A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Hard Salt Beef

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef,” continues Dunk’s exciting quest to participate in the tourney at Ashford Meadow.

Although there are new scenes that do not exist in the novella, they do not change the story’s essence; they strengthen and deepen both new and previously introduced characters.

On “Hard Salt Beef,” Dunk bravely faces the Prince of Dragonstone and heir to the Iron Throne, Baelor Breakspear. It is an intriguing storyline that also introduces some of this era’s Targaryens, which always helps color narrative circumstances, stakes, and themes.

Dunk is desperate to find someone who will vouch for his participation in the tourney now that Ser Manfred has rejected him, and it is not an easy task.

With less than a day until the tourney begins, Dunk must meet this deadline. The stakes are incredibly high as Dunk and Egg bounce from lord to lord, seeking someone who will certify Dunk’s participation.

Dunk: He said it was you, m’lord, who told him that a hedge knight was the bridge between lords and the smallfolk.

Thankfully, Dunk squeezes his way into an audience with the Targaryens, who have just arrived at Ashford Meadow. 

Whenever a Targaryen appears, the atmosphere immediately shakes things up. They are one of the most distinguished families in this fictional universe, with Daenerys Targaryen among the most iconic fictional characters of all time. 

Each generation of Targaryens is fairly different because of the unique events, characteristics, and dynamics that shape the family. The Targaryens on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms are no exception.

It is too early to determine what Aerion Targaryen is like, even though readers already have certain expectations. On the other hand, Baelor Breakspear and Maekar Targaryen appear just long enough to conclude what they are like.

Baelor is benevolent, just, and honorable. He is willing to give Dunk a chance upon remembering Ser Arlan of Pennytree when no one else will. 

Maekar is bitter, impatient, and irritable, but he loves his children and remains loyal to them. Granted, he is looking for his missing family, so that could be why he is more on edge than usual.

Given that Baelor and Maekar are brothers, their contrasting personalities set up the potential for a riveting sibling dynamic.

One notable change from George R.R. Martin’s The Hedge Knight involves the narrative timeline.

In the novella, Dunk meets Steely Pate and procures armor from him before he meets Baelor and Maekar, but this scene occurs on A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms after Baelor vouches for Dunk.

A timeline change may not seem important, but this is still an excellent decision. Acquiring the appropriate armor after meeting Baelor significantly raises the stakes.

If Dunk loses even one round at the tourney, he will owe his opponent everything he has. However, Dunk cannot afford to lose because he must pay back Steely Pate, repurchase his horse, and make a living for himself.

Now, the heir to the Iron Throne has allowed Dunk into the tourney. If Dunk loses, he is not just hurting himself—he will let down Baelor Breakspear as well. 

“Hard Salt Beef” includes additional scenes not in the novella, such as the tug-of-war Dunk and Egg participate in after Lyonel Baratheon encourages them to do so.

It is critical for adaptations to round out the characters and the dynamics as much as possible while thoroughly establishing the setting.

The new scenes accomplish these tasks, providing a detailed understanding of what is at stake for Dunk, what his budding friendship with Lyonel Baratheon means, and what his dynamic with Egg entails.

Tanselle: All men are fools, and all men are knights.

Despite the new material, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms still adapts iconic moments from The Hedge Knight, especially Tanselle and Dunk’s dynamic.

Peter Claffey does an exceptional job in portraying Dunk as a flustered young man determined to find a solution for his shield. Likewise, Tanzyn Crawford is superb at bringing the friendly and confident puppeteer to life.

 A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Season 1 Episode 2, “Hard Salt Beef” ends at the beginning of the tourney, before it is Dunk’s turn to participate. It is the ideal spot to close this episode, marking a distinction between Dunk’s life before and after what comes next.

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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs Sundays at 10/9c on HBO.

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