The article contains spoilers for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5.
HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ most recent episode, has already caused an uproar just minutes after it aired.
The penultimate episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, titled “In the Name of the Mother,” features one of the series’ most devastating moments yet. The episode gave viewers a traumatic look into Dunk’s (Peter Claffey) past with all the violence and death that comes with any Game of Thrones spinoff.
The most recent chapter alternates between a grim flashback to Dunk’s childhood and the escalating tension of the show’s present-day battle. By the time the episode concludes, multiple characters have died, including Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel). While he survived the Trial of the Seven, he was killed immediately after. The prince removed his helmet to show a fatal head injury that was caused by his brother, Maekar Targaryen (Sam Spruell), before he passed away.
Despite the tragic death, the majority of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ viewers absolutely loved the episode. Some even declared it the best episode of any Game of Thrones series, including the flagship show. While many fans were clearly heartbroken by the loss, they still praised the writing, performances, and emotional payoff.
Fans on X repeatedly described the most recent episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms as “gut-wrenching” and “heartbreaking.” Audiences and critics alike applauded the series for staying true to the unforgiving nature of Westeros and the Game of Thrones franchise as a whole. Many viewers said the character’s death was already expected long before it happened, but the writers still managed to catch them off guard and kept them on the edge of their seats.
The final episode of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms will air on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET and 7:00 PM PT on HBO.
- Release Date
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January 18, 2026
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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Ira Parker
- Directors
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Owen Harris
- Writers
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George R. R. Martin, Ira Parker
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Peter Claffey
Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall
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