A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 5: All Eyes on Ser Duncan the Tall

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Episode 5, "In the Name of the Mother"

The fifth episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, titled "In the Name of the Mother," is a masterclass in storytelling that combines high-stakes drama with deep emotional resonance. The episode opens with a nearly 20-minute flashback segment that disrupts the long-awaited trial of seven, offering a unique perspective on Ser Duncan's journey and setting the stage for the intense action to come.

On the battlefield, the viewer is immersed in Ser Duncan's experience, witnessing the chaos of lances breaking, knights falling from their horses, and maces swinging in every direction. This disorienting yet immersive approach makes the viewer feel as though they are inside Ser Duncan’s helm, experiencing the battle firsthand.

"In the Name of the Mother" picks up where episode 4 left off, with Dunk and his fellow knights preparing for the trial. Prince Baelor takes a leadership role, advising the knights not to panic and to remain in formation. He volunteers to deal with the Kingsguard, knowing their oath prevents them from harming a prince of the realm. His humor lightens the tension, as he quips, "Mother loves you best, huh?" while Lyonel Baratheon adds a touch of levity to the situation.

Egg, who diligently performs his squire duties, hands Dunk his lance before they split up. Their exchange of jokes quickly turns into a moment of concern as the foggy morning sets the tone for the trial. At the sound of the horn, all knights charge forward, but Dunk hesitates until Egg urgently calls out. He is struck on the first charge by a spear that pierces his stomach, followed by a mace to the head, leaving him unconscious.

A Polarizing Flashback Reveals Dunk's Past

The trial of seven briefly fades, and we are transported back to Flea Bottom years earlier, when Dunk was just a child scavenging the spoils of war. He is friends with Rafe, whose ambition contrasts with Dunk's naivety. Rafe is determined to scavenge enough treasures to sell and escape to the Free Cities, but the City Watch constantly confiscates their goods.

One day, Rafe fights back by stealing a canteen from a guard, and the two flee into the crowd. That night, they confess their love for each other and decide it's time to go, only to learn the next day that they still don't have enough money. On their way back, they run into the same guards, who steal their money and retaliate by snatching Rafe's dagger.

This time, the guard notices the missing object and slashes Rafe's throat. Dunk charges at him, but Ser Arlan of Pennytree intervenes, killing both guards. With nothing left tying him to Flea Bottom, Dunk follows Ser Arlan, driven by a quiet determination. This pursuit mirrors Egg's own quest to become Dunk's squire, highlighting the themes of loyalty and honor.

Dunk finds himself unable to continue due to an infected wound. Ser Arlan finally meets him, offering water and instructing him to "get up." These words bring Dunk back to the present, where he regains consciousness after a brief period of unconsciousness.

Dunk Beats Aerion and Wins the Duel

Despite his severe wounds, Dunk manages to stay on his feet and face Aerion Targaryen in a violent duel. After an intense fight, Dunk lands a decisive blow to the prince's thigh, incapacitating him. However, Dunk suddenly falls to the ground and loses consciousness.

Lord Ashford is about to announce Aerion's victory when Dunk hears Ser Arlan's call again, opening his eyes. The trial resumes, and Dunk finishes his job, defeating Aerion and choosing to spare the prince's life. He drags Aerion to the royal stand and forces him to withdraw his accusation, ending the trial.

Baelor Dies in Dunk's Arms

Backstage, Dunk learns that both Humfreys have died in the first charge, but another death is imminent. Prince Baelor arrives to congratulate Dunk, and the hedge knight kneels despite his injuries. Baelor starts mumbling and stumbling on his feet, and when his helm is removed, it is revealed that his brother's mace has crushed his skull. He collapses and dies in Dunk's arms.

A Rewatchable Episode

Episode 5 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will be remembered as one of the most rewatchable episodes in the Game of Thrones universe. Its legendary moments and twists make it a must-watch, but the episode is also designed to be viewed at least twice. Most viewers won't fully appreciate it on a first watch, as they may spend the entire episode on edge, fearing that the flashbacks will delay the resolution of the trial.

In hindsight, the flashbacks and combat scenes complement each other perfectly, immersing the viewer in Dunk's perspective. The editing tricks, such as the POV shot inside Ser Duncan's helm, deepen the sense of immersion amid the chaos of battle.

Dunk's body and soul are laid bare, and the episode offers a glimpse into his painful childhood and the tragic circumstances that led him to leave Flea Bottom behind. Watching Ser Arlan charge against the City Watch, albeit clumsily and drunkenly, is the first real glimpse of honor Dunk ever witnessed, opening his eyes to a world beyond the misery surrounding him.

Everything leads to this moment, where Ser Duncan must fight for his life to prove that kindness and honor still have a place in knighthood. While fate served him well, the same cannot be said for Prince Baelor, whose death is a painful reminder that this is a George R. R. Martin story. Baelor died defending the innocent, ensuring justice was served at the expense of Westeros losing what might have been one of the finest and fairest Targaryen rulers in history.

Episode 5 is as satisfying as it is tragic. The extended flashback sequence will divide fans, with some viewing it as a complementary narrative device and others finding it frustrating. Another valid criticism is that the episode could have shown more of the trial of seven, such as the deaths of Humfreys and the moment Baelor was struck by Maekar's mace. Yet doing so would have betrayed the episode's main purpose, which was to present things solely from Ser Duncan's perspective.

Watch the season 1 finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, Feb. 22.