IR TV Review: A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS - EPISODE 2 [HBO]

The path of Sir Dunk in "A Knight Of Seven Kingdoms" is coming to the understanding of what he really might be up against in terms of his actual prowess. The 2nd episode begins appropriately enough with his mentor knight inflagrante in a way which cuts the ice but one also sees the pride that Dunk had in this man, even though he seems to find that no one else might share this sentiment. Dunk's sheer blockheadedness is what allows him to see his path through. In many ways, he really shouldn't be there. Most of the real knights see him as a simpleton but being a "hedge knight", Dunk believes he should be there too. The relationship between him and Egg continues to grow. Egg is a smart kid, and there is something mysterious about him, but when the jousting starts he turns into just a kid again loving the chaos and bombastic element of it all.

The jousting scenes are the most brutal and "Game Of Thrones"-type element we have seen yet. Dunk also wants a shield all his own and we see a slight play that hankers back to the context of the dragon. There is an essence surrounding their myth here but it is never spoken about yet...which makes it all the more interesting. One of the final elements of the episode has Dunk looking for the right armor despite not being able to pay for it...but a small back and forth there are still good people in this world...and Dunk might have a chance. This series is different in that way in that it shows that regular people do exist in these myths. The best parts here though are when Dunk stops trying to be bombastic and just sits there with Egg and pontificates in a way...and Egg one-ups him. That is the power of this story...two people...one young...one older...who have been left alone and need too find their way. They have the ability to transcend and become more but it is matter if fate is on their side...and if the bloodline is true. B+

By Tim Wassberg