A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ most graphic scene so far makes a crucial point about the show

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Many characters in Westeros have faced hardship, but few have suffered as much as Dunk, also known as Peter Claffey.

The story opens with Ser Duncan, a relatively unknown knight, grieving the loss of his mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree. He intends to compete in a local jousting tournament to honor Ser Arlan’s memory, but he has one more obligation to take care of first.

And then we suddenly cut to Dunk defecating by a tree.

This isn’t just a quick glimpse. The camera starts with a normal shot, then zooms out to show exactly how much waste Dunk is releasing.

Targaryens are known for complicated relationships, even with their own family, but they maintain a very public image and wouldn’t be caught engaging in those behaviors publicly.

It’s easy to think this violent scene is just meant to be shocking – Game of Thrones doesn’t shy away from harsh content. However, just as a doctor can learn from examining evidence, we can also gain insight into Dunk’s character and the show’s overall themes through moments like this one.

One major difference is the immediate change in atmosphere. While both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon are generally quite serious, the early inclusion of such a graphic scene makes it clear this isn’t the same, more traditional Westeros we’ve seen before.

Humor is a core part of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, just as important as the knights and kingdoms themselves. It shows up in everyday interactions, like a rough greeting – “What are you staring at?” – and also in sharper, more cutting remarks, such as the early observation that a hedge knight is essentially a less fortunate version of a true knight.

Dunk doesn’t find any of this humorous, and rightly so – it’s like being caught without toilet paper. This crude humor sets the show apart from earlier stories set in Westeros, allowing us to laugh while also showing the harsh realities faced by ordinary people who weren’t born into privilege.

“A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” offers a fresh perspective that sets it apart from both “Game of Thrones” and “House of the Dragon,” and it’s a welcome change. The constant focus on Westerosi nobility was starting to feel repetitive, and this series demonstrates that there are plenty of compelling new stories to tell beyond the familiar power struggles.

To be fair, Game of Thrones did manage this to some degree, and once even with poop as well.

Do you remember early in season seven when Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) started learning to be a maester and was surprised to find out it involved emptying bedpans? Bradley discussed with Vulture why that scene was so important.

When we first see Sam, he’s clearly suffering, a stark contrast to how happy he was when he arrived at the Citadel at the end of last season. He’s become disillusioned, and now realizes that after dedicating so much time to the Wall, he’s isolated from everyone he cares about.

According to Bradley, Sam is feeling frustrated and upset, and he’s worried about disappointing Jon. The scene effectively conveys those emotions, clearly showing Sam’s mindset and reasons for his actions this season, all while being engaging and humorous.

You know, that scene really struck me with how it showed the difference between the fancy lives of the nobility and the hard work of being a scholar. It reminded me of something else I noticed in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms – all that talk about dung actually foreshadows the tough times ahead for Dunk. It’s a subtle detail, but it really sets the stage for his struggles.

I really connected with the protagonist’s burning desire – he’s driven to take on this challenge, feels this undeniable pull. But then, and it felt incredibly real, the self-doubt kicks in. It’s that universal experience of wanting to achieve something big, something new, and suddenly feeling completely overwhelmed and terrified. It’s a very human portrayal of facing the impossible, and honestly, I think most of us will see ourselves in his struggle.

He’s not a typical hero, someone who feels destined for greatness and actively pursues it. He’s just a regular person, like you and me, with desires but unsure how to achieve them. This season will focus on whether he can overcome the challenges of becoming a knight and prove himself capable.

There’s a clear sign Dunk is having a hard time – he’s forced to relieve himself outdoors and sleep under the stars. However, the story isn’t just about feeling bad for him. It shows the difficult reality of everyday life in Westeros, and despite everything, this simple knight refuses to be defeated.

The world Dunk lives in is harsh, which makes his unwavering determination even more admirable. Supported by his companion, Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), Dunk always fights for what he believes in, making him a truly compelling hero. Sadly, the powerful nobles above him are fickle and can easily ruin everything for him.

Dunk’s facing a really tough situation – it’s not just the minor inconveniences like the lack of supplies. But that’s what makes A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms so good, and why it feels like a natural continuation of George R.R. Martin’s world.

The new series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, will debut on Sky Atlantic and NOW on January 19, 2026. It will also be available on HBO in the United States.

You can watch all eight seasons of Game of Thrones and the first two seasons of House of the Dragon on Sky and NOW. Learn how to subscribe to Sky TV to start watching!

Authors

David OpieFreelance Writer

David Opie is a freelance journalist who covers TV and film for websites like TopMob, Indiewire, and Empire. He’s a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ representation, often speaking on panels about it and working to promote queer stories. He’s also passionate about comics, animation, and horror – and dreams of a Buffy the Vampire Slayerthemed challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race*. Before becoming a freelancer, David worked as a Deputy TV Editor at Digital Spy and holds a degree in Psychology.

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2026-01-19 18:35