Fantasy series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms returns soon with its fifth and penultimate episode. Showrunner Ira Parker reveals that the production team cut a significant scene fans view as central to the story’s essence.

The Omitted Exchange

The scene features Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and Steely Pate (Youssef Kerkour) just before the Trial by Seven. In George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas, Dunk questions, “Why? Who am I to them?” Steely Pate responds, “A knight who remembers his vows.” Many fans regard this moment as the novella’s moral core.

Parker addressed the omission during a Reddit AMA. “Honestly, it was a mistake on my part,” he stated. “Not my first, not my last on this show. That scene was in the script at one point, then fell out.”

He added, “I agree that ‘a knight who remembers his vows’ is the soul of this story, but I think that is still very much at the core of the show, even if I stupidly left out this scene. It may not be said explicitly, but Dunk’s actions remain the same.”

Fans praised Parker’s candidness, with one commenter noting the rarity of showrunners openly admitting errors.

Context of the Trial by Seven

The Trial by Seven requires Dunk to assemble six knights to challenge Prince Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett). This follows Dunk’s defense of young actress Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford) against the prince’s anger.

Episode 5 Preview

HBO’s episode summary teases deeper insight into Dunk’s past: “Before Ser Duncan the Tall can learn the fate of his future, he must relive his past.” The trailer shows glimpses of his youth and a friendship with a young girl who urges him to stay brave on his path.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 5 airs Monday, February 16, on Sky Atlantic and NOW at 3am GMT.