Fans of George R.R. Martin’s world have once again been swept up in the intrigue, honor, and looming danger of Westeros, as the HBO series A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms reaches its penultimate episode. Episode 5, titled “In the Name of the Mother,” premiered on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in the United States and rolled out globally in the hours that followed, marking a pivotal moment in this adaptation of Martin’s beloved “Dunk and Egg” novellas.
According to Bam Smack Pow, the fourth episode set the stage with a tense confrontation between Ser Duncan the Tall—known to friends and foes alike as Dunk—and his squire, Egg, whose real identity as Prince Aegon Targaryen was finally revealed. Egg’s apology for his deception was met with Dunk’s characteristic mix of disappointment and loyalty. Even when Dunk’s own fate hung in the balance after he struck Prince Aerion Targaryen in defense of Egg, his sense of honor never wavered.
But honor comes at a price in Westeros. Dunk found himself facing a Trial of Seven—a rare and deadly form of trial by combat requiring him to find six knights to stand with him by morning. The task seemed impossible, especially as some potential allies betrayed him, and Dunk’s isolation grew more acute. Yet, in a dramatic twist, Prince Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen broke ranks with his own family to join Dunk’s cause, making up the seventh and final member for the trial. As Decider notes, this last-minute intervention not only saved Dunk’s life but also set the stage for the epic showdown that would define the season’s climax.
The tone of the series has shifted as it’s progressed. Early episodes blended humor and adventure, but as the stakes have risen, the show has taken on a more serious, somber feel. Episode 4, aptly titled “Seven,” opened with a gravity that foreshadowed the high drama to come, and with the penultimate episode now aired, viewers are bracing themselves for a finale that promises to be both thrilling and heartbreaking—a hallmark of the Game of Thrones franchise.
“In the Name of the Mother” was released at 10:00 p.m. ET in the United States, with corresponding times across the country: 7:00 p.m. PT on the West Coast, 8:00 p.m. MT, and 9:00 p.m. CT. As reported by The Economic Times, the episode’s global rollout followed swiftly, hitting screens in Canada at 10:00 p.m. ET on Crave, Brazil at 11:00 p.m. BRT, and reaching Europe and Asia in the early hours of Monday, February 16. UK viewers could tune in at 3:00 a.m. GMT on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV, while fans in India caught the drama at 8:30 a.m. IST on JioHotstar. Australia and New Zealand joined the action later in the afternoon, ensuring the world was watching together as Dunk’s fate was decided.
The streaming landscape for A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is as sprawling as Westeros itself. In the U.S., HBO and HBO Max remain the primary platforms, while international audiences have their pick of services: Sky Atlantic in the UK, Crave in Canada, JioHotstar in India, and Neon in New Zealand, among others. Subscriptions are required, with HBO Max offering both ad-supported and ad-free options, and bundled deals available through Disney+ and Hulu for those seeking to maximize their streaming choices, as highlighted by Decider.
As for the story itself, episode 5 zeroes in on the long-awaited Trial of Seven. This ancient Westerosi custom, rarely invoked, pits two groups of seven champions against each other in a fight to the death—or until one side yields. Dunk’s challenge is not just physical but moral and emotional, as he must rally support in a court rife with political intrigue and personal vendettas. The preview teased by Bam Smack Pow hinted at a deeper exploration of Dunk’s past, promising to reveal the roots of his courage and the insecurities that linger despite his imposing stature. The creative team’s decision to show Dunk’s hesitation and even his nerves before battle adds a layer of humanity to a character often defined by his strength.
The cast continues to impress, with Peter Claffey embodying the noble yet humble Ser Duncan, Dexter Sol Ansel as the earnest Egg, Finn Bennet as the cruel Prince Aerion, and Bertie Carvell as the steadfast Prince Baelor. Supporting roles are filled by Tanzyn Crawford as Tanselle, Daniel Ings as Ser Lyonel Baratheon, and Danny Webb as Ser Arlan of Pennytree, among others. Decider provides a comprehensive cast guide for those struggling to keep track of the many Targaryens, Baratheons, and hedge knights populating this rich world.
The series itself is set in a fascinating period of Westerosi history—about 80 years after Rhaenyra Targaryen’s bloody struggle for the Iron Throne (as seen in House of the Dragon) and roughly 90 years before the events of Game of Thrones. This timeline allows the show to explore the legacies and traumas that shape the realm, while also introducing new heroes and villains. As Decider points out, the events at the Tourney at Ashford, where much of the action unfolds, are a turning point for the Targaryen dynasty and for the kingdom at large.
For those planning their viewing schedules, the first season consists of six episodes, airing weekly on Sundays. The finale, “The Morrow,” is set for February 22, 2026, and anticipation is building for how Dunk and Egg’s journey will conclude—at least for now. Fans can rest easy, though: HBO has already renewed A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms for a second season, which will adapt Martin’s next novella, “The Sworn Sword,” with a projected premiere in 2027.
“Don’t want to miss a second of Dunk’s Trial of Seven?” Decider asks, and it’s a sentiment echoed by fans worldwide. The stakes have never been higher, and with Dunk’s honor, Egg’s secret, and the future of the realm on the line, the series continues to deliver the blend of character-driven drama and epic spectacle that has made the Game of Thrones universe a phenomenon.
With the Trial of Seven now underway and the season finale looming, the world of Westeros feels as dangerous and unpredictable as ever. Whether you’re in it for the battles, the politics, or the heart at the center of Dunk and Egg’s story, one thing is certain: Sunday nights belong to the Seven Kingdoms once again.