This week’s episode of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” titled “The Morrow,” dives deep into Dunk’s psyche as he grapples with survivor’s guilt following the death of Prince Baelor. Feeling the weight of his own existence, Dunk is haunted by questions of worth—why did the gods spare him while taking a noble life? His humble origins from Flea Bottom only amplify his sense of being lesser than those of highborn status, even as he realizes that knights and lords often reveal themselves to be lacking in honor and integrity.
Dunk’s turmoil is compounded by memories of Baelor, who, much like Ser Arlan of Pennytree before him, offered kindness and fought for Dunk’s sake. However, a confrontation with Ser Lyonel Baratheon brings a necessary dose of reality. Lyonel starkly reminds Dunk that as a Targaryen prince, Baelor was inherently supposed to be safe, and it was Dunk along with his seven knights who truly risked their lives for him. The poignant line, “And the gods don’t favor a fraud,” reinforces the notion that Dunk must confront his own feelings of inadequacy.
While the emotional arc carries much of the weight, the episode successfully injects humor, notably through interactions involving Raymun Fossoway and his new wife. Yet, the overall tone remains serious as Dunk seeks to make sense of the events at Ashford and figure out his path forward. Egg, still eager to be Dunk’s squire, finds his hopes dashed when Dunk turns down the request. Disappointed, Egg challenges Dunk’s knightly aspirations, making a pointed statement that strikes at Dunk’s core.
A pivotal moment occurs when Prince Daeron discusses the juxtaposition of nature versus nurture. He reveals that Aerion, once a good child, had turned into a monster, prompting Dunk to consider the responsibility he holds in shaping Egg’s character. Dunk resolves that if he is to influence Egg, it will only be by allowing him to learn through the trials of being a hedge knight—a decision met with resistance from Prince Maekar, who is bound by royal traditions.
Sam Spruell, portraying Maekar, shines in this finale, revealing a fatherly compassion masked by an air of exasperation regarding his family dynamics. When Maekar finds Egg holding a dagger near Aerion’s bedside, he responds with understanding rather than anger, showcasing an emotional depth that is palpable in the silence that follows.
As the episode reaches its conclusion, Egg, in an impulsive move, deceives Dunk into accepting him as his squire, claiming parental approval—which is humorously countered in the end credits scene. The duo sets off on their adventures, symbolizing Dunk’s emergence as both his own man and knight, reinforced by a haunting final image of Ser Arlan riding away.
The anticipation for Season 2 of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” continues to grow, as viewers are eager to see how Dunk and Egg’s journey unfolds, laden with both challenges and opportunities for growth.