REVIEW: ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 3 - Twists, Turns, and Friendship Prevails
- James Crooks
- 6 minutes ago
- 4 min read
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has demonstrated a continued desire to distinguish itself from the tone of Game of Thrones. Turning the world of Westeros into a land filled with hysterics and friendship, rather than large-scale battles, death and mutilation. Episode 3 pursues this trend, building upon the intimacy of its cast, with small stakes feeling personal and unique. Ser Dunk the Tall and Egg evolve their relationship, but detrimental secrets threaten to upheave their dynamic.
The strength within A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms can be traced back to Ser Dunk’s naive ambition. Peter Claffey (Small Things Like These) continues to bestow the character with an ironic honour, blind to the devilish powers around him. Reckoning Ser Dunk with a genuine warmth, much to the pleasure of Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin, who has shown heavy praise for the actor’s portrayal. Similarly, Dexter Sol Ansell (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) infuses a child-like joy into each scene, providing whimsical belligerence, he continues to shine as a breakout star destined for further greatness.
Simply titled ‘The Squire’, episode 3 promises a keener focus on Egg. Opening with a training montage – of sorts – between himself and Dunk’s horse, the Squire-to-be discovers the unruly nature of animals, unwilling to follow the simplest of commands, never mind joust. Yet with patience, excitement and a desire to please his Knight, Egg coaches the horse to follow basic instructions, rehearsing the Dunk’s upcoming Ashford Meadow tourney as closely as he can. Portrayal of their relationship flutters between friendly, brotherly and parent-like, with Ser Dunk quickly recognising Egg’s receptiveness to the former, opting for this path in hopes of delivering his Squire better treatment than he received from Ser Arlan of Pennytree.
Early doors mark a change in their dynamic. Whilst Egg has demonstrated a firm self-certainty previously, his bravery and loyalty flick a switch in the wider narrative, teasing a history to the young runaway. In fact, this episode leans heavily into the drama of Ashford Meadow and its attendees, the threat of House Targaryen and internal conspiracy, shying somewhat from humour. Although, there are plenty of laughs to be found. But keeping the series grounded and the plot moving forward proves priority, especially given sharpish runtimes of 30 minutes apiece. Episode 3 also delivers the first real experience with the season antagonist; Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett) – a remarkable, yet dishonourable, jouster that plays akin to a pantomime villain.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms momentarily returns to the sheer brutality of the original series. Further patience is required before Ser Dunk’s first tournament entry, but Egg accompanies him to the day’s scheduled joust, an event full to the brim of pained winces and familiar R-rated action. Cruel as it may be, these gruesome scenes are thrilling, reminding audiences why they may be so invested in a series that appears so off-colour to the rest of Westeros. Ser Dunk’s expressions also display a recognisable concern; regret. Is he prepared enough? Skilled enough? Ambitious enough? Or has he been too naive? Concerns only fuelled further by Egg who questions his own position “when” Ser Dunk wins, responded to with an uneasy “if.”
The final minutes are where social media is likely to be set alight, however. Given the adaptation’s accuracy to the source material, many have already had twists spoiled, but those unengaged with the frenzied GoT fandom may be entirely surprised upon the reveal of Egg’s bloodline. Calling upon Ser Dunk’s aggressor, who has intervened in a brawl against performing romantic interest Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), Egg demands the violence to end. Screaming in the direction of Aerion Targaryen, who freezes at the word “brother”. Cue a dramatic cut to black, and resolution in next week's episode to keep co-workers chattering, social media theorizing and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms high within the streaming ‘what to watch’ rankings.
Those with a keener eye for details and television tropes may have already pieced Egg’s lineage together, or at least a semblance of his grand importance. But A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms doesn’t shy from this moment either way, embracing the sensational reveal with its full glory, and it plays well. 30-minute runtimes are cruel, week in week out audiences will cry out for more. Hardly enough time for coffee to cool, an uneasy feeling of unfinished business remaining as the credits roll. These narrative twists wouldn’t land the same with a binge release, but one should hope for further cliffhangers to justify week-long patience. Regardless of this timeless debate, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continues shining its sharp sword, delivering a remarkably entertaining feast each week.
About A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
Premiere Date: January 18, 2026
Writer: Ira Parker, Aziza Barnes, Hiram Martinez, Annie Julia Wyman, Ti Mikkel
Director: Owen Harris, Sarah Adina Smith
Distribution: HBO
Cast: Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Finn Bennett, Bertie Carvel, Tanzyn Crawford, Daniel Ings, Sam Spruell
