At long last, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the newest HBO series set in the world of Westeros, has aired its pilot, "The Hedge Knight." Based on George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, the show's first season has finally begun to bring the first of these novellas, also titled "The Hedge Knight," to life.
Additionally, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms acts as a prequel to Game of Thrones, based on Martin's main series set in Westeros, A Song of Ice and Fire. Though the journeys of Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) lead into the events of Game of Thrones less directly than HBO's other Ice and Fire spinoff, House of the Dragon, the story still takes place around 100 years before the events of the original show.
While A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms paints a picture of the titular Seven Kingdoms after the dragons have died out but before Robert's Rebellion, its relationship with Game of Thrones, both in terms of its direct connections and tonal and thematic elements, is uncertain. While Martin and showrunner Ira Parker have been open about aiming for something different, the exact nature of these changes from what's become the "HBO Westeros formula" remained unclear going into the pilot.
However, early on into the episode, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms clarifies exactly how it wants to be seen in relation to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon through the use of a hilarious, gross, and somewhat controversial moment that caught fans off guard.
Dunk dumps all over a familiar tune
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms opens with Dunk burying Ser Arlan of Pennytree (Danny Webb), a deceased hedge knight who served as his master. Dunk gives Ser Arlan a tearful eulogy, before reflecting on what to do with the noble knight's legacy. As Ser Arlan knighted Dunk shortly before passing, Dunk himself is now a hedge knight.
Dunk now owns Ser Arlan's horses and weapons. He takes his new sword in hand, swinging it around a few times, before deciding to compete in a tournament in Ashford Meadow. As Dunk holds the blade, the score erupts with a familiar, heroic tune: the opening theme from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon.
However, before the show allows Dunk to linger in his new aura of heroism, it abruptly cuts to an entirely different scene. As the music comes to a screeching halt, Dunk is seen pooping, completely shattering the epic feeling created by the previous scene.
What Dunk's bathroom break means for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms and Game of Thrones
Martin and Parker promised something different from Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, and this scene makes for something very different, as neither previous show relied much on potty humor. However, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms breaks away from its two predecessors in an even subtler way in this moment.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms does not feature a title sequence, a huge change from the iconic opening sequence of Game of Thrones, which features a world map, Westerosi history, and a theme song that even the most casual of fans can hum. House of the Dragon also utilizes a similar sequence, complete with the same epic Ramin Djawadi score.
Given that A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms isn't as interested in the grandiose elements of Westeros history as the other two shows, the lack of a theme song and title sequence, let alone one as epic as Game of Thrones', makes perfect sense. Dunk's defecation not only cutting an iconic theme song short but essentially taking the place of a title sequence shows the difference in tone and scale between the show and its predecessors.
Additionally, the poop scene shows what storytelling elements A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will prioritize, especially in relation to Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. Both previous shows have their funny moments, but comedy rarely felt like a priority. In contrast, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has already proved to be hilarious, focusing on its comedic chops throughout the premiere. In pooping all over the notion of epic heroism very early on into its first episode, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms assures its audience that it will steer the franchise into a different direction.
Make sure to follow along with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. The remainder of its first season will air on HBO and HBO Max weekly on Sundays at 10:00 p.m. ET.