Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms may not have the sheer scale of other Westeros series, using its main character, Ser Dunk the Tall (Peter Claffey), to explore the struggles of a hedge knight. After the premiere introduced the major players and brought Dunk and his precocious squire, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), together, Episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef,” continues to build the story, with Dunk betting everything on his success in the tourney. The latest installment brings in even more fascinating characters, including a new generation of Targaryens; yet even with a chaotic joust at the end, the episode moves slowly, following Dunk through each step of his preparation, despite the season having only four episodes left.
Dunk Earns the Attention of a Targaryen in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2
Since he’s still not officially allowed to participate in the tourney, Dunk searches for someone to vouch for him, telling various lords about the knight he previously served, Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb). Though Arlan had no accomplishments to speak of, Dunk emphasizes his kind and peaceful nature, determination, and lightheartedness. Unfortunately, no one remembers the old man. This is disheartening for Dunk, but he does have Egg, who insists on remaining by his side while he recounts the story of Arlan’s death over and over, showing how he cares for Dunk even though they’ve only just met. Egg believes there is another way to handle the predicament and suggests Dunk join the lists anyway. However, when the banners of the Targaryen princes pass, Dunk seems to have an idea.
While Egg returns to their camp under the tree, Dunk goes to the stables to watch Prince Baelor (Bertie Carvel) and Prince Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell) arrive. Unfortunately, that puts him in the path of Aerion (Finn Bennett), a particularly rude Targaryen prince, who mistakes Dunk for a servant and insults him. However, Dunk is the one who calms Aerion’s horse after it kicks a man in the face. After the awkward encounter, two members of the Kingsguard, Ser Roland of Crakehall (Wade Briggs) and Ser Donnel of Duskendale, introduce themselves to Dunk. Donnel, in particular, interests Dunk as he reveals that he is not the son of a lord but a crabber, suggesting that not all well-respected knights are nobility.
After the Kingsguard departs, Dunk follows a servant into the castle, learning that two of Prince Maekar’s sons are missing. Outside the room, he overhears the brothers discussing Daeron, but Maekar notices him and accuses him of spying. With no excuses, Dunk enters and continues his conversation with Plummer (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor) from the previous episode, explaining that no one will vouch for him. But to everyone’s surprise, Baelor recognizes Arlan’s name. Though Dunk awkwardly corrects Baelor’s version of his joust against the hedge knight, the prince is kind about it. In the end, Dunk gets the King’s heir to vouch for him, which allows him to join the tourney, though Baelor does point out that Dunk will need his own sigil for his event. Although the Targaryens’ introductions are quick, Episode 2 gives the audience a clear understanding of the princes despite how different they are from each other.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Timeline Explained: Where Dunk and Egg Fit in ‘Game of Thrones’ History
The ‘Game of Thrones’ series is not told chronologically.
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2 Gives Dunk a New Shield
With his spot secure, Dunk must gather his supplies. He takes Egg to the puppet show he saw in the previous episode, watching the story of Florian the Fool before getting the chance to introduce himself to performer Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford). Dunk asks her to paint a new sigil on his shield, and though she is willing, he hesitates when she asks what it should be, knowing only that he wants colors that mimic a sunset. Egg jumps in to help, saying it should be an elm tree, and Dunk adds a shooting star. Though he successfully gets a new sigil, the interaction is not entirely successful because Dunk utterly fails when trying to flirt with Tanselle. It seems to be a common theme with him; well-meaning as he may be, he isn’t great with emotional conversations. He does this again when Egg confesses that he’s always called short for his age. Dunk commiserates by saying people often refer to him as stupid but fails to give any real advice. This time he’s saved when Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) calls for his help in a tug-of-war match which Dunk wins for him.
Dunk’s next requirement — a suit of armor — isn’t as easy to gather. He finds a shop owned by Steely Pate (Youssef Kerkour). The man’s prices are too high but Pate takes pity on Dunk and agrees to lower costs in exchange for Arlan’s armor to use for metal. To make up remaining costs, Dunk is forced to sell one of Arlan’s horses left for him. He takes Sweetfoot to stables promising to buy her back with his winnings. After that loss, Dunk continues convincing himself how tourney could change his life. He tells Egg that if he is even briefly champion he could get employment from great house. When Egg questions likelihood of that happening,Dunk tells him about Donnel but rather than being impressed Egg reveals Donnel’s family owns half Westeros’ crabbing fleet which still makes him rich man. While it’s interesting seeing Dunk and Egg make their way through festivities while preparing for tourney, it marks slow pace for season already short begin with.
The Tourney Begins in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Episode 2
In last ten minutes episode, Dunk,Egg,and everyone else gather watch first joust tourney. In crowd,Dunk hoists Egg up shoulders so boy can see.First competitors consist highborn lords from Prince Valarr Targaryen (Oscar Morgan) and Lyonel Baratheon member House Tully who bites head off fish applause.They face off five at time,splintering lances falling horses.It is epic scene especially impacts both main characters.Egg watches squires who are much bigger rushing hand off weapons their knights.Meanwhile,Dunk panics chaos seeing just how fierce competition is.Though quick,joust exciting addition episode full action while focusing on Dunk Egg.
That evening,Egg listens patiently as Dunk contemplates perspective Arlan admitting wasn’t great knight imagined him be.Knowing man trained wasn’t gifted fighter makes Dunk question own chances but also loves Arlan raising like own son.Dunk acknowledges he Ser Arlan’s legacy hopes such, can show all lords forgot Arlan just who old hedge knight really was.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is streaming on HBO Max with new episodes on Sundays.
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Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ The Tall
- Episode 2 continues developing lovable dynamic between show’s two leads.
- By introducing three important Targaryens,Episode 2 establishes vivid distinct characters.
- Chaotic joust adds exciting action Episode 2.
- With only four episodes left,the series needs more momentum.
