I think this was the first episode with things starting to really get interesting. Egg being a Targaryen was signaled so hard that almost no-one could be surprised by the reveal itself but the way it happened and how much it seems to to change the direction where the story's going certainly did it for me.
this post was submitted on 02 Feb 2026
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A Song Of Ice And Fire
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As a book reader I was surprised that it took until episode 3 for the reveal. I figured it would be episode 2, and was a little worried it would be episode 1, but this was done perfectly. It gave time to build where in this world we are an who are characters are (as people).
But I completely agree that Egg being a Targaryen adds a whole new element. Plus it gives Dunk a little bit of plot armor. As we see and as we saw, Dunk is a bit stupid. Without Egg, Dunk was about to be severely injured, if not killed outright. But with Egg, he can be the knight he was raised to be.
- This show continues to be everything.
- Egg's Blackfyre Rebellion song was great.
- They certainly made Aerion a POS - I was afraid that they would soften him by not being pretty looking as described in the novella.
- Why would the soldiers take orders from Egg over Aerion?
- My theory is that the soldiers are not kingguard - so maybe they're assigned to the branch family in Summerfall, and really under Maekar's control... and prob. Maekar would not approve of Aerion's BS...
- I felt Dunk's betrayal look after the big reveal.
- Also the music during Egg's reveal was badass.
- Finally, I really like how they're low-key framing this show as both a sequel to HotD and prequel to Game of Thrones. For us those who know the books and the lore, it's obvious - but for show-only readers it must be a treat.
Ira Parker seems like the most genuine fan of the source material out of the showrunners... so far.
By the way, I think that with the Super Bowl next Sunday, the next episode could be up early, maybe Friday ?
Spoilers
The Prophecy
"All who know you will rejoice in your dying" - That's a bit harsh, but I guess trying to bring back the dragons using fire (and possibly blood) sacrifice will paint you as a villain. That and reforms favoring the common folk.
Also, the fortune teller could be considered a nod the the Ghost of High Heart. Although to be honest, I would had preferred a cryptic prophecy a-la Patchface, vs someone (randomly) showing up and laying it out like in the episode.
Summerhall
Summerhall. The word was fraught with doom.
My Headcannon is that Egg was going to succeed in bringing back Dragons... until Dunk got in the way.
the next episode could be up early, maybe Friday ?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Episode 4 will premiere on HBO Max Friday, Feb. 6 at 12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 a.m. ET.
Looks like someone can see the future. Winds of Winter when?
… Winds of Winter when ?
Yeah… I’m not going anywhere near that
Why would the soldiers take orders from Egg over Aerion?
I think you're right that they're not Kingsguard, their outfits were different and I think you're right that they're following Maekar's orders. I just think that finding Egg/Aegon trumps whatever other orders are going on, even if by accident. Imagine returning to Maekar and saying, "We found Aegon, he ran off, Aerion wanted us to kill some random dude." They're not going to risk that.
I guess being the Lord of Summerhall comes with its perks, then. Perhaps Kingsgurds are only dispatched for the main line of the Iron Throne and the branching lines don’t get access that often? Makes sense to me if Markar and his sons are traveling with Baelor/Valar.
I agree with your take on the soldiers not risking that. My theory is that, by seniority, they should obey Aerion over Egg, but Aerion is such an PITA that they wait for a tie breaker from someone who has even more seniority: Maekar or Baelor.
they should obey Aerion over Egg, but Aerion is such an PITA that they wait for a tie breaker from someone who has even more seniority: Maekar or Baelor.
That's how I interpreted it while watching. The guards were given orders they disagreed with so when they saw an opportunity to disobey they took it.
Tap for spoiler
Thinking about it more that doesn't track with what was portrayed. The guards didn't need much convincing to get ready to curbstomb Dunk. Aerion merely mentioned knocking his teeth out and they're already forcing Dunk's face to the stage.
Maybe Egg mentioning his father is what did the trick?
We also only have seven Kingsguard total. We saw two last episode and I think we saw them when the riot broke out? But I expect they mostly stick with the heir, Baelor. Aerion is currently... 4th(?) in line, so not nothing, but not top priority.
The line of succession at this point would be
- Baelor
- Valar
- Matarys
- Aerys
- Rhaegel
- Aelor
- Maekar
- Daeron
- Aerion
- Aemon
- Aegon
And then anyone else, including women of house Targaryen.
So… a lot of 💩 had to happen for Aerion to have a chance. It really puts into perspective Egg’s Moniker “The Unlikely”
Fossoway dropping truth bombs for Dunk.
Egg was, understandably, so pissed when Aerion killed that horse. True Targ rage.
Also 10/10 Egg song.
Fossoway’s rant on the Targs was hilarious.
I think Egg was just idealizing “something happening” to Aerion in that moment. IIRC his “kill him! Kill him!” happens before Aerion goes for the horse’s neck.
I wonder if his rage is part of Egg being a bit more “Targy” in the moment… or if Aerion has bullied him, or worse. I don’t recall anything specific right now from the novellas or TWOIAF
Oh I meant specifically when they're on the bridge after the riot. Egg just looks like raw rage. In context he saw his brother purposely kill a horse, as did everyone else hence the riot, and he's just a 9 year old kid.
So he's just being human, but it's a side of him we haven't seen. Up to this point he's just been a sweet and mysterious young boy.