HBO Revives A Cancelled Game of Thrones Spinoff in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 5 (& It’s Great)

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The fifth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1, titled “In the Name of the Mother,” has a connection to a Game of Thrones spin-off that HBO ultimately chose not to produce. HBO has been building out its Game of Thrones universe with shows like House of the Dragon and now A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. While several prequels and sequels – including stories about Aegon’s Conquest and The Sea Snake – are currently in development, many other potential shows never made it past the planning stage.

Several potential Game of Thrones spinoffs never made it to air. The first, Bloodmoon, would have been set during the Age of Heroes and the Long Night, but HBO cancelled it after spending around $30 million on the pilot. A sequel series starring Kit Harington as Jon Snow is currently paused, though it could be revisited. A smaller project, set in the impoverished and crime-ridden Flea Bottom district of King’s Landing, was also developed and then cancelled in 2021. However, the fifth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms essentially reimagines that idea.

A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms Episode 5 Is A Great Flea Bottom Story

While “In the Name of the Mother” was promoted as the major battle episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, it actually focuses more on events from the past. The episode features flashbacks showing a young Dunk (Bamber Todd) and his companion, Rafe (Chloe Lea), scavenging from a battlefield, trying to sell their findings, and getting into trouble with a criminal in the rough streets of Flea Bottom. Thanks to the episode’s unique viewpoint, viewers get the clearest picture yet of what life is truly like for the people of Flea Bottom – and how harsh, grimy, and perilous it can be.

These scenes are just as compelling as the main trial storyline. It’s refreshing to see a different side of King’s Landing than what’s typically shown in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, and to witness the struggles of people whose lives are a constant fight for survival and a glimmer of hope.

I used to think a show set in Flea Bottom wouldn’t work – it initially seemed like a simple concept. However, this recent installment has made me rethink that. One of the best things about A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is its fresh perspective, focusing on a hero who isn’t from a noble family. This could have been a similar opportunity.

The success of this story also relies on how much narrative there is to share – it works well as a segment within an episode, and because viewers are so invested in Dunk’s character. While a full series focusing on Flea Bottom seems unlikely now, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms effectively explores that concept, even if just for this one installment.

The season finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be available on HBO and HBO Max starting Sunday, February 22nd, at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.

What were your thoughts on Episode 5? Share your opinion in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-16 18:40