Expect the unexpected this week on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms! Not only did the show drop its fourth episode two days early thanks to the Super Bowl, but the episode itself is filled with twists and turns as our stalwart hedge knight Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) finds himself forced into a deadly trial by combat. But this trial by combat isn't one that Game of Thrones viewers have ever seen before; it's a trial of seven, an archaic rite where seven knights fight on each side to prove the innocence — or guilt — of the accused.
We don't quite get to the trial itself in Episode 4, "Seven," but there's still plenty to discuss on our latest episode of the Take the Black podcast, where co-host Marq Nettles and I get into all the nitty gritty for this latest Westeros series. Watch and comment to join in the discussion:
"Seven" is a build up episode that bridges the shocking reveal of Egg's true identity in Episode 3, with the climactic trial in Episode 5. As such, this episode dials back the pacing a little bit, giving Dunk plenty of time to have meaningful conversations with everyone from his squire Egg — who he now knows is in fact Aegon Targaryen — to the heir to the Iron Throne, Baelor Breakspear, and plenty more besides. It's a riveting episode, which is all the more impressive considering that there isn't a single bit of action in it.
The set up more than makes up for the lack of swordplay though, as we get a shocking betrayal which fits right in with the best Game of Thrones had to offer. Add in the last minute arrival of Baelor on the field to support Dunk, complete with the return of the franchise's iconic theme song, and "Seven" is a fantastic episode that perfectly lays the stage for what's to come. We did a fair amount of gushing on this week's podcast, which should be no surprise if you've seen the episode!
We also ask the hard questions, like does Aerion Targaryen actually deserve any sympathy for his conflicted upbringing? And was Steffon Fossoway's betrayal understandable? Let's get morally gray!
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We'll be back at our usual time on Sunday nights next week, following the premiere of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' penultimate episode at 10:00 p.m. ET on February 15. Tune back in then, as we see how this climactic joust for Dunk's life plays out!