RIOTUS

<<<SPOILERS INCOMING>>>

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a small-screen adaptation of a series of novellas by George R.R. Martin (that he wrote instead of finishing The Winds of Winter.)

Set a century before the events of Game of Thrones, it follows the unlikely pairing of a hedge knight from Flea Bottom and his squire, who is secretly a young prince of the blood royal. A true ensemble piece led by Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall, and the delightful Dexter Sol Ansell as his squire, Aegon “Egg” Targaryen.

It is understated, hilarious, and sometimes devastating in its delivery…and it’s as close to a perfect season of TV as I have seen in a long time. This adaptation is very nearly page-to-screen in its accuracy. The cinematography, acting, directing, costuming, and action are all worthy of praise.

I am greedy for more and cannot wait to see what these two get up to in the next part of their journey. I hope that the series meanders and takes its sweet time in exploring this deep and abiding friendship fully before they reach their inevitable appointment with fate at Harrenhal.

The whole cast is phenomenal, but special mention goes to Daniel Ings, who plays the rowdy and bawdy Ser Lyonel Baratheon, and Rowan Robinson, who plays the masterful, social-climbing “queen”, Lady Fossoway. The series brings into focus a pivotal period in the history of the realm we have come to know and love, and delves deeper into the complicated lineage of the Houses vying for the Iron Throne.

“Every time a new Targaryen is born, the gods toss a coin in the air, and the world holds its breath to see how it will land”

– Ser Barristan Selmy, Game of Thrones