IR TV Review: A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS - EPISODE 1 [HBO]
The introduction of any new series in the "Game Of Thrones" universe has a certain standard set against it. What is interesting about "A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms" which happens a century before "Game Of Thrones" is how it subverts its pedigree in certain ways but also has its DNA running almost silently underneath. The series follows Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan "Dunk" the Tall. In Episode 1, it is more about him finding his path and setting the expectation but what is interesting is how bumbling and wholesome Claffey plays it across the board. A death in the community sends him on a path to a tourney on his own accord, filled with dreams but also not exactly the most confident. Dunk wears his heart on his sleeve. He is finding his way but is completely oblivious in certain ways to what is actually going on. He just wants to do his best and be a knight, though his credentials are slightly lacking. It is almost refreshing in a way because there isn't really an ulterior motive for the character at this point. He meets a would-be squire along the way in Egg, who comes off in a way like the Mel Brooks version of what something like this might entail. But the kid is sharp and of course, more lies in the path. It is likely based in a misdirection.
Dunk's first interactions with would-be harlots (in a non transactional way) almost gives one hope for the character since he is not lost in his own ego quite yet. The eventual party for the tourney hosted by a powerful (and yet aloof) duke (per se) is interesting in its chicanery but also in how funny and organic it seems to play out. Dunk (which sounds more like Donk) is a great character but more akin to something in the context of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern which is the kind of vibe one gets in the pilot episode. The writing here is acerbic and crisp in a great way giving it a modern flair with that "Deadwood" edge. "A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms" is trying something new different from "House Of The Dragon" and is the first real "Games" spin-off pilot to make it to series (the unaired pilot that starred Naomi Watts years ago still hangs in the ether). For this case, there must be belief in its story. It is based on the George R.R. Martin novellas "The Hedge Knight" so likely its structure needed to be expanded. It just depends how involved he was. As far as its path, like the recent prequel "Outlander" series, "Knight" and its success depends on if it is worth its weight but with its pedigree it is matter of letting it breathe and see where it goes. B+
By Tim Wassberg
