WARNING: Spoilers ahead for Episode 1 of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The much-awaited series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has made its debut on HBO and Sky, generating excitement among fans, as reported by the Mirror.

Set a hundred years before the epic saga of Game of Thrones and about 70 years after the events depicted in House of the Dragon, the show introduces viewers to Peter Claffey in the lead role of Ser Duncan ‘Dunk’ the Tall.

However, those tuning in to the premiere episode, titled The Hedge Knight, were taken by surprise shortly after the start as Dunk embarks on a journey to fulfill his dream of becoming a knight.

The series kicks off with Dunk giving a heartfelt farewell to his late mentor, Ser Arlan of Pennytree, portrayed by Danny Webb, in a scene that is both poignant and visually striking.

With Ser Arlan buried, Dunk possessed nothing except the steeds, weaponry and armour that had belonged to Ser Arlan, which he claimed for himself.

As Dunk raised the blade and resolved to fulfil his fate as a knight, the Game of Thrones theme could be detected playing during the moving sequences.

Yet, this solemn moment was immediately followed by Dunk then crudely relieving himself behind a tree in a vulgar comedic beat, underscoring the lighthearted approach of the programme compared to its predecessors.

Many were taken aback by this discordant moment and flocked to YouTube beneath the comments section for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Week Ahead trailer. Several viewers believed the contrast between these two scenes might have been a subtle dig at Game of Thrones, especially the widely criticised eighth and final series.

One viewer commented: “was not expecting the beginning to be building up to the game of thrones theme song being cut off with dunk literally s****ing [sic]” alongside a crying eyes out emoji.

Another viewer remarked: “It was said that the GoT theme wouldn’t be in this series. I thought it was a bit symbolic to have Ser Dunk *****ing on the theme lol. Maybe a little dig.”

A third viewer quipped: “They are showing the glimpse of got season 8” with a crying with laughter emoji, whilst a fourth echoed similar views, posting: “symbolizes season 8 of Game of Thrones [sic].”

The Weeks Ahead preview provided glimpses of what audiences can anticipate throughout the remainder of the series, including Dunk’s formative years and the conflicts awaiting him following his assault on King Aerion Targaryen’s grandson (Finn Bennett).

Meanwhile, others expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the forthcoming episodes, with one viewer commenting: “I’ve always wanted a show in this universe that told the perspective of a peasant, It’s so much more interesting getting to the heart of this world.”

Another added: “I loved this. Followed the novella wonderfully. I could picture these characters as I thought about the story watching them come to life. So glad to see the small folk.”

A third viewer observed: “loved the first episode cannot wait for episode 2”, whilst a fourth noted: “Shows good. I like the different tone and also the comedic heart in it.”

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs on HBO on Sundays in the USA and on Mondays on NOW in the UK

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