\nWhat’s up with Maeker’s other son, Aemon?<\/p>\n
Among the many emotional moments of the finale, one was Maeker almost tearfully declaring, “He’s my last son,” regarding Aegon. I took that to mean that he’s Maeker’s last chance to do do right by a son, since Daeron is a drunk lump and Aerion is a sociopath exiled to the Free Cities. But wait … what about Maeker’s other son, the one who wasn’t present at Ashford. The one we met in “Game of Thrones” as a very old man: Aemon. I’ll let Game of Thrones Historian explain:<\/p>\n
2026-02-23T16:20:59.062Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n If you’re wondering when season 2 is coming, there’s good news. In an interview with Deadline<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T15:32:24.893Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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)<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T15:05:30.173Z \n (Image credit: Ursula Coyote\/AMC)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n If you haven’t followed this feud, here’s the lowdown. \u201cOzymandias,\u201d 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 \u201cIn the Name of the Mother,\u201d episode 5 of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” debuted on IMDB with a 10.0 rating of its own.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n Now, nobody has a 10.0. This is why we can’t have nice things. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T14:15:03.444Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, that means the show is “on pace to be the third biggest series debut in the history of HBO Max.”<\/p>\n 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<\/a>), 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? \u2014 MS <\/p>\n 2026-02-23T13:45:02.873Z A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms | Inside the Episode: Season 1 Episode 6 | HBO – YouTube Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T13:10:34.927Z George R. R. Martin on AKOTSK Finale | Official Game of Thrones Podcast: AKOTSK Episode 56 (HBO) – YouTube Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T12:50:36.380Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n 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? \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T12:22:37.077Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, Parker said that the added scene (which wasn’t in the original story) “will be addressed” \u2014 though it also sounds like it won’t massively shape the next season, either.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n “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.”” \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T11:29:07.345Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n Speaking to Variety <\/a>(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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “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.” \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T10:43:47.886Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n Want to get inside the head of the man who played Maekar Targaryen? Now you can. The Hollywood Reporter<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Asked if the Targaryen Prince sees Egg’s move as a “gut punch,” Spruell said: “Yeah, exactly. It says something about Aegon\u2019s judgment of where he\u2019s going to get the best paternal figure and where he\u2019s 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\u2019t think Maekar will ever get close to it.<\/p>\n “That\u2019s what makes Dunk\u2019s heroic nature so compelling. It is just in him in a way that it\u2019s not in Maekar. So Egg can see that as well. He can see that if he\u2019s 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. \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T09:35:32.241Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 and it looks like we weren’t the only ones who enjoyed the show, judging by the reactions out there.<\/p>\n At IGN<\/a>, the finale earned an 8\/10 from Jim Vejvoda, who wrote: “There\u2019s a small but welcome return of humor after a couple of very gloomy episodes, but for the most part \u201cThe Morrow\u201d is a dramatic and ultimately hopeful conclusion to what\u2019s been a wonderful journey back through Westeros.”<\/p>\n Likewise, Den of Geek<\/a>‘s Lacy Baugher said the show “wraps up its pretty perfect first season with a quiet, reflective, and yes, pretty perfect, finale.”<\/p>\n Reflecting on the themes of the series at AV Club<\/a>, Jarrod Jones also proclaimed it 2 “terrific season finale” and praised the series’ “six exceptionally well-crafted episodes.” \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T04:31:04.684Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n Well, this is the final chapter in our tale of live reacting to the \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d season 1 finale. Join us back in 2027 when we\u2019re supposed to get season 2, which is currently in production.<\/p>\n If you don\u2019t want to wait quite that long to hear from us, though, make sure to follow Tom’s Guide on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T04:10:49.859Z On the subject of existing texts \u2026 well, let\u2019s just say George has done it again. \u201cA Song of Ice and Fire\u201d author George R.R. Martin is notorious for leaving some stones unturned, as he still has yet to finish his seminal series.<\/p>\n That led to problems in \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Well, bad news, friends. George has only finished three novellas in the \u201cTales of Dunk and Egg\u201d series. He\u2019s said there are as many as 12 (!) novellas he has mapped out, but are as of yet unfinished.<\/p>\n The good news is that Ser Duncan the Tall and Aegon\u2019s stories are relatively set in stone, with a definitive endpoint in the Westerosi canon. So while \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d could run into the same problem that derailed \u201cGame of Thrones,\u201d there\u2019s at least an end of the road that we\u2019re ultimately heading towards, rather than seemingly having to make it up as we go along. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:55:08.463Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n 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 \u2014 though we know that\u2019s not quite the case.<\/p>\n But we know for a fact that season 2 will adapt the novella \u201cThe Sworn Sword,\u201d which was published as part of the \u201cLegends II\u201d anthology. If you don\u2019t want to be spoiled at all, turn back now, but I\u2019m not going to give up much in the next paragraph.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Sworn Sword\u201d kicks off with Dunk in the Reach in the service of Ser Eustace Osgrey of Standfast. He\u2019s 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\u2019re someone who likes getting into the weeds of the feudal system of Westeros, season 2 could be the season for you! But don\u2019t be surprised if the showrunners add a wrinkle or two to the existing text. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:40:27.847Z Now that the finale of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is over, tell us what you thought:<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:32:39.349Z 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 \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d season finales, that leave you stunned. But often, it\u2019s the penultimate episode that drops the hammer, and then the finale is left to clean up whatever is left.<\/p>\n That was certainly the case for \u201cThe Morrow.\u201d 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. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:30:05.845Z As the credits roll, we hear \u201cSixteen Tons\u201d performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford. If it\u2019s a familiar tune, that\u2019s 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\u2019s fitting that we end with another.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s about to train a Targaryen, so I wouldn\u2019t 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\u2019s guardian.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:29:42.848Z In a, perhaps unsurprising twist, Maekar reveals that Egg hasn\u2019t been granted permission to squire with Dunk. Instead, he\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:29:04.300Z Egg arrives right as Dunk is departing, saying his father has allowed him to squire with Dunk. But that\u2019s not the biggest reveal Egg drops on us. Turns out, there are nine Kingdoms! We then get a title card, \u201cA Knight of the Nine Kingdoms,\u201d as our heroes ride off into the wide world of Westeros. Hopefully, that\u2019s not a permanent name change.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:25:30.974Z Dunk prepares to leave, only to be reunited with Ser Arlan\u2019s beloved horse, Sweetfoot. It\u2019s revealed Ser Raymun has bought back Dunk\u2019s horse, which Dunk then promptly gifts to his newly knighted friend, knowing that Sweetfoot is far better off surrounded by apples.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:23:39.211Z Dunk comes to see Maekar again, who seems to be ready to leave Ashford Meadow and Dunk behind for good. He agrees to take on Egg as a squire, but as a hedge knight, not as someone living in cushy Summerhall.<\/p>\n 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 \u201clast son.\u201d<\/p>\n A reference to the fact that he won\u2019t have another son at this stage in his life? It could be. Or perhaps, it\u2019s an acknowledgement that even he knows Daeron is lost and Aerion is a monster, leaving Aegon his last hope for an untainted legacy.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:21:12.795Z Egg just walked into Aerion\u2019s room, ready to extinguish the \u201cBrightflame.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:19:12.805Z At Beesbury\u2019s funeral, Dareon (Henry Ashton) comes to Dunk, and he\u2019s an unwelcome sight. But he\u2019s also the second Targaryen to ask Dunk to take Egg on as a squire.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:17:42.369Z \u201cFucking bee magic,\u201d indeed.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:17:10.473Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n Aegon\u2019s parting words to Dunk are \u201cMaybe you\u2019re not the knight I thought you were.\u201d We then flashback to a conversation where Ser Arlan tells the tale of how he got the name Ser Arlan of Pennytree.<\/p>\n Except it\u2019s not a flashback, something that\u2019s visually apparent from the lack of the vignette at the borders of the shot\u2019s frame. Dunk instead is asking Ser Arlan a question from beyond the grave: \u201cWhy did you never knight me?\u201d A stunning revelation, though one that some viewers have suspected to be the case.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:13:43.603Z Despite not appearing to be overly fond of Dunk, Maekar makes him an incredible offer: Take Egg as a squire, come to the royal estate at Summerhall, train with the best soldiers in the Seven Kingdoms and become a great knight.<\/p>\n But there is a catch \u2014 he\u2019d 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\u2019s done with princes, which Prince Aegon (Dexter Sol Ansell) overhears.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:11:43.786Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n Misery may love company, but Prince Maekar doesn\u2019t appear to hold any love for Dunk. He expects both to be blamed for his brother, Baelor\u2019s, death, and is highly skeptical that the cost was worth saving Dunk.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:09:19.122Z After the funeral, Dunk runs into Ser Raymun (Shaun Thomas), who seems in good spirits. He\u2019s just beaten his cousin, is newly knighted and has a new shield and a fresh sigil to go with the new title. He\u2019s also got a new wife, Rowan (Rowan Robinson), who we know better as Red, the sex worker in Ser Manfred\u2019s (Daniel Monks) employ.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:04:43.788Z We see Baelor put to rest by (symbolic) dragonfire, and then Dunk goes to talk to Baelor\u2019s son, Prince Valarr (Oscar Morgan). It, um \u2026 does not go well, and Baelor\u2019s heir dismisses Dunk from his presence.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:02:35.040Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n 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: \u201cCome with me to Storm\u2019s End, and I will love you like a brother.\u201d<\/p>\n But Dunk doesn\u2019t accept, at least not yet. He seems shaken by Lyonel\u2019s happiness to see a Targaryen dead. Especially a Targaryen that Dunk feels responsible for getting killed.<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T03:01:10.721Z Cue the music! And it\u2019s \u2026 jazz?<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T02:40:27.776Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n There are just 20 minutes to go before the season finale of \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d season 1 kicks off. Once it starts, it\u2019s 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\u2019t have a spare moment to take a break. I\u2019ll be live-blogging every scene of the finale, so stay tuned. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T02:21:32.766Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n If you\u2019re not quite ready to say goodbye to Dunk and Egg, I\u2019ve got bad news: after today, we won\u2019t be seeing them for a little while. Sure, \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d season 2 was given the go-ahead before the first season premiered, but HBO has said Dunk and Egg\u2019s adventures won\u2019t continue until 2027.<\/a><\/p>\n If you need more from our new unlikely heroes, there\u2019s an easy way to get up to speed on what\u2019s still to come for the pair: you could always read the book \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d is based on! \u2014 MS<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2026-02-23T02:00:22.582Z \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d season 1 has only been six episodes (at about half an hour a piece). Yet so much has happened! It\u2019s hard to pick one moment as the best, but we\u2019re gonna make you do it:<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T01:41:07.487Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n Because I\u2019ve been keeping tabs on all the rumored \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d spinoffs and because I was a little dissatisfied by the \u201cHouse of the Dragon\u201d season 2 finale, I went into \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d with slightly lower expectations.<\/p>\n I read all three of Dunk & Egg\u2019s stories well in advance of the show\u2019s premiere and really warmed to the two titular heroes, and knew knew it wasn\u2019t going to be the same kind of \u201cThrones\u201d show, so I went into this new spinoff hoping to just have a good time \u2014 but going into tonight\u2019s finale, I\u2019m ready to crown it my show of the year, so far.<\/p>\n Despite a slower start, this has been a great watch, boasting a strong sense of humor that\u2019s been a little lacking in its bigger, grander cousin. I knew the story beats that were coming, but they\u2019ve been rendered brilliantly in the show, and it\u2019s featured some all-time \u201cThrones\u201d moments; Dunk\u2019s big speech, Baelor\u2019s hands feeling like wood, and, of course, Dunk\u2019s desperate brawl with Prince Aerion.<\/p>\n About six months ago, I was wondering whether Westeros might have lost its luster, but going into tonight\u2019s finale (and having just watched that \u201cHouse of the Dragon\u201d season 3 trailer), I\u2019m fully aboard this particular fantasy hype train all over again. \u2014 MS<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T01:21:00.237Z House of the Dragon Season 3 | Official Teaser | HBO Max – YouTube Watch On <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d time on the Iron Throne might be short-lived, though. We\u2019re getting not one, but two \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d spin-offs this year, because \u201cHouse of the Dragon\u201d is returning with season 3 this June.<\/p>\n On Thursday, we got a season 3 teaser trailer<\/a> for the show, and I\u2019ll admit, I\u2019m 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. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T01:00:31.800Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d is, notably, not the only \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d spin-off we have. It\u2019s not even the first. \u201cHouse of the Dragon\u201d already has two seasons in the books and two more are coming.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s adventures. The second season was not beloved, and I even declared that it was repeating the biggest mistakes from \u201cGame of Thrones<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n Frankly, \u201cSeven\u201d alone has me rating this show higher than its older sibling, and unless the season finale totally drops the ball, I think \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d has taken the Iron Throne for now. Even a merely underwhelming finale wouldn\u2019t have me changing my tune. Simply put, this show has executed its storytelling far better than \u201cHouse of the Dragon.\u201d \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T00:50:19.423Z I\u2019ve been enjoying the videos made by A Game of Thrones Historian on TikTok<\/a>. Here\u2019s one that delves into Maeker\u2019s 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<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T00:40:04.163Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n I just mentioned Daemon Blackfyre\u2019s rebellion, which is a spectre that looms over the world of \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,\u201d 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 \u201cGame of Thrones.\u201d<\/p>\n So I felt a brief explainer of these rebellions against the throne could be useful context, and I\u2019m going to keep things spoiler-free in terms of \u201cHouse of the Dragon<\/a>\u201d and \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.\u201d But if you want no spoilers whatsoever, just skip over this post.<\/p>\n OK, everyone who wants to be gone is gone? Let\u2019s dive into it.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Aegon IV had a lot of bastards, dubbed \u201cGreat Bastards,\u201d but when he died, he legitimized them all, including Daemon. Not long after Aegon\u2019s death, Daemon declared he was the legitimate heir, and his half-brother, King Daeron II, was really the bastard of Aegon\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n That\u2019s where \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d picks up, and House Blackfyre will get mentioned again as this series goes on. The last Blackfyre Pretender wasn\u2019t defeated until 257 AC (After Conquest), mere decades before the events of \u201cGame of Thrones.\u201d \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T00:30:44.349Z \n (Image credit: HBO)<\/p>\n In last week\u2019s 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\u2019s time in King\u2019s Landing and the origins of how he became the squire to Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb).<\/p>\n In this flashback, we see a couple of things that hint at the larger world of \u201cA Song of Ice and Fire.\u201d 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\u2019s rebellion against the crown, which gets a few mentions across the season.<\/p>\n We also get a mention of Essos and the Free Cities. In \u201cGame of Thrones,\u201d these are meant to feel a world away from Westeros, but in this show, we\u2019re reminded that Essos is just across the Narrow Sea, and travel between the continents is simply a matter of having enough money. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T00:19:39.996Z \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d is a very different kind of show from \u201cGame of Thrones.\u201d But one thing is true in both: Good men don\u2019t last long in Westeros. – Kelly Woo<\/p>\n 2026-02-23T00:14:21.321Z \n (Image credit: Steffan Hill\/HBO)<\/p>\n Tonight might be the finale, but the emotional climax of this movie was undoubtedly Baelor\u2019s (Bertie Carvel) reveal that he\u2019d 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\u2019s nominally a fight to the death is a stunning one. But for the character we\u2019d seen crafted in front of our eyes over the season to that point, it was the only choice that Baelor could make.<\/p>\n Fans of the \u201cTales of Dunk and Egg\u201d novellas that this show is based on knew this moment was coming, but even they couldn\u2019t have anticipated the needle drop of the \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d theme that accompanied Baelor\u2019s announcement. It\u2019s the high point of the season, bar none, and might be the best moment \u201cGame of Thrones\u201d has had on HBO since \u201cThe Winds of Winter\u201d back in 2016. \u2014 MM<\/p>\n
\nCurrent state of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ season 2<\/p>\n![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/n4sTyqB2Z8DxMo99HJMAN3.jpg\")
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\n‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ episodes ranked by IMDb ratings<\/p>\n![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/KvQF4z4pnSou7jeAeMGJ9K.jpg\")
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\n‘Breaking Bad’ vs ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’<\/p>\n![\"breaking](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/ycZFKTyH5u6mtGhBubjpYZ.jpg\")
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\n‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ has been a big hit for HBO Max<\/p>\n![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/CswxfmKLDqtAyndeiQDFLG.png\")
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\nGo ‘Inside the Episode’ with the ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ companion series<\/p>\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771867934_582_maxresdefault.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nDive deeper into the finale with the ‘Official Game of Thrones’ podcast <\/p>\n
\n![\"George](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771867934_897_maxresdefault.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nHave your say: which ‘Game of Thrones’ show is best? <\/p>\n![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/9Ywj265dYfTDyH8LvydLZ.jpg\")
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\nThat Prince Maekar scene “will be addressed,” says showrunner<\/p>\n![\"Maekar](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/NQhmB3FYeU2M5F5KDbvSyW.png\")
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\nWhat’s up with that title change? <\/p>\n![\"L-R:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/t8LGUwzRXFSN6k937xp8m9.png\")
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\nGet to know Maekar Targaryen a little better<\/p>\n![\"Prince](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/2NGqxXshF6pUWRvHU3gKRe.png\")
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\n‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ finale reviews are in…<\/p>\n![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tgAGqJUsLBKybAH8SSGcGh.png\")
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\nCome join us again in 2027 when we (hopefully) get season 2<\/p>\n![\"Dexter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/9oXs4TH8ALCFKXYf53Ni34.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nCould \u2018A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u2019 run into the same issue that ruined \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019?<\/p>\n
\nWhat to expect in season 2?<\/p>\n![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/y3UiedUkFhBdt7vXNJcnm8.png\")
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\nYour reaction to the finale<\/p>\n
\nSeason 1 wraps up neatly, and we\u2019re on to our next adventure<\/p>\n
\nWhat is that song?<\/p>\n
\nTurns out Aegon is a liar \u2014 roll credits!<\/p>\n
\nEgg returns! And drops a bombshell!<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
\nDunk agrees to take Egg on as a squire, but a hedge knight\u2019s squire \u2014 and is rebuffed<\/p>\n
\nEgg is ready to break<\/p>\n
\nPrince Daeron pleads with Dunk to take Egg as a squire<\/p>\n
\nSer Humfrey Beesbury with the greatest coffin of all time<\/p>\n
\nTurns out Dunk isn\u2019t the knight anyone thought he was<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hB5GgJFhabgRFpSWjNYb8e.jpg\")
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\nWhat is Dunk doing?? Take Egg to be your squire, you lunk!<\/p>\n
\nDunk meets with Prince Maekar<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/84unh6YFEZkZmiZPVh3hk9.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nMazel tov to Ser Raymun<\/p>\n
\nBaelor is burned<\/p>\n
\nLyonel Baratheon makes Dunk an offer<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WfNx48zMzPqoGiSgo8b4E5.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nWe’re live!<\/p>\n
\nGrab your wine and hard salt beef \u2014 just 20 minutes to go!<\/p>\n![\"Daniel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dDLVktyDcVghmRxTUJEZBZ.jpg\")
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\nCan\u2019t wait for more Dunk & Egg\u2019s adventures? Pick up \u201cA Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u201d now<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n
\nYour favorite moment from season 1 so far<\/p>\n
\n\u2018A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u2019 has re-energized my inner \u2018Game of Thrones\u2019 fan<\/p>\n![\"L-R:](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/H48v2JzQCVkY4hwC5eaoPZ.jpg\")
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\nSpeaking of \u2018House of the Dragon,\u2019 it\u2019s coming back this June<\/p>\n
\n![\"House](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1771867945_822_maxresdefault.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nDoes the finale need to be good for \u2018A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms\u2019 to surpass \u2018House of the Dragon\u2019<\/p>\n![\"Ser](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/4i8TzFoZNimNw9zZ9jD696.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n
\nUnderstanding Maeker and his sons<\/p>\n
\nThe Blackfyre Rebellions for beginners<\/p>\n![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/FcQBHW9Csgf9KWdBCuZrpm.jpg\")
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\nDunk\u2019s flashback gives us a deeper insight into the world of Westeros<\/p>\n![\"Peter](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/apn3aSj88x8QpZJp8aeqtR.jpg\")
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\nPour one out for a good one: RIP Baelor Targaryen<\/p>\n
\nBaelor gave us the moment of the season in \u2018Seven\u2019<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n
![\"Dunk](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/qjsRquBToXJoU5pM24deJG.jpg\")
\n<\/p>\n