it again. “A Song of Ice and Fire” author George R.R. Martin is notorious for leaving some stones unturned, as he still has yet to finish his seminal series.
That led to problems in “Game of Thrones” where the showrunners ran out of source material to go off of in the final few seasons. The final seasons were poorly paced and made decisions that stunned and angered fans, declaring them out of character.
Well, bad news, friends. George has only finished three novellas in the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” series. He’s said there are as many as 12 (!) novellas he has mapped out, but are as of yet unfinished.
The good news is that Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon’s stories are relatively set in stone, with a definitive endpoint in the Westerosi canon. So while “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” could run into the same problem that derailed “Game of Thrones,” there’s at least an end of the road that we’re ultimately heading towards, rather than seemingly having to make it up as we go along. — MM
2026-02-23T03:55:08.463Z
What to expect in season 2?
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
In terms of what the show gives us, we know that Dunk and Egg are off on a new adventure, purportedly with the blessing of Prince Maekar — though we know that’s not quite the case.
But we know for a fact that season 2 will adapt the novella “The Sworn Sword,” which was published as part of the “Legends II” anthology. If you don’t want to be spoiled at all, turn back now, but I’m not going to give up much in the next paragraph.
“The Sworn Sword” kicks off with Dunk in the Reach in the service of Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast. He’s a complicated character, as we learn, and this story is largely set within the confines of a (relatively) local squabble over land. So if you’re someone who likes getting into the weeds of the feudal system of Westeros, season 2 could be the season for you! But don’t be surprised if the showrunners add a wrinkle or two to the existing text. — MM
2026-02-23T03:40:27.847Z
Your reaction to the finale
2026-02-23T03:32:39.349Z
Season 1 wraps up neatly, and we’re on to our next adventure
Overall, a solid season finale. Definitely tame compared to the previous two episodes, but that happens sometimes with finales. Sure, there are some season finales, including a few “Game of Thrones” season finales, that leave you stunned. But often, it’s the penultimate episode that drops the hammer, and then the finale is left to clean up whatever is left.
That was certainly the case for “The Morrow.” But despite the lack of a stunning moment or an incredible monologue, it was more than serviceable. A fine cap to an excellent season of television. — MM
2026-02-23T03:30:05.845Z
What is that song?
As the credits roll, we hear “Sixteen Tons” performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford. If it’s a familiar tune, that’s not a total shock. The pro-Union anthem about hauling tons of coal has been covered numerous times and features in shows and movies on several occasions. For an episode that started with an anachronistic needle drop, it’s fitting that we end with another.
But this choice must have a deeper meaning other than being a great song. Dunk has often felt like a stand-in for the proletariat during this season, but he’s about to train a Targaryen, so I wouldn’t attribute it to anti-royalist sentiment. Perhaps the song is referring to the life of servitude that Dunk has just agreed to undertake, forever destined to serve the crown as Egg’s guardian.
2026-02-23T03:29:42.848Z
Turns out Aegon is a liar — roll credits!
In a, perhaps unsurprising twist, Maekar reveals that Egg hasn’t been granted permission to squire with Dunk. Instead, he’s run off again, lying to Dunk (again) in the process. Weirdly, a satisfying bookend to the story; we start and end with Egg misleading Dunk to go on an adventure with him.
2026-02-23T03:29:04.300Z
Egg returns! And drops a bombshell!
Egg arrives right as Dunk is departing, saying his father has allowed him to squire with Dunk. But that’s not the biggest reveal Egg drops on us. Turns out, there are nine Kingdoms! We then get a title card, “A Knight of the Nine Kingdoms,” as our heroes ride off into the wide world of Westeros. Hopefully, that’s not a permanent name change.
2026-02-23T03:25:30.974Z
Dunk prepares to leave, only to be reunited with Ser Arlan’s beloved horse, Sweetfoot. It’s revealed Ser Raymun has bought back Dunk’s horse, which Dunk then promptly gifts to his newly knighted friend, knowing that Sweetfoot is far better off surrounded by apples.
2026-02-23T03:23:39.211Z
Dunk agrees to take Egg on as a squire, but a hedge knight’s squire — and is rebuffed
Here, we get an incredibly deep, yet brief exchange between the prince and the knight. Maekar refuses to have his son live as a peasant and eat hard salt beef. Dunk replies that Daeron and Aerion both lived as princes and did not turn out to be worthy of being kings. Maekar, stunningly, seems to agree with that last part, calling Egg his “last son.”
A reference to the fact that he won’t have another son at this stage in his life? It could be. Or perhaps, it’s an acknowledgement that even he knows Daeron is lost and Aerion is a monster, leaving Aegon his last hope for an untainted legacy.
2026-02-23T03:21:12.795Z
Egg is ready to break
Egg just walked into Aerion’s room, ready to extinguish the “Brightflame.” But waiting in the room is Prince Maeker, who seems to have anticipated this, even appearing to understand that Egg might want to kill his wounded brother as he lies sleeping, an act that would be considered heinous, even for a Targaryen prince.
2026-02-23T03:19:12.805Z
Prince Daeron pleads with Dunk to take Egg as a squire
At Beesbury’s funeral, Dareon (Henry Ashton) comes to Dunk, and he’s an unwelcome sight. But he’s also the second Targaryen to ask Dunk to take Egg on as a squire.
2026-02-23T03:17:42.369Z
Ser Humfrey Beesbury with the greatest coffin of all time
“Fucking bee magic,” indeed.
2026-02-23T03:17:10.473Z
Turns out Dunk isn’t the knight anyone thought he was
(Image credit: HBO)
Aegon’s parting words to Dunk are “Maybe you’re not the knight I thought you were.” We then flashback to a conversation where Ser Arlan tells the tale of how he got the name Ser Arlan of Pennytree.
Except it’s not a flashback, something that’s visually apparent from the lack of the vignette at the borders of the shot’s frame. Dunk instead is asking Ser Arlan a question from beyond the grave: “Why did you never knight me?” A stunning revelation, though one that some viewers have suspected to be the case.
2026-02-23T03:13:43.603Z
What is Dunk doing?? Take Egg to be your squire, you lunk!
But there is a catch — he’d have to swear to serve Maekar. While he was keen to swear fealty to Baelor a day past, Dunk seems less keen on it now. He says he’s done with princes, which Prince Aegon (Dexter Sol Ansell) overhears.
2026-02-23T03:11:43.786Z
Dunk meets with Prince Maekar
(Image credit: HBO)
Misery may love company, but Prince Maekar doesn’t appear to hold any love for Dunk. He expects both to be blamed for his brother, Baelor’s, death, and is highly skeptical that the cost was worth saving Dunk.
2026-02-23T03:09:19.122Z
Mazel tov to Ser Raymun
After the funeral, Dunk runs into Ser Raymun (Shaun Thomas), who seems in good spirits. He’s just beaten his cousin, is newly knighted and has a new shield and a fresh sigil to go with the new title. He’s also got a new wife, Rowan (Rowan Robinson), who we know better as Red, the sex worker in Ser Manfred’s (Daniel Monks) employ.
2026-02-23T03:04:43.788Z
Baelor is burned
We see Baelor put to rest by (symbolic) dragonfire, and then Dunk goes to talk to Baelor’s son, Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan). It, um … does not go well, and Baelor’s heir dismisses Dunk from his presence.
2026-02-23T03:02:35.040Z
Lyonel Baratheon makes Dunk an offer
(Image credit: HBO)
After a surprisingly jazzy cold open, we see Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) chatting with Dunk, and he makes the budding hedge knight an incredible offer: “Come with me to Storm’s End, and I will love you like a brother.”
But Dunk doesn’t accept, at least not yet. He seems shaken by Lyonel’s happiness to see a Targaryen dead. Especially a Targaryen that Dunk feels responsible for getting killed.
2026-02-23T03:01:10.721Z
We’re live!
Cue the music! And it’s … jazz?
2026-02-23T02:40:27.776Z
Grab your wine and hard salt beef — just 20 minutes to go!
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
There are just 20 minutes to go before the season finale of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 1 kicks off. Once it starts, it’s just 29 minutes from start to finish, so you want to go ahead and grab your snacks now. As soon as the opening hits, you won’t have a spare moment to take a break. I’ll be live-blogging every scene of the finale, so stay tuned. — MM
2026-02-23T02:21:32.766Z
Can’t wait for more Dunk & Egg’s adventures? Pick up “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” now
(Image credit: HBO)
If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to Dunk and Egg, I’ve got bad news: after today, we won’t be seeing them for a little while. Sure, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 2 was given the go-ahead before the first season premiered, but HBO has said Dunk and Egg’s adventures won’t continue until 2027.
If you need more from our new unlikely heroes, there’s an easy way to get up to speed on what’s still to come for the pair: you could always read the book “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is based on! — MS
2026-02-23T02:00:22.582Z
Your favorite moment from season 1 so far
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” season 1 has only been six episodes (at about half an hour a piece). Yet so much has happened! It’s hard to pick one moment as the best, but we’re gonna make you do it:
2026-02-23T01:41:07.487Z
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ has re-energized my inner ‘Game of Thrones’ fan
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
Because I’ve been keeping tabs on all the rumored “Game of Thrones” spinoffs and because I was a little dissatisfied by the “House of the Dragon” season 2 finale, I went into “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” with slightly lower expectations.
I read all three of Dunk & Egg’s stories well in advance of the show’s premiere and really warmed to the two titular heroes, and knew knew it wasn’t going to be the same kind of “Thrones” show, so I went into this new spinoff hoping to just have a good time — but going into tonight’s finale, I’m ready to crown it my show of the year, so far.
Despite a slower start, this has been a great watch, boasting a strong sense of humor that’s been a little lacking in its bigger, grander cousin. I knew the story beats that were coming, but they’ve been rendered brilliantly in the show, and it’s featured some all-time “Thrones” moments; Dunk’s big speech, Baelor’s hands feeling like wood, and, of course, Dunk’s desperate brawl with Prince Aerion.
About six months ago, I was wondering whether Westeros might have lost its luster, but going into tonight’s finale (and having just watched that “House of the Dragon” season 3 trailer), I’m fully aboard this particular fantasy hype train all over again. — MS
2026-02-23T01:21:00.237Z
Speaking of ‘House of the Dragon,’ it’s coming back this June
House of the Dragon Season 3 | Official Teaser | HBO Max – YouTube
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“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” time on the Iron Throne might be short-lived, though. We’re getting not one, but two “Game of Thrones” spin-offs this year, because “House of the Dragon” is returning with season 3 this June.
On Thursday, we got a season 3 teaser trailer for the show, and I’ll admit, I’m ready to be hurt again. While season 2 underwhelmed and felt like it ran out of money by the end, season 3 looks like a big-budget bloodbath and I cannot wait to see how it goes and who is still alive by the end. — MM
2026-02-23T01:00:31.800Z
Does the finale need to be good for ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ to surpass ‘House of the Dragon’
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is, notably, not the only “Game of Thrones” spin-off we have. It’s not even the first. “House of the Dragon” already has two seasons in the books and two more are coming.
But the retelling of the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of Dragons has been far rockier than the retelling of Dunk and Egg’s adventures. The second season was not beloved, and I even declared that it was repeating the biggest mistakes from “Game of Thrones.”
Frankly, “Seven” alone has me rating this show higher than its older sibling, and unless the season finale totally drops the ball, I think “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has taken the Iron Throne for now. Even a merely underwhelming finale wouldn’t have me changing my tune. Simply put, this show has executed its storytelling far better than “House of the Dragon.” — MM
2026-02-23T00:50:19.423Z
Understanding Maeker and his sons
I’ve been enjoying the videos made by A Game of Thrones Historian on TikTok. Here’s one that delves into Maeker’s relationships with his sons, particularly the three at the tournament: Daeron, Aerion and Egg. Getting insights into those relationships, grounded by the books, is valuable to understanding the series. – KW
2026-02-23T00:40:04.163Z
The Blackfyre Rebellions for beginners
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
I just mentioned Daemon Blackfyre’s rebellion, which is a spectre that looms over the world of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” though we only get brief glimpses of its aftermath. This was the first of several Blackfyre Rebellions, which played a major role in weakening the Targaryen dynasty in the lead-up to “Game of Thrones.”
So I felt a brief explainer of these rebellions against the throne could be useful context, and I’m going to keep things spoiler-free in terms of “House of the Dragon” and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” But if you want no spoilers whatsoever, just skip over this post.
OK, everyone who wants to be gone is gone? Let’s dive into it.
The Blackfyre Rebellion was the first of five attempts by House Blackfyre to usurp the Iron Throne from their Targaryen relatives. The name comes from the Valyrian steel sword Blackfyre, which was given to the bastard Daemon Waters by his father, King Aegon IV, and the house took on the Targaryen sigil and colors, but reversed to portray a black dragon on a red field rather than a red dragon on a black field.
Aegon IV had a lot of bastards, dubbed “Great Bastards,” but when he died, he legitimized them all, including Daemon. Not long after Aegon’s death, Daemon declared he was the legitimate heir, and his half-brother, King Daeron II, was really the bastard of Aegon’s brother, Aemon. He then summoned an army to fight against the crown, which was then destroyed by Daeron II and the great houses of the Seven Kingdoms at the Battle of the Redgrass Fields.
That’s where “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” picks up, and House Blackfyre will get mentioned again as this series goes on. The last Blackfyre Pretender wasn’t defeated until 257 AC (After Conquest), mere decades before the events of “Game of Thrones.” — MM
2026-02-23T00:30:44.349Z
Dunk’s flashback gives us a deeper insight into the world of Westeros
(Image credit: HBO)
In last week’s episode, we got two episodes in one. There was the Trial of Seven between Dunk and his comrades against Prince Aerion (Finn Bennett) and his knights, but there was also a lengthy flashback to Dunk’s time in King’s Landing and the origins of how he became the squire to Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb).
In this flashback, we see a couple of things that hint at the larger world of “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Dunk (portrayed by Bamber Todd in this flashback) and his childhood friend Rafe (Chloe Lea) are raiding a battlefield just outside the city, which fans of the books will know as the site of the Battle of the Redgrass Field. This is part of Daemon Blackfyre’s rebellion against the crown, which gets a few mentions across the season.
We also get a mention of Essos and the Free Cities. In “Game of Thrones,” these are meant to feel a world away from Westeros, but in this show, we’re reminded that Essos is just across the Narrow Sea, and travel between the continents is simply a matter of having enough money. — MM
2026-02-23T00:19:39.996Z
Pour one out for a good one: RIP Baelor Targaryen
“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a very different kind of show from “Game of Thrones.” But one thing is true in both: Good men don’t last long in Westeros. – Kelly Woo
2026-02-23T00:14:21.321Z
Baelor gave us the moment of the season in ‘Seven’
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
Tonight might be the finale, but the emotional climax of this movie was undoubtedly Baelor’s (Bertie Carvel) reveal that he’d be fighting alongside Dunk, aka Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey), at the Trial of Seven. As a Targaryen, the crown prince and the Hand of the King, the idea of him fighting against his family in what’s nominally a fight to the death is a stunning one. But for the character we’d seen crafted in front of our eyes over the season to that point, it was the only choice that Baelor could make.
Fans of the “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas that this show is based on knew this moment was coming, but even they couldn’t have anticipated the needle drop of the “Game of Thrones” theme that accompanied Baelor’s announcement. It’s the high point of the season, bar none, and might be the best moment “Game of Thrones” has had on HBO since “The Winds of Winter” back in 2016. — MM
2026-02-22T23:47:52.216Z
Join us live as ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ season 1 ends tonight with a brief 29-minute finale
(Image credit: Steffan Hill/HBO)
Welcome to our live coverage of “The Morrow,” the season 1 finale of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” We’re just two hours away from when the episode will start at 10 p.m. ET, and in the lead-up to the opening scene, we’re recapping what’s happened so far, diving a bit into Westerosi history and making some (potentially) dragonfire-level hot takes.
But once the show starts, you’ll want to make sure you’re paying attention so you don’t miss a moment. This final episode of season 1 is just 29 minutes long from when it starts to when the credits roll, so looking down at your phone for even a moment could cause you to miss a significant portion of the episode. — Malcolm McMillan
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