At a Glance
- Dunk, Egg, and the supporting cast set the stage for a new medieval drama.
- Tanselle, a puppeteer, is the object of Dunk’s unreciprocated crush.
- Raymund instantly bonds with Dunk, while Dunk and Egg’s chemistry is forged in a single read.
- Why it matters: The episode establishes key relationships that will drive the series’ narrative.
A new medieval fantasy series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, debuted its opening episode, introducing viewers to its core duo-Dunk, played by Peter Claffey, and Egg, portrayed by Dexter Sol Ansell-alongside a host of supporting characters that promise to shape the story as it progresses.
The Main Players
The first episode focuses on Dunk and Egg, but also introduces several other figures:
- Ser Steffon (Edward Ashley) and his cousin and squire Raymund (Shaun Thomas).
- Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), a talented puppeteer who catches Dunk’s eye.
- The Fossoways, a family that appears early and will become more important.
These characters are not just background; each interaction hints at future plotlines.
Dunk’s Infatuation with Tanselle
Tanselle is one of the few female characters in the show, and her relationship with Dunk is a key early tension point. At a recent press day, io9 asked Crawford about Tanselle’s feelings toward Dunk:
> “I do think that initially it is quite one-sided,” Crawford explained. “I think Dunk is maybe not the most charming person initially. I don’t think there is a mutual attraction. Maybe like a wonder or a… I think she’s just puzzled by him more than anything. And then maybe as it progresses and she kind of sees the goofiness he has, maybe there’s like a little bit of something growing.”
Later in the season, Tanselle witnesses Dunk’s heroic streak. Crawford noted:
> “Having someone do such a grand gesture like Dunk does for her, I think, could change her feelings about him. I like that it’s a mystery, like you’re not really sure.”
These comments suggest that Tanselle’s view of Dunk will evolve, but the show keeps the outcome ambiguous.
Raymund’s Immediate Bond with Dunk
Raymund is one of the very few people at the Ashford tournament who embraces Dunk as a friend from the start. The connection is instant, according to Thomas:
> “I think it’s the initial meeting that they have when Raymund and Steffon are training,” Thomas told io9. “In the scene, Steffon is kicking his cousin’s ass as they’re sparring and insulting him, too. Then he challenges the very tall stranger who’s just ambled up to step into the training ring. Dunk takes in the situation and decides he’d better politely move on rather than engage.”
Thomas added:
> “I think it’s the way Steffon communicates with Dunk, and he doesn’t react in a way that Raymund expects. That resonates with Raymund, and he sees something in him that draws him to want to know more. I think he makes that kind of his task, to get to know this giant of a man, a hedge knight who he has some sort of relation to, in the sense [that he also] feels like he’s a little bit ‘less than.'”
The scene establishes Raymund’s curiosity and sets the stage for a friendship that will develop over the series.
Dunk and Egg’s Chemistry
The bond between Dunk and Egg is a cornerstone of the show. Claffey explained how the two actors met and prepared for their roles:
> “We met first in the final, or in the chemistry read, and they only did one chemistry read because I think we kind of clicked on that day,” Claffey told io9. “He looks like, as George [R.R. Martin] said, he came straight out of the book. We clicked amazingly in the chemistry read, and then we had two months’ prep before we got into it, which was such a great help because I had so much horse riding to do, and he had a lot to do.”
Claffey continued:
> “We were living around the same place in Belfast, right beside an arcade in the cinema, and we spent a lot of time in the arcade. I got to know him and got to know his family-they’re just really, really lovely, down-to-earth, nice people. I care about the little lad now, big time, and feel quite protective of him … I don’t know how he does it sometimes, but he’s got a great head on his shoulders, and I find him quite inspiring. He’s got a huge, huge career ahead of him, and it’s just an honor to be able to do this with him for sure.”
These remarks underscore how the actors’ off-camera relationship mirrors the on-screen dynamic, giving the show a solid foundation.
Episode Availability
New episodes of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms arrive Sundays on HBO and HBO Max. Fans can keep track of the series and other sci-fi and fantasy releases through the network’s official channels.
Key Takeaways
- Dunk’s one-sided affection for Tanselle introduces early romantic tension.
- Raymund’s instant friendship with Dunk hints at future alliances.
- The on-screen chemistry between Dunk and Egg is rooted in a strong off-screen partnership.
- The first episode lays the groundwork for a complex web of relationships that will evolve throughout the season.
These elements combine to make the debut episode a promising start for a show that promises depth and intrigue.
