This article contains spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5.

HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ latest episode has already sparked significant discussion just minutes after it aired.

The penultimate episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, titled “In the Name of the Mother,” presents one of the series’ most heart-wrenching moments yet. The episode offers viewers a traumatic glimpse into Dunk’s (Peter Claffey) past, showcasing the violence and death typical of any Game of Thrones spinoff.

The latest chapter alternates between a dark flashback to Dunk’s childhood and the mounting tension of the show’s present-day conflict. By the end of the episode, several characters have perished, including Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel). Although he survived the Trial of the Seven, he was killed shortly thereafter. The prince removed his helmet to reveal a fatal head injury inflicted by his brother, Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell), before he succumbed.

Despite this tragic demise, most viewers of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ were thoroughly impressed with the episode. Some even hailed it as the best episode across any Game of Thrones series, including the flagship show. While many fans were understandably devastated by the loss, they still commended the writing, performances, and emotional impact.

Fans on X described the most recent episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as “gut-wrenching” and “heartbreaking.” Both audiences and critics praised the series for remaining faithful to the harsh realities of Westeros and the Game of Thrones franchise overall. Many viewers anticipated the character’s death long before it occurred, yet the writers still managed to surprise them and keep them on edge.

The final episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to air on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET and 7:00 PM PT on HBO.