Bertie Carvel on Why We Never Saw Baelor’s Trial

Bertie Carvel explained that the Trial of Seven sequence is presented through Dunk’s perspective, which is why viewers never see a full face‑off between Baelor and Maekar. He said there was a fleeting moment they shot of Maekar striking Baelor, but largely the episode stays with Dunk: "we're not really with Baelor, in that sense, we're with Dunk." On screen, Baelor steps in to complete Dunk’s side of the trial and confront members of his family.

After a chaotic fight Dunk overpowers Aerion, and Daeron’s prophetic dream comes true when Baelor, struck by Maekar, falls dead after removing his helm. Carvel characterised Baelor as noble and chivalrous and argued that character is behaviour — people become good by choosing to do good.

He also spoke about his long familiarity with the universe, saying he bought the books after the first season and that reading the scripts awakened a childhood love of stories about knighthood.

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