The Appeal of Decency: Why Audiences Are Craving Heroism in TV and Fantasy
HBO’s new adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s novellas, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, achieving a 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming one of HBO’s most-watched debuts.1, 2, 3 This success suggests a shift in viewer preferences, a yearning for stories that prioritize goodness and heroism over the increasingly prevalent trend of moral ambiguity and cynicism.
For decades, audiences have been presented with narratives that suggest goodness is naive, moral grayness is sophisticated, and cynicism is cleverness. However, it appears many viewers are reaching a saturation point with endless villains, liars, and normalized nastiness. Our psychological well-being often requires a hero to root for—one who is trustworthy and a narrative that doesn’t revel in gratuitous gore or darkness.
The Psychological Need for Heroes
This desire for heroism isn’t simply a matter of taste; it’s deeply rooted in the human psyche. In an unstable world, people seek believable goodness—a flawed, costly, but ultimately moral compass that can withstand brutality. A hero serves a crucial psychological and cultural function: protecting others and providing moral examples. When life is challenging, the need for heroes intensifies.
However, the visibility of this desire attracts those who would exploit it. Propaganda can masquerade tyrants as heroes, and performers can mimic heroic traits without genuine substance. This is where stories like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms can be particularly valuable, offering clear examples of true goodness and exposing false heroes.
A Goodness Test: Duncan the Tall and Baelor Breakspear
Examining two characters from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms—Sir Duncan the Tall (Dunk) and Prince Baelor Targaryen—through a “goodness test” reveals the qualities that define genuine heroism. This test considers four key criteria:
1. Harm Criterion: Refusing Avoidable Harm to the Vulnerable
A good person doesn’t necessarily avoid causing all harm, but consistently refuses deliberate cruelty, even when it’s easier, safer, or more profitable.
- Duncan the Tall: Dunk consistently prioritizes avoiding harm, even in the heat of battle, restraining himself from inflicting unnecessary damage.
- Baelor Breakspear: Baelor actively challenges cruelty within his own family, choosing fairness over simply enforcing his family’s will.
2. Power Criterion: Handling Power with Restraint and Accountability
Power reveals character. Those with integrity use checks and restraints on themselves, recognizing the potential for abuse.
- Duncan the Tall: Dunk uses his physical strength to protect others and continues to serve as a shield even as his power grows.
- Baelor Breakspear: Baelor, as Hand of the King, uses his considerable power to promote peace and treats individuals of all social classes with dignity.
3. Cost Criterion: Willingness to Lose
True commitment to values requires a willingness to pay real, personal costs without seeking praise or martyrdom.
- Duncan the Tall: Dunk repeatedly risks his life and livelihood for principles that don’t guarantee advancement, often rejecting lucrative offers that compromise his integrity.
- Baelor Breakspear: Baelor risks his body and reputation by participating in the Trial of Seven, even wearing ill-fitting armor, to ensure a fair trial and challenge his family’s expectations.
4. Humility Criterion: Accurate Self-Perception
Humility is essential for clear judgment. It’s an accurate assessment of oneself, without inflated ego or self-deprecation, allowing for clear perception of others.
- Duncan the Tall: Dunk’s humility is inherent, allowing his commitments to be genuine rather than performative.
- Baelor Breakspear: Despite his accomplishments and royal status, Baelor remains grounded and doesn’t need constant validation.
Why Pretenders Fail
The “goodness test” isn’t about perfection; it’s about patterns of behavior under pressure. Individuals who claim heroism often fail this test, exhibiting patterns of punching down, abusing power, and demanding recognition for their sacrifices. True heroes honor the dignity of others.
As audiences increasingly crave decency and genuine heroism, stories like A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms offer a refreshing alternative to the prevailing cynicism, reminding us that goodness, even as not always easy, is a fundamental human need.
1 Rotten Tomatoes – George R.R. Martin
2 Yahoo – A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Tops Rotten Tomatoes’ Most…
3 Looper – Every George R. R. Martin Movie & TV Shows, Ranked