Game of Thrones fans witnessed television history this week! Episode 5 of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, titled “In the Name of the Mother,” has achieved something extraordinary—a stunning 9.9/10 rating on IMDb, joining the franchise’s most elite episodes. This prequel series, set a century before Game of Thrones, has officially proven it belongs among the greatest achievements in Westeros storytelling.
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 5 Rating & Records
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | “In the Name of the Mother” |
| Air Date | February 15, 2026 |
| IMDb Rating | 9.9/10 (with 27,000+ votes) |
| Record Achievement | Matches Game of Thrones “Hardhome” |
| Episode Count | Season 1, Episode 5 (Penultimate) |
| Runtime | 37 minutes |
| Director | Owen Harris |
| Network | HBO/Max |
| Lead Stars | Peter Claffey, Dexter Sol Ansell, Bertie Carvel |
What Makes Episode 5 Historically Significant
The episode initially achieved a perfect 10/10 rating based on 2,000 reviews before it even premiered, and maintained its exceptional 9.9/10 score after over 27,000 viewers watched it Fandango. This places “In the Name of the Mother” alongside Game of Thrones’ legendary “Hardhome” episode in the franchise’s highest-rated tier.
Only three Game of Thrones episodes scored higher: “The Rains of Castamere” (Red Wedding), “Battle of the Bastards,” and “The Winds of Winter,” all achieving 9.9/10 Rotten Tomatoes. For a first-season prequel to join this elite company is unprecedented.
The Trial of Seven That Changed Everything
Episode 5 centers on Ser Duncan the Tall’s brutal Trial of Seven—a medieval combat trial testing honor, loyalty, and courage. Viewers described it as “pure cinema,” comparing it to Breaking Bad’s “Ozymandias” and praising its emotional warfare, extraordinary battle choreography, and masterful direction FilmAffinity.
The episode balances a 20-minute flashback to Dunk’s origins in Flea Bottom with the heart-pounding present-day trial. Critics note the battle’s exceptional choreography—every strike carries meaning, every silence builds tension. The shocking death of Prince Baelor Targaryen in the final moments rivals the most devastating moments from the original series. Explore the Game of Thrones universe.
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The Series’ Remarkable Trajectory
What’s truly remarkable is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ consistent improvement:
- Episode 1: 8.2/10
- Episode 2: 8.3/10
- Episode 3: 9.1/10
- Episode 4: 9.7/10
- Episode 5: 9.9/10
This upward climb demonstrates the show finding its footing and surpassing expectations with each installment. The series follows Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) as they navigate Westeros during the Targaryen dynasty, offering intimate, character-driven narratives that resonate deeply with fans.
Why Fans Are Calling It Perfection
Viewers are declaring “this may genuinely be the greatest show and adaptation I have ever seen” and praising how it “revived the true spirit of Westeros” that many feared was lost MyDramaList. Peter Claffey’s powerful performance, combined with the emotional Dunk-Egg dynamic and showrunner Ira Parker’s vision, has created what many consider the finest hour in the franchise’s history.
The episode’s sound design, cinematography by Tim Cragg, and Dexter Sol Ansell’s heartbreaking performance as Egg elevate the material beyond typical fantasy television into something genuinely cinematic.
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FAQs
Q: What IMDb score did A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Episode 5 achieve?
Episode 5 earned a 9.9/10 rating with over 27,000 votes, matching Game of Thrones’ “Hardhome” and becoming one of the highest-rated episodes in Westeros history.
Q: When does the season finale of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms air?
The season 1 finale airs Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 10 PM ET on HBO and Max, concluding the six-episode first season.
