Why Does Ser Arlan from ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Look Familiar? ‘Doctor Who’ Fans Have the Answer

In Episode 2 of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the audience was given a probing look at Ser Arlan of Pennytree, played by Danny Webb, the mentor to Ser Duncan “Dunk” the Tall (Peter Claffey). In fact, viewers are given more than the typical brief introduction, as Ser Arlan is shown in the opening seconds in a shocking state of undress, showing off his “attributes” in a full-frontal nudity scene.

(“Was that a prosthetic? I forget,” showrunner and series co-creator Ira Parker remarked in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “I thought he just showed up on set that way, but maybe it was prosthetic.”)

In the Game of Thrones prequel, Dunk recounts the supposed virtues of the knight he once served. As a rapid-fire montage undercuts his narration, the audiences are given insight into Ser Arlan’s less noble habits, from brothel visits to dubious hygiene. Ultimately, his bad habits contributed to his untimely death on a muddy road in the middle of nowhere.

Steffan Hill/HBO

And while Webb may be playing against type here, he’s hardly an unfamiliar face to BBC viewers, particularly to Doctor Who fans.

In 2006, Webb appeared in Doctor Who as Mr. Jefferson in the two-part Tenth Doctor (David Tennant) story titled “The Impossible Planet” (Series 2 Episode 8) and its conclusion, “The Satan Pit” (Series 2 Episode 9).

In these episodes, Webb was part of a crew on a base orbiting a black hole alongside the Doctor and Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). As Mr. Jefferson, Webb was the head of security for the Walker Expedition on the planet Krop Tor. Jefferson helped protect the expedition crew and worked with Rose and the others to survive when their base was overrun by Ood possessed by the Beast.

He ultimately sacrificed himself, choosing to remain in a section of the base without oxygen so the others could escape safely.

The 20-year-old episode is generally well regarded by fans and critics, and is often considered one of the stronger stories from Series 2. Much of that credit goes to Webb, who brings a grounded intensity to Mr. Jefferson that elevates the high-concept premise and adds real emotional weight to the story due to his sacrifice.

Webb’s other memorable roles include John Grateley in The Dig, John Ripper in Pennyworth, and Morse in Alien 3.

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