'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' Biggest Change From George R.R. Martin’s Book Is Also a Frustrating Betrayal

Editor's Note: The following contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a prime example of what an adaptation can be if it remains close to the book. The latest Game of Thrones spin-off brings George R.R. Martin's Tales of Dunk and Egg series to life, almost adapting the first story word-for-word. Yet, in the final moments of Season 1, the series made a major change to the story in an odd choice. The finale, "The Morrow," explores the fallout from Ser Duncan the Tall's (Peter Claffey) trial, and one of the major questions is what comes next. After all, the show is renewed for Season 2, which cannot continue to follow the tourney. The finale hints at the future when Prince Aegon (Dexter Sol Ansell) resumes his disguise as Egg to become Dunk's squire, setting them up for more adventures, but there is a catch when it's revealed that Maekar (Sam Spruell) doesn't know what his youngest son is up to. This is a distinct change from Martin's novels, and though it may not seem like much, it undermines the character growth of Egg and Maekar while seeming to set up an unnecessary complication for Season 2.