In Review: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (S1 – EP3) The Squire

Synopsis: In The Squire, Ser Duncan prepares for the tournament and much more is revealed about Egg.

The Story

The bond between Ser Duncan the Tall and Egg continues to deepen in this episode. It opens with Egg taking Dunk’s horse out for exercise, working it from the ground rather than riding it, and devising a simple but clever training method to ensure the animal will protect Dunk during the jousting tournament. While doing this, Egg witnesses the casual cruelty of feudal power when he sees a local knight mistreating his own squire, an experience that quietly unsettles him.

When Egg returns, he finds Dunk in poor shape, having spent the morning vomiting from nerves over the upcoming joust. Egg reassures him by explaining that only nobles are competing that day, and that Dunk will not be allowed to enter until tomorrow. Relieved, the pair head off to watch the tournament and enjoy the spectacle, at least until Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen arrives. Aerion’s complete lack of empathy is on full display when he deliberately fells his opponent’s horse during a joust, drawing disgust from Dunk and Egg alike.

Later that night, while drinking and taking in the festivities, Dunk witnesses Aerion brutally mistreating a young woman, breaking her fingers for his own amusement. Dunk immediately intervenes, bloodies the prince’s face, and knocks one of his teeth loose. Aerion demands savage retribution, ordering Dunk restrained and his teeth broken in turn, but the violence is halted when Egg steps forward and reveals himself as Aegon Targaryen, the future king who will one day unite Westeros.

The Acting

Peter Claffey and Dexter Sol Ansell continue to do a solid job of carrying the show’s narrative as the bond between Dunk and Egg tightens while they navigate the tournament and the injustices of a feudal system. Their performances give the story a grounded emotional core, making the quieter moments feel just as important as the spectacle.

Finn Bennett makes an immediate and lasting impression as the cruel and unhinged Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen. His presence shifts the tone of the episode the moment he appears, radiating entitlement and menace. The scene in which he coldly fells his opponent’s horse during the joust is particularly striking, lingering long after it ends and serving as a stark reminder of how casually power can be abused in this world.

Overall

This was an enjoyable episode with a strong ending that is sure to keep fans talking about the fallout for the week ahead. The expression on Dunk’s face when Egg reveals his true identity is priceless, perfectly capturing shock, confusion, and dawning realisation all at once. It also raises an intriguing question about what this revelation will mean for their relationship, and how the dynamic between knight and squire may change as the series moves forward.