By Susan Granger
Set almost a century before HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and almost a century after “House of the Dragon,” “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a light-hearted glimpse into the medieval fantasy world of Westeros.
Based on “The Hedge Knight” novella by George R.R. Martin, this often humorous spinoff revolves around 6-foot-6 inches tall Duncan (Peter Claffey), a naïve, aspiring Knight, who is first seen dutifully burying his aged mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytrue (Danny Webb) – then relieving himself behind a tree.
Awkward, impoverished Duncan the Tall – known as Dunk – fancies himself a ‘Hedge Knight,’ traveling the countryside, sleeping under the stars. In feudal terms, he’s an itinerant knight errant, meaning he has no inherited title or land.
On his way to a jousting tournament in Ashford, he picks up a bright, ambitious, bald-headed nine-year-old lad named Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), who is determined to be his Squire as Dunk tries to establish himself among the ancestral families, including the Targaryans, who currently occupy the Iron Throne.
“Every knight needs a squire,” observes Egg. “You look like you need one more than most.”
Soon we’re introduced to Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), debauched Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings), imperious Prince Maekar (Sam Spruell), engaging Raymun Fossoway (Shaun Thomas) and villainous Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), but the only apparent dragon is a puppet and there’s still no mention of the threat posed by the White Walkers.
According to showrunner Ira Parker, who created the show with Martin, the introductory season consists of six, approx. 40-minute episodes – and it’s already been renewed for a second season. Both leading actors are ‘finds’ – 246 lb. Claffey was an Irish rugby player who did bit parts in Netflix’s “Vikings Valhalla” while Ansell’s only acting experience was on a British soap opera.
On the Granger Gauge of 1 to 10, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is a scrappy 7, streaming on HBO.
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Susan Granger
Westport resident Susan Granger grew up in Hollywood, studied journalism with Pierre Salinger at Mills College and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with highest honors in Journalism. In addition to writing for newspapers and magazines, she has appeared on radio and television as an anchorwoman and movie critic for many years. Read all her reviews at susangranger.com.
A 7 ??? It’s the best thing on TV right now. It had the best jousting scene ever filmed in it just recently. Enough to even turn Dunk off the whole knight business. Even my friend who loves Bugonia loves Knights of the Seven ( oops 9 according to Egg) Kingdoms.