Why A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Showed So Little of the Trial of Seven (& So Many Flashbacks)

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I was so excited for the fifth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – it was the first time we actually got to see a battle! They really built it up, introducing Ser Duncan the Tall and Prince Aerion Targaryen’s trial by combat with seven teams facing off. When the horn blew and the horses charged, I thought we were in for another epic, sprawling battle like we often got near the end of Game of Thrones. But honestly, it cut away from the fighting much faster than I expected. (Just a heads up, I’m about to talk about what happens, so be warned – spoilers ahead!)

About three minutes into the episode, right after a fight begins, the scene shifts to a flashback. We see a young Dunk, played by Bamber Todd, and his friend Rafe, played by Chloe Lea, on a nearly deserted battlefield. They’re scavenging from a fallen soldier. The show stays with this flashback story for around twenty minutes before returning to the main plot of the trial. This flashback sequence is likely a cost-saving measure, as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has a smaller budget than shows like House of the Dragon or Game of Thrones, and it’s a way to reduce production expenses.

As a big fan of well-told stories, I always thought the first season of Game of Thrones was really smart about what it didn’t show. Like, they skipped over the big battles – the Battle of the Whispering Wood and the Battle on the Green Fork – and honestly, it made sense. Big action sequences are expensive, of course, but it also served the narrative. Focusing on a shorter, grittier fight – Dunk and Aerion just slugging it out in the mud – was a much better way to go, creatively and financially.

The Meaning Of All The Young Dunk Flashbacks In A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms

The glimpses into Dunk and Rafe’s past have several functions. Notably, the scene appears to be set at Redgrass Field, the site of the Targaryens’ crucial victory over the Blackfyres in the Blackfyre Rebellion. This battle involved both Baelor and Maekar Targaryen, and occurred about thirteen years before the story in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. As the rebellion has already been referenced throughout the show (and will be again in future seasons, mirroring the books), these flashbacks help to flesh out that important historical context.

The flashbacks reveal Dunk’s journey from an orphaned boy in Flea Bottom to a fighter facing a Targaryen prince. This mirrors his relationship with Ser Arlan of Pennytree, who helped Dunk out of kindness, fulfilling a knight’s duty to protect those in need. Now, Ser Duncan continues that tradition, finding himself in a difficult fight not of his choosing, but acting with honor and upholding the ideals of a true knight.

Dunk’s memories of his difficult past and everything he’s lost motivate him in battle, but his experience in harsh environments is equally important. While he might not be a master swordsman, he’s a resourceful fighter, willing to do what it takes to win. In a rough, close-quarters fight against Aerion, Dunk has the upper hand because he’s spent his life fighting to survive in similar conditions. He’s faced this kind of hardship before and believes he can draw on that strength once more.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms’ Trial Of Seven Was Still Great

Some viewers might be surprised the trial only lasts about ten minutes, but it’s a smart choice for the show. It keeps the story focused and builds tension by centering everything on Dunk. This makes his fight with Aerion feel intensely personal and incredibly gripping.

It’s not elegant, and that’s intentional. This isn’t a fight won with skill or technique, it’s a raw struggle to live. It’s brutal, intense, and exciting—similar to the fight between Brienne and the Hound in the final episode of Game of Thrones Season 4. Considering Brienne is related to Dunk (though the exact connection isn’t clear), it feels particularly appropriate.

The fact that we don’t see the full scope of the battle makes the episode’s big reveal even more shocking. Because we’re unaware of what’s happening elsewhere, Dunk’s win feels genuinely triumphant. This sets the stage perfectly for the news of Baelor Targaryen’s death, which wouldn’t have had the same impact if we’d seen it happen directly. The episode masterfully blends intense action – including some incredible close-up shots from inside the helmet – with a thrilling and immersive battle atmosphere, all while delivering strong character development.

I’m so excited for the season finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms! It’s coming out this Sunday, February 22nd, at 10 pm Eastern Time, and I’ll be watching it on HBO and HBO Max.

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2026-02-16 07:10