REVIEW: 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Episode 4 is a Series High, Leaning into Consequences and Iconic Themes
- James Crooks
- 21 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Week in, week out, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms blows audiences away. Delivering an idiosyncratic viewing experience, HBO have nailed their latest spin-off series. Ever since the controversial end of Game of Thrones, there has been a lack of consistent quality within Westeros. And, as well-received House of the Dragon can be, portions of the fanbase yearn for a more sincere story, akin to earlier seasons of Game of Thrones. Those divulging with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms find this missing ingredient. Sincerity, intimacy and friendship all wrapped around a tight-knit drama, culminating in an energetic and jam-packed adventure that keeps improving...
Episode 3 concluded with Ser Dunk the Tall (Peter Claffey) brawling with Targaryen royalty, Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), protecting the innocent from his wrath. However, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) called out against the violence and revealed his heritage, demanding his white-haired brother be stopped. Rumours had swirled prior to this, given the series' accuracy to the books, but Episode 3 confirmed Egg to be the royal Aegon V Targaryen, much to the surprise of many.
The week-long rest between episodes left audiences angsty, unable to remain still, concerned for the affable, yet clumsy, Ser Dunk, and demanding to know his fate. Episode 4 continues almost immediately from this magnificent revelation. As Dunk and Egg reunite in the Targaryen cells, Dunk imprisoned, and Egg dressed in red and black royal garments. The pair briefly clash, Dunk anguished by his Squire's lies, betrayed and embarrassed that he could be so easily strung along by a child. Yet within this discussion lies admiration, recognition of respect for Egg and semblance of understanding his motivation - although this does little to patch the wound to follow.
Episode 4, titled "Seven," proves to be bursting full of similar exchanges. Ranging from anger, relief and confusion, the latest instalment succeeds as an outlandish achievement in storytelling. In a mere 34 minutes, including credits, audiences are thrown between emotions, assisted by delightfully honest dialogue and the series’ best acting to date. Especially that of series lead Claffey (Small Things Like These) and Bertie Carvel (Doctor Foster) as Baelor Targaryen, who exude a captivating chemistry, bouncing off one another leading to an enchanting back-and-forth. Given the dire circumstances, A Knight of the Sven Kingdoms discards humour and fully immerses itself in the harrowing stakes. Threatened with death, mutilation and an unjust court trial, Ser Dunk is left with only one option to defend himself: trial by combat.
Rising to the title of Knight, it proves the best of many far worse choices, that is, until his combatant, Aerion Targaryen, rejects a direct rematch and cowardly chooses a trial of seven instead. Rather than an immediate one versus one honourable fight for victory, or to the death, a trial of seven pits seven Knights of Targaryen against seven Knights of the accused’s. Immediately, this poses a slight inconvenience, given that Ser Dunk’s only friend, Egg, is approximately 9 years old... and of Targaryen blood... and not a Knight. But as one can imagine, this recruitment phase of a Westeros themed Suicide Squad takes up much of the episode’s latter half.
An environment coated in unpredictability, bloodshed and Targaryen rule, the second half proves light on action, but heavy on building stakes, clearly saving riveting jousts and resolution for the final two episodes. Unseen twists arise, each completely unpredictable and besting the previous, documenting a phenomenal talent that is thoroughly engrossing. Ultimately, many will regard "Seven" as the pinnacle of recent Westeros storytelling.
The magnificence of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms proves unstoppable. Unabashed by risks or expectations, it proves a commitment to the creative team, entrusting them to follow their instinct and deliver a personal and well-natured story in a gruesome and unforgiving environment. Never mistiming jokes, nor being unable to read the room, an electric-paced narrative dances along to a resoundingly legendary score, one emphasising the importance of honour. Proving persistent in quality, A Knight of the Seven Kingdom only needs to stick the landing in the final two episodes for an early pole position as series of the year.
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
