A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Creator Defends Major Episode 5 Element

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Ira Parker, who created the Game of Thrones spin-off A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, recently explained the reason for including Ser Duncan the Tall’s flashback in Episode 5. He shared this information after some viewers expressed concern about the flashback interrupting the Trial of Seven storyline.

Ira Parker on why Dunk’s Episode 5 flashback was necessary

Ira Parker, the creator of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, recently told Entertainment Weekly why the flashback featuring Ser Duncan the Tall was crucial to the plot of Episode 5, “In the Name of the Mother.”

Episode 5 features the Trial of Seven, which happens for the second time in the series to resolve a conflict. Duncan, portrayed by Peter Claffey, bravely fights against Prince Aerion Targaryen and his supporters, but he’s struck and falls from his horse. The episode then flashes back to Duncan’s earlier life, revealing his time growing up in Flea Bottom and the tragic death of a friend from his childhood.

One fan expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter) with a recent flashback, stating that pausing a pivotal trial—comparable to a major moment in Star Wars or Game of Thrones history—for a 20-minute backstory of a character not found in the original books (Rafe) felt like unnecessary padding at a critical moment.

Parker addressed the criticism, explaining the flashback scene was always part of the plan. He acknowledged fans were eager to get to the action, but felt the scene was necessary. He believes it works well on its own, offers a fun look at Dunk’s backstory, and ultimately enhances the story and the conclusion of Episode 5.

Several fans also supported Parker. One person commented that they enjoyed it and felt it enhanced the story and character development.

Another user noted, “How anyone gets mad at showing the main characters backstory is beyond me.”

Originally reported by Ishita Verma on ComingSoon.

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2026-02-18 20:37