Sam Spruell discusses Maekar’s grief and Egg’s lie in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' finale

Sam Spruell has reflected on Prince Maekar Targaryen’s grief and his son Aegon’s deception in the season one finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

The HBO prequel to Game of Thrones follows events nearly 90 years before the original series. Spruell plays Maekar, a widowed prince and father of three sons, whose strained family relationships come to a head during a jousting tournament at Ashford Meadow.

In the finale, Maekar fatally wounds his brother, Prince Baelor, during a “trial of seven”. Although Maekar later insists the Gods know it was an accident, Spruell questioned his character’s certainty.

“Maekar is so susceptible to self-delusion. How handy that you can refer to the Gods knowing it’s an accident to absolve you of your crimes?” he said. “Kings and rulers of lands have been doing that for years, saying, ‘Well, God thinks I’m innocent,’ when clearly they’re guilty. So it’s a very good depiction of corrupt power.”

Following Baelor’s death, Maekar attempts to assert control over his youngest son, Aegon, known as Egg. He offers Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall a position training the boy at Summerhall, but refuses Dunk’s request to take Egg travelling as his squire.

Spruell said Aegon represents Maekar’s “last chance to succeed as a dad”, adding: “Everything Maekar touches doesn’t work out for him, and there’s enormous vulnerability there.”

Despite his father’s refusal, Egg leaves with Dunk and lies about having permission. Spruell suggested the decision reflects the boy’s judgment. “There is a wisdom to Dunk that comes naturally and instinctually, and I don’t think Maekar will ever get close to it,” he said, describing the choice as “unbelievably upsetting for Maekar.”

Spruell confirmed he does not expect to appear in season two, but added, “Never say never.”