HBO's newest Game of Thrones spinoff started with a strong statement about where it stands in relation to the rest of the franchise, by fooling viewers with a snippet of the series' iconic theme song by Ramin Djawadi before Dunk (Peter Claffey) takes an explosive poop all over it. Since then, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has faked out viewers time and again, turning tense moments into comedic ones, often through the use of bathroom humor or physical comedy.
But in Episode 4, the show finally reverses its own formula. As Ser Duncan the Tall shouts at the assembled knights, lords, and smallfolk at Ashford Meadow to try to convince one more warrior to join his side in the trial of seven, epic music picks up...only for a man in the crowd to fart at Dunk's heartfelt request. But just when you think the show gave us another fake out, the doors to the arena open, and in rides none other than Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), heir to the Iron Throne.
As Baelor declares that he will fight at Dunk's side against his own family members and Kingsguard, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms finally leans into its Thrones roots, blaring Ramin Djawadi's iconic musical theme. It's the biggest fist-pump moment of the series to date, and a reminder that heroism still lives in the Seven Kingdoms.
Why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' musical tribute was absolutely perfect
Generally speaking, I've really enjoyed how A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has played with viewer expectations, often lulling us into a sense of familiarity before hitting us with a fun reminder that this is a different sort of Westeros than we're used to. But now we're deep into the series, and things are getting deadly for Dunk, who could very well lose his life in the trial of seven fighting against a group of much more seasoned knights.
Unlike House of the Dragon, which used the Game of Thrones theme as its own opening credits music as well, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has consistently denied viewers this release. It made for an absolute standout moment when Baelor took the field, shooting down the protests of his own brother Maekar (Sam Spruell), who he'll now face on the field of battle. From a narrative standpoint, this use of music is top notch, and the show deserves so much credit for having the restraint to hold back the franchise's theme song for this moment.
It's also a great reminder that while Dunk may be a commoner, we're about to witness uncommon bravery from lowborn and highborn knights alike. Game of Thrones is a dark series known for its brutal deaths and political power plays, but it's also known for its sweeping epic fantasy moments of standing against the darkness, such as Jon Snow's duel with a White Walker at Hardhome and Daenerys Targaryen riding her dragon away from the fighting pits of Meereen. We're about to watch A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' own similar moment, where the prince of the realm decides to join a peasant hedge knight because his cause is just.
Baelor's arrival not only gives Dunk's team its seventh fighter, but an injection of hope besides. If even the crown prince is willing to fight with them, surely their cause must be righteous. Baelor himself is no slouch at arms, and his presence on the field will no doubt give his family members and the Kingsguard knights alike pause.
The next great Game of Thrones franchise moment arrives on Sunday, February 15, when A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms premieres its fifth episode and Dunk faces a trial by combat unlike any we've ever seen on screen before.