The new Game of Thrones sequel is ‘very funny’ and ‘a lot of fun’

Ser Duncan is poorly trained, inexperienced, and dressed in little better than rags, with only a rope for his sword belt, but he hopes that if he makes a name for himself at an upcoming tournament at Ashford Meadow, one of the great houses might take him into their service.

On his way to the “tournament,” he reluctantly accepts the services of a bald-headed boy named Egg (Dexter Saul Ansel), who begins following him. Egg, despite Dunk’s small size, wants to be a knight, and has an impudent know-it-all – generally more articulate than “Lunk” Dunk, who is not an intellectual.

The story, based on the first of Martin’s three novels in which the pair appear, is about what happens in a tournament. In HBO press notes, showrunner Ira Parker compares Ashford to Glastonbury or Burning Man, and the events that unfold there have geopolitical ramifications that span the decades and are still being felt when Thrones begins. However, Dunk and Egg’s one-on-one relationship, sometimes somewhat antagonistic but mostly affectionate, is the beating heart of this wonderful six-episode show.

Both the old and new gods were smiling during production when Claffey and Ansel were cast. They are great individually and their chemistry is extraordinary. You might think they’ve been working together in a Laurel and Hardy-style double act for decades, but Claffey – the former rugby great – has only been acting for two years, and this is his first major role. His partner of 11 years has been acting since he was four and has already had a number of important roles. Ansell reveals in the press notes that George R.R. Martin told him: “You’re perfect. You’re an egg.”