HBO’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is largely faithful to its source material, but a recent change in Episode 5, “In the Name of the Mother,” has drawn criticism from both viewers and, now, the show’s own showrunner. While the series has been praised for its commitment to the novella, the decision to alter the backstory of Dunk’s childhood friend, Rafe and a seemingly minor omission of key dialogue have sparked debate about the show’s creative choices.
The fifth episode introduced a flashback to Dunk’s youth in Flea Bottom, depicting his friendship with Rafe as they navigated a difficult upbringing. This storyline, while expanding on Dunk’s past, deviates significantly from Martin’s original text. In the books, Dunk recalls his childhood friends – Ferret, Pudding, and Rafe – in passing, with Rafe appearing as a fleeting memory. The series, however, elevates Rafe to a central figure in Dunk’s formative years, portraying him as a constant companion. This expansion, however, came at a cost. The show made Rafe a girl, a change that, according to some, resulted in a problematic narrative trope known as “fridging” – killing off a female character solely to motivate the male protagonist.
As Collider reported, Rafe’s death in the series serves as the catalyst for Dunk’s departure from Flea Bottom, a moment that feels contrived and exploitative. The criticism centers on the idea that the show introduced a female character only to remove her in a violent manner, highlighting a perceived pattern of problematic treatment of women within the series. This stands in contrast to the source material, where Rafe’s presence is far less developed and his fate doesn’t carry the same narrative weight.
Beyond the Rafe storyline, showrunner Ira Parker has admitted to another significant mistake: the omission of a crucial line of dialogue from the novella. During a recent Reddit AMA, Parker acknowledged that cutting the line – “A knight who remembered his vows” – was an oversight. As Radio Times detailed, this line, spoken by Steely Pate, is considered by many fans to be the heart and soul of the story, encapsulating the central theme of honor and duty. Parker expressed regret over the omission, stating it was a mistake that fell out of the script during editing. He maintains that the core message remains present in the show, even without the explicit line, but acknowledges its importance.
The decision to age up Dunk in the flashbacks was a deliberate one, intended to provide more depth to his backstory. However, this change, coupled with the alterations to Rafe’s character, has raised questions about the show’s overall approach to adapting Martin’s work. While the series has largely remained faithful to the source material, these deviations suggest a willingness to prioritize certain narrative elements over others, sometimes with unintended consequences.
The changes aren’t entirely without merit. The expanded backstory provides a more nuanced understanding of Dunk’s character and motivations. As ScreenRant points out, the flashback scenes showcase Dunk’s resilience and determination, qualities that are essential to his character arc. However, the execution of these changes, particularly the handling of Rafe’s storyline, has drawn criticism for its perceived lack of sensitivity and its reliance on tired tropes.
The showrunner’s admission of mistakes suggests a willingness to listen to fan feedback and address concerns. Whether these acknowledgements will translate into changes in future seasons remains to be seen. The second novella in the Tales of Dunk and Egg series introduces Lady Rohanne Webber, a character with a more substantial role, offering an opportunity for the show to showcase more complex and well-developed female characters.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms continues to stream on HBO Max, with new episodes released on Sundays. The series faces the challenge of balancing faithfulness to the source material with the demands of a visual medium, and the recent controversies highlight the delicate balance between adaptation and creative license.
