A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – The Hedge Knight review S1E1

The Hedge Knight kicks off the latest Game of Thrones’ spin-offs, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

While GOT might have lost some of its appointment TV luster, if Hedge Knight is any indication, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms could prove to be the answer in getting lapsed fans excited about the franchise again.

Unlike the cutthroat political machinations of GOT and House of Dragons, Hedge Knight leans far more into something that was in short supply in the previous series — good-natured humor.

Undoubtedly, there will be some horrible death to a beloved supporting character and the likable characters will deal with a number of awful, miserable situations over the course of A Knight…, but Hedge Knight shows the potential fun of a series that doesn’t lean into nastiness, but one that instead leans into a sense of optimism and hope.

Ser Dunk (Peter Claffley) begins his quest to be a heroic knight of the realm after the death of the hedge knight, Ser Arlan (Danny Webb) of Pennytree, who raised him.

Director Owen Harris uses some quick clips to suggest Ser Arlan wasn’t always the nicest to his squire. It’s one of the first indications that A Knight… is going to be a unique GOT experience. One that isn’t afraid to have some fun without being too slapstick save one odd scene in Hedge Knight where Dunk takes a squat behind a tree with little options for toilet paper in sight.

Duck alleges that Arlan made him a knight before he died, but based on some of Arlan’s treatment to a young Dunk that seems more likely to have been wishful thinking than some final generous act.

At 6’5”,  Claffey makes an impressive presence that’s offset by the gentle, disarming nature he gives Dunk, who seems embarrassed by his height. That’s a big contrast to Gregor Clegane aka The Mountain, who used his height to visually intimidate others as soon as they saw him.

MORE:

• The Rip review (2026)
• Marvel Legends X-Men 97 Storm and Wolverine review (2025)
• WWE Elite 1-2-3 Kid review (2025) – BAF Nick Aldis wave
• Space Ghost vol 2 7 review – Dynamite Entertainment

Dunk seeks to enter a tournament at Ashford in the Reach. That was the destination he and Arlan were headed before his death. En route, Dunk heads to an inn where he encounters a straight shooting boy named Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell). He’s had enough of being a stable hand and wants to be Dunk’s squire.

Hedge Knight writer Ira Parker, adapting George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg available on Amazon, establishes this dynamic

Hardly considering himself to be a knight capable of training another, Dunk refuses and heads to Ashford where he meets several eclectic characters. Chief among them is the head of House Baratheon, Lord Lyonel Baratheon (a charismatic Daniel Ings), who becomes an unlikely ally.

Lyonel immediately seems like he’s going to be a massive fan favorite with his carefree attitude and willingness to befriend Duck.

Another likely ally and maybe more is puppeteer Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), who immediately leaves Duck smitten.

Ashford makes for a solid setting with bustling campgrounds, training fields, colorful tents and vendors.

To no surprise, Hedge Knight features a solid score that brings back that majestic feel of treks through The North, King’s Landing, Oldtown and other major spots across Westeros.

After hanging and drinking with the adults, Duck returns to his campsite to see Egg caring for his horses and grilling some fish. While Dunk is initially reluctant, Egg’s willingness to do the grunt work of a squire ultimately wins Dunk over. And a memorable pairing is formed.

As far as series debuts go, The Hedge Knight marked a very successful start for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. One that should keep GOT fans thoroughly engaged.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: HBO Max

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.