A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 2, titled “Hard Salt Beef,” has just premiered on HBO Max. While the show is earning praise, it also has sparked a significant concern among fans—not about the storyline, but about the episode length.
This series is a fresh addition to the Game of Thrones universe, focusing on George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas. The first season adapts the short story “The Hedge Knight,” following Ser Duncan the Tall, portrayed by Peter Claffey, and his squire Egg, played by Dexter Sol Ansell. Unlike its predecessor, House of the Dragon, which delivered longer episodes, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms presents a more compact story.
Episode 2 has a runtime of only 33 minutes. Fans were surprised by this, as it feels much shorter compared to the hour-long episodes of previous series. Even though the premiere episode ran for 42 minutes, subsequent ones follow the half-hour format. Many viewers are wishing the series had been released all at once instead of weekly.
Here’s a quick look at the runtimes for Season 1:
- Episode 1 – 42 minutes
- Episode 2 – 33 minutes
- Episode 3 – 31 minutes
- Episode 4 – 34 minutes
- Episode 5 – 37 minutes
- Episode 6 – 31 minutes
Fans who have read the novella defend the short runtime, pointing out that “The Hedge Knight” is a succinct tale. Still, many viewers feel that dropping each episode weekly tests their patience.
Reddit users have expressed similar sentiments. One fan lamented, “These episodes are so short! Just as you’re getting into it… the episode ends!” Another added, “Even if it’s just Dunk chilling with Egg, I need it longer.” Comments like these suggest a desire for richer storytelling, instead of a stretched-out release schedule.
Interestingly, the source material has only about 85 pages. Despite this, some fans argue that a longer format might lead to deeper character development and a more immersive experience. They would prefer fewer episodes that are longer in length to maximize the storytelling potential.
While there’s a divide in opinions, it’s worth noting that shorter episodes can allow for a tighter narrative. In a world where attention spans are shorter, some viewers appreciate a brisker pace that gets straight to the point.
Meanwhile, the show is also making headlines for a humorous moment involving Ser Arlan of Pennytree, which has led to a flurry of jokes online. The showrunner, Ira Parker, opened up about the scene, mentioning he couldn’t recall if a prosthetic was used during filming. This lighthearted take has added an unexpected layer of engagement from fans.
As the series continues, it will be interesting to see how it evolves within the established narrative of the Game of Thrones universe. Despite the ongoing discussions about episode lengths, one thing is clear: fans are eager for more from this new journey in Westeros.
For those interested, you can find more details about the show, including insights from George R.R. Martin, here.
