Legendary episode is what comes to my mind after watching the episode. Makers, you gave us lot more than what was expected from this episode.Wow.. just wow.. This is with out a doubt the greatest episode in the history of television. What can I even say! Every part of the episode was great, every emotion was conveyed perfectly, I was crying and cheering nearly the whole way through. I'm sitting here after watching this episode and I just wonder how can an episode of a TV-Show make you feel so many intense feelings in just an hour...? I felt fear, I felt hate, I felt joy, i felt helpless, I felt like all my feelings were mixing together, and boy, it felt amazing! Overall I'd say that this was a brilliant episode that delivered everything expected and more.
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ruhsa30 December 2017
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kevanvarma14 December 2018Oh my god.. !!!! This is the real game of thrones. Bestest, Greatest television episode of all time. Kit (Jon snow) was awesome & magnificent. He was at the highest point of level of his skills & acting. Everything is so much perfect. I could watch it 100 times. It's masterpiece guys. Just go and watch!!!!
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RhaenysStark19 June 2016This episode is exactly why Game of Thrones is a huge part of television history and will remain so for many years to come. Epic, horrifying and incredibly brutal. From start to finish, from Daenerys embracing her Targaryen identity and allying with the Greyjoys to Jon's battle for his family and ancestral home and Sansa's long-awaited revenge, this episode was definitely the best of the show so far. My congratulations to the actors, the writers and the marvellous director, who is proved to be the best among the most talented directors HBO has employed during these 6 seasons of the show. Kit Harington's portrayal made me cry, cheer and fear for Jon. As of Ramsay, farewell bastard and rot in hell. As of Iwan Rheon, farewell you immensely talented actor, we will definitely miss you.
An obvious 10/10 for this game-changer episode. -
Jon_Targaryen19 June 2016After a slow last three episodes, Season 6 Episode 9 reminded all of us why Game of Thrones is not only the best television series currently airing, but the best television show of all time. This cements Season 6 of Game of Thrones as one of the top 3 seasons so far. The episode began with an intense scene that returned a much-needed adrenaline rush to Daenerys' storyline. That alone would have been an outstanding highlight of any Game of Thrones episode, but immediately after we switch to Jon's storyline and witness a suspenseful and outstanding battle with satisfying action and resolution. I've never witnessed a greater battle in all of television and film. Although the battle in Lord of the Rings was much larger with a higher budget, Battle of the Bastards pulls on our heart strings with characters we have both loved and hated for years and gives us a real experience of medieval combat. The camera-work, directing, acting, writing and special effects was all perfect. I wouldn't dare spoil this episode for anyone, as it was a complete privilege to watch. Through all the sorrow, triumph and heart- pounding action, all I can say is this: The North Remembers.
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I just can't describe this. It was hyped up. The fight was coming. The fight that I just witnessed was the single most intense hour of television I have ever seen. I normally don't write reviews but this one needed it. I was wondering how it would play out, but this...I can't describe it. There were moments throughout the season, the subtle build-ups, the exposition, the intensity, that led me to believe this season would not disappoint. I did not expect it to culminate the way it did. I did not expect the production, the battle itself, everything came together as perfect as anything I've ever seen. I'm not one to get easily influenced physically by movies or TV, but my adrenaline was rushing through the entire episode. Game of Thrones topped everything they have ever done and I can't wait to see the consequences and results of the events in this episode.
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Holy hell! What a battle! This episode contained the single greatest battle sequence ever made for television, and I would even say it ranks high compared to movies. Miguel Sapochnik is now officially the best director on Game of Thrones (he also did last year's Hardhome). The pacing, the cinematography, the acting, the writing; everything in here was perfect. It depicts the horrors of war in such a brutal and stunning way. It feels like they've finally got the budget to take the series to the scale they've always wanted it at. Just an all around epic episode. It also plays sharp contrast to last week's episode, which I personally found slightly disappointing.
Surprisingly, the episode isn't just set in one location (although it almost is). We also check in with Meereen, which is good because I thought the cliffhanger they were left on last episode would stretch for two weeks. It didn't. The episode leaps right into it. This was quite a smart pacing decision; by opening the episode with a battle, you prevent people from getting fed up with the long stretch of character scenes that precedes the other battle. Just the right amount of time was spent in Meereen this episode.
But then, of course, it's on to the main event. The Battle of the Bastards. As with all the other big battle episodes in Game of Thrones, we check in with all the characters who will be fighting in the battle. It reminds us of the stakes, develops character, and builds anticipation.
In this episode, we see that Ramsay is in fact a brilliant strategist. His battle plan is horrifying, manipulative, and very well thought out. The effects on the ground are very well portrayed. There is one tracking shot that follows a character through the battle that absolutely blew me away. It captures the sheer senselessness, the pure chaos of battle in such a mind-blowing way.
The only thing I found even marginally disappointing about this episode was the character deaths; I wish there were more of them! But that's probably just me being masochistic.
What an absolutely fantastic ride of an episode, I hope the finale delivers. -
This episode is to the series what Goodbye Farewell, and Amen was to Mash, and Ozymandias to Breaking Bad...a classic series episode that prepares the viewer for what's next in the future. The battle scenes in this episode are the best ever made for television, and at a big cost. The locations where this show is filmed is very exotic, and the characters and dragons rule the show. The music is amazing as well as the pace of the show. If you have to see just one episode of GOT, this is the one.
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copperfox20 June 2016Every once in a while you come across something that you know outright to be a masterpiece. It doesn't happen very often and usually even the greatest feats of cinema you have to watch a few times to appreciate the grandeur you have just witnessed.
Game of Thrones is known for its strong 9th episodes on almost every season. Season 6 is no different with "Battle of the Bastards". It's a one hour television episode that truly feels like a massive budget blockbuster movie.
This episode gives Game of Thrones fans almost one hour spectacle filled with action. However, the action is paced superbly with absolutely wonderfully acted and written dialogue. The episode involves many great changes, twists and turns. Episode director Miguel Sapochnik (also known for his another masterpiece episode "Hardhome") proves himself to be once and for all one of the greatest talents in the television and movie industry today.
There are dozens of shots in this episode that I can't even begin to comprehend how on earth were they filmed. The action coordination combined with the great camera angles make some of the most memorable scenes I have ever seen in television.
I don't want to go too much on details about the story itself, since this is best experienced without knowing too much about what is going to happen. All I can say is that all the story lines involved in this episode move forward just perfectly. Watching it all unfold on the screen creates an emotional roller coaster I've never seen in a Game of Thrones episode before. And that is saying a lot, considering how magnificent feats Game of Thrones has managed to pull through during its six seasons.
I can safely say that this is my favorite Game of Thrones episode so far and season 6 is on it's way to become my favorite season. Something I didn't expect myself ever saying after finishing season 4 almost two years ago. -
Dannyboi9420 June 2016Wow, just F***ing wow!!!! This episode is without question the greatest Game of Thrones episode, and perhaps the greatest episode in TV history, surpassing Ozymandias from Breaking Bad.
From the beginning of this episode to the very last second, was heart pounding. The visual effects during the first 10 minuets were the greatest in TV, it was perfection, even some great Hollywood blockbusters couldn't create effects like this. Seeing Dany how she was here makes me so freaking excited to see her ride in on her dragons in the later seasons. Seeing her relationship with Tyrion unfold was a delight to see, and I believe they will make the best duo yet.
Now to the big stuff. I loved this part of the episode solely because it treated the battle with a serious notion, and not just good vs evil. I love Lord of the Rings, it is the best movie trilogy out there, but even those movies could not match the furiosity of this battle. It was bloody, it was gritty and extremely intense. Kit as Jon Snow gives a Golden Globe worthy nomination, and he really shines here as our hero.
This episode is directed to perfection, and I hope the director gets to do some future movies, because he built up suspension at the start, and kept it going until the very end.
Battle of the Bastards is the greatest Game of Thrones episode yet, it is also one of the most realistic battle scenes I have ever seen, giving the battle in Braveheart a run of its money. It was a non-stop roller coaster and I will simply say, that to everyone who does like it, go watch some MTV crap, because this has officially went down in TV history.
10/10 -
Truly an amazing episode. From the cinematography to the acting - masterful. The shot of Davos during the sunrise, the moment Jon gets trampled under all the soldiers, Daenarys on Drogon and one of the best shots in all of the series: Jon running in to battle. When Jon was being trampled, I could hardly breath. That gives you a sense of how claustrophobic and chaotic this battle really was. The scene when Jon slowly walks towards Ramsay, blocking his arrow and then beats him to a pulp, followed by him being eaten by his own dogs - just amazing. This episode made that boring thing we got last week worth it. Probably the best episode of the whole series. 11/10
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absam-5055429 September 2021Why is this episode's rating is 9.9? It definitely deserves 10/10. You can compare how many people voted on 10/10 and how many people voted on 9 or 8 or 7 etc. I just wanna see the 10.0 rating on this episode RIGHT FREAKING NOW!!!
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Without giving much away, I can say with absolute certainty that the battle scene of this episode is by far the most cinematographically breathtaking visual representation of a battle. All the shots are great, it becomes evident to everyone how much time and energy was invested in the making of this episode. Apart from this, there are other things happening in this one-hour long episode, which are also terribly needed for future development of the show. What may HBO have for us in the season finale? Guess we'll have to see, but in the meantime we can rest assured that every time Miguel Sapochnik directs an episode we are going to be shocked and amazed at the same time. This guy really knows his stuff!
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josephcarolan15 May 2023This does not deserve to be in IMDBs top 20 episodes of any tv show ever, it does not deserve to be in Game Of Thrones top 20 tv shows. Although a masterfully created action set peice is the centre of the episode, and the visuals are undeniably stunning, along with some fairly satisfying character moments, generally the overall writing quality of this episode borders on nonsensical. Firstly Sansa Stark is aware of several thousand skilled friendly cavalry less than an hour from their location, more than enough to win the battle, and instead of informing her half-brother, the commander of the rag-tag army of the last wildlings and loyal North Men, and the only known living giant, she instead chooses to let him lead them into a bloody slaughter inwhich their forces are decimated and then some, the wildings go all but extint, the only Northmen loyal to Jons cause are largley butchered, and the last giant is killed, all so she can teach him a lesson. This is never brought up again, and is treated as Jons mistake for not asking Sansa her opinion. Following this, Rickon Stark is released from captivity and we see a complete departure from the grim realism that defined the early seasons as Ramsey is suddenly able to be completely confident in landing an arrow shot on a moving target several hundred meters away, who with a single zigzag would have completely ruined his entire plan. Did i mention his entire military strategy relies on Rickon stark running in a straight line from a single archer to lure Jon out. Of course since the show now no longer makes any sense Ramsey lands this shot easily and his plans is execute, as the average soilder in Jons army loses about 25 iq points and they all charge into a bloody slaughter without leaving any reargaurd, reserve, or counterflank, or even ranged forces to protect them from being surrounded, which they promptly are. After this battle Jon, who up until this point has been masterfully characterised as a trusted great leader in the vein of his father who cares for his men greatly, is not the slightest bit annoyed at Sansa (who up until this point has been characterised as intelligent and loving of her family) for not informing him that if he had simply waited an hour to attack they could have won easily.
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ernstdirk21 June 2016Wow everyone seems to really like this episode! While this does not surprise me I did not expect everyone to be THIS positive. Let me first say that this episode was really good visually. The battles look stunning and were undeniably exciting.
But there were too many inconsistencies and ridiculous plot holes for me to really enjoy this episode and it doesn't have that Game of Thrones feel that I liked from the first 4 seasons. What do I mean? I'll tell you: (SPOILERS OBVIOUSLY)- Are we really to believe that the Vale army made its way from Moat Cailin all the way to Winterfell without Ramsay knowing? Ramsay knew that Stannis was coming down from the wall so he's not blind and deaf. Or maybe all the knights just used Littlefinger's teleporter? It would explain why they arrived just in the nick of time.
- What was Sansa thinking? "I know the knights of the Vale are coming to our aid but I won't say anything to anyone and just let most of our men and Rickon get slaughtered."
- It was repeatedly implied that Ramsay's cavalry greatly outnumbered Jon's and they could wipe out Jon's army easily. But after Jon acted like an idiot, his cavalry (no idea where he found that many) held their own pretty well against the Bolton forces. Also where did those huge piles of bodies come from all of a sudden? Did the Boltons pile everyone up when we weren't looking?
- Why did Ramsay decide to shoot Wun-Wun, who was already down, in his eye instead of killing Jon or Tormund? Oh right, plot convenience.
- How did Sansa know Ramsay did not feed his dogs for 7 days? She trotted of before he said that to Jon and the others.
- What were those sons of the harpies doing outside the gates? They have no reason to be there except being a setup for the Dothraki arriving in Meereen.
- What was Tyrion talking about with respect to Theon? Last they saw each other he made fun of Theon who was trying to be nice.
- Why did Rhaegal and Viserion escape the pyramid exactly at the moment it was most convenient? Tyrion unchained them at least a week ago and probably more. Have they been tunneling out since then so they could help Dany?
- My final and most important point is this: Game of thrones is one of the few series where each action has consequences. We have seen this happen to many a beloved character because they messed up in some way (Ned had to act 'honourably', Robb broke a commitment, Khal Drogo acted foolish and got infected, Brann messed up when the night king touched him and this killed Hodor, the 3ER and the Children, Theon overestimated himself and got maimed, Jaime lost his hand because of his arrogance). But now, in this hugely important battle where they were greatly outnumbered, Jon did about the dumbest thing you could possibly do and not only survived but won. This is just lazy writing and takes away all the suspense for me. Just like Arya last episode, Jon survives because of plot armour even though he shouldn't.
I expected so much more from this episode and was severely disappointed. I know not everyone will agree with me and these are just minor points for most people but I feel Game of Thrones has lost what made it such a great show, the scheming, the intrigue and the mortality of every character. It felt real and now it is just like any other series to me. -
aak1219 June 2016It's 3:10am in UK and I got work tomorrow but can't sleep due to the adrenaline flow after watching this marvel.
Hands down the best episode of GOT. You live the WAR as you have never I mean reliving Braveheart all over again. Is this a TV show? Unbelievable.
After last episode there was too much negativity and rightly so as Arya and Blackfish story lines were looking a bit rushed an inconclusive. But as the norm goes with GOT and as after slow season 5 we had "Hardhome", this time around we have this masterpiece from the same director.
Without giving too much away buckle up, you are in for a treat son. -
auuwws29 July 2020A great episode featuring one of the greatest battles and Ramsay's death healing the trick
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ThomasDrufke19 June 2016For as long as Game of Thrones waits to pay story lines and plot points off, it sure is satisfying when it's done right. Tonight just about went down the way I thought it would, but that didn't take away from the brilliance of the episode on all fronts.
I didn't think we would get anything besides the battle brewing in the North, but we got a decent amount of Meereen material. We saw Daenerys ride her Drogon again a few weeks back, but seeing her tear right through any hopes The Masters had of taking down Meereen was just awesome. Throw in the appearance of all 3 dragons together in one continuous shot sent chills down my spine.
It's hard to come out of the episode not thinking about that final shot in Winterfell, but the Greyjoys meeting with Tyrion and Dany deserves some attention as well. Not only was it nice to hear some more history behind these two families, but I believed every word coming from both sides. For once it seems this house alliance makes sense and won't end in tragedy.
But onto the North, I think the battle went down pretty much the way people speculated, but I dug every second of it. Everything from the devastation in Jon Snow's eyes when he sees his brother die to the sweeping long shots of swords, arrows, and horses flying all over the place made 'Battle of the Bastards' one for history books. Everyone behind the scenes deserves a ton of credit for this one.
Even the stuff that went past the battlefield like the Jon and Sansa conflict was well done. Over the course of the show they haven't had the lengthy screen time that other duos have, but they are now consistently one of the best acted and written parts of the show. Same goes for the back and forth between Tormund and Daavos and even Ramsay and Jon. Absolutely loved it.
It's only fitting Ramsay gets eaten by his own dogs. Of course, he had to get his final tragic game in by killing Rickon. That was unfortunate. But I've been pulling for Ghost to get the kill for quite some time now, but I think I can settle for Ramsay's hounds. Goes right next to Joffrey as probably the most satisfying death in the show's history. Sansa's final smirk though? Perfect.
There were a few things here and there that didn't work as well though. Daavos conveniently finding Shireen's little toy in the wood felt a little forced, but it will certainly have an impact going forward. There were also times the editing and cuts inside the battlefield that made it difficult to see what was going on. But nitpicks for sure. 'Battle of the Bastards' is one of the best pieces of art this show has given us in its 6 year run, and I can only hope next week has a similar effect.
+Goodbye Ramsay
+That battle tho
+Sansa's subtle smile
+Greyjoy and Targaryen alliance makes sense
10/10 -
TheLittleSongbird2 April 2018Came to 'Game of Thrones' fairly late in the game and due to being so busy the binge-watching was gradual. Have found myself truly loving the show, very quickly becoming one of my favourites. It totally lives up to the hype and not only does it do the brilliant source material justice (a rarity in television) it is on its own merits one of the finest, most addictive and consistently compelling shows in recent years and quality-wise it puts a lot of films in recent years to shame.
Having been very underwhelmed, like many fans, by "No One" (for me a rare less-than-good episode of 'Game of Thrones' up to this point), it was a real relief to see Season 6 and 'Game of Thrones' in fact on top form with Season 6's penultimate episode. While a fan of "Home", "Book of the Stranger" and "The Door", it's this episode that is a contender for the magnum opus of the season and is among the show's very best.
Not only because of the spectacular action, with the thrilling and uncompromising choreography and some of the best visuals of the entire show (the special effects especially, an asset nearly-consistently very good and those here is one of the finest examples).
Every bit as well done are the intimately detailed character work, with Sansa and Jon the most interesting and relatable they've been all season and Ramsay perhaps at his most despicable (quite a distinction for a character as evil as he), and the emotional impact in a chilling and affecting way. The episode contains one of the show's most satisfying deaths too. Character relationships (especially Sansa and Jon), tense revelations and character and plot progression are all done well here.
All the acting is never less than very good, with Kit Harington and Iwan Rheon superb, a real intensity in their conflict.
Visually, it looks amazing, as one would expect for 'Game of Thrones'. The scenery is throughout spectacular, the sets are hugely atmospheric and beautiful on the eyes with a real meticulous eye for detail and the costumes suit the characters to a tee. The make-up is beautifully done. As well the cinematography and editing, which are cinematic quality as well.
One cannot not mention the thematically, orchestrally and atmospherically multi-layered music scoring and the unforgettable main theme. Again, worthy of a high-budget fantasy/action/drama film.
Writing is layered, passionate and sensitive throughout.
In summary, the very meaning of epic in a thrilling way. 10/10 Bethany Cox -
LiamCullen619 June 2016This episode did not disappoint; all of the action, heartbreak, suspense and horror - typical of a ninth episode of Game of Thrones - were present.
I was surprised to see Daenerys and Tyrion featured at all, never mind Theon and Yara. I expected it to be akin to season four's episode nine battle, which spent the entire duration focusing on the battle. This particular episode did not - like last season's Hardhome - and I believe this diversity of story lines is part of what makes this so spectacular.
Daenerys' storyline was nicely wrapped up, albeit briskly, and has already began setting up for next season as we can clearly see where she's headed: Westeros! The slave masters surely won't be foolish enough to attempt another siege on Meereen once Daenerys and the gang have left - Drogon saw to that.
The main battle was, at first, a total disaster. Jon did exactly what Ramsay wanted him to, which is exactly what Sansa told him not to. His inability to adapt and take on the advice of his sister almost cost him his life, and the lives of all of his soldiers. Luckily, Sansa foresaw this defeat and sent a raven to Littlefinger, changing her mind and requesting the aid of the Knights of the Vale. They arrived just in time - like it or not - and turned the tides in the Starks' favour. Ramsay, as predicted, fled back to Winterfell with his tail between his legs when he saw his men fall. He may be sadistic and he may know how to toy with people, but he's no military expert and he most certainly shouldn't have killed his father, Roose Bolton; he could've used his cunning mind ahead of this battle.
Nevertheless, we finally got what we've all been waiting for. But was it satisfying enough? Jon's pummelling of his wretched face made me cheer in front of the screen, encouraging him to go on. I was frustrated when he paused, but the way he went out was so fitting and felt like justice. The fear that crept into his voice as he realised how he was going to die made it all the more pleasing. Ramsay was, for once, truly afraid, and that may have been most the pleasing thing of all. Sansa's smirk at the end of the episode mirrors how we all felt watching that scene: euphoric. He got what he deserved.
Sadly, being the ninth episode of the season, this now means there's only a single episode left for us to watch this year. Thankfully, it's going to be the longest episode we've ever had, and we've got a lot to look forward to.
Farewell, Bastard. -
akhil-marsonya2720 June 2016The Battle of Bastards is the Greatest Battle ever in the History of Television and Game of Thrones. The Episode was very Satisfying in terms of Action, Drama, Thrill, Battle and Kills.
In Mereen, The Mother of Dragons would be glad to have Tyrion and Drogon on her side from now on. A new bond between to become Queens was also interesting.
In North, The Battle, Oh My God!! It was something I have never ever witnessed. The Detail, the Armies, the Fight, everything was Incredible. The Game Ramsey played was so Ramsey. And the role Sansa took was so Stark. She really proved she is Ready to be the Lady of Winterfell. -
NightWatchers19 June 2016Guys, as you all know, Hardhome is a masterpiece in every single way. The battle, the angle of the cameras, the fights, the screenplay, and every little detail. Well guess what? This episode tops it. It's not just an "episode", but it's the best episode that has appeared on television (or HBO) thus far in history. WOW.
The set up of the battle was beautiful. Davos founding Shireen's doll, and the conversation Jon and Mellisandre had, and even the hilarious conversation between Tormund and Davos. But, the conversation between Jon and Sansa is very important due to their difference of opinion. But the climax hit when Rickon was shot by Ramsay. I thought that he was saved to be honest but that's why the director had done it again. It was a misdirection for most of us viewers but Rickon did die and that was when Jon had the anger to fight.
The battle was brutal, violence, intense, and gory. It was perfect. There has not been any war movie that I have seen that has top that scene. And yes, it was better than Braveheart or Troy (my favorite medieval movie of all time). I was shaking the entire hour of this episode. It was again a MASTERPIECE.
When Sansa brought the cavalry, AND I LITERALLY MEANT SHE BROUGHT A F**KING CAVALRY. IT WAS F**KING AWESOME. My days, I thought Jon was done. I thought he has lost the battle because you know Game of Thrones can kill Jon for the second time, but there will be no point on reviving him. So Sansa. She came, she saw, and she conquered. I love her character. (But I hope Little Finger doesn't turn on her)
Not to leave out Daenerys' part of this episode, which was totally badass and awesome by the way. It was also cool to see her and Tyrion work together, and for a moment I thought she had something going on with Yara (Hey you know what I mean).
Nevertheless, not a single episode of any show has top this episode, and it tops Hardhome, which was a masterpiece. This is the reason Game of Thrones is the best on show TV now because no other shows can be even close to top it.
"Battle of the Bastards" will get a rating of 11/10. It's more than just a masterpiece. -
kasperbragerhaug17 July 2021This episode would have been 10/10 if John Snow didn't have plot armor.
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TheMelancholySpirit27 November 2020The writing, the music, the action, the directing, the acting, the scenery, the effects, the dialogue, the brutality, the intensity, the climax, the emotions - this is one of the finest hours I've spent watching a TV show of film related thing. This is a piece of filmmaking that comes so few times, maybe every now and then in a series. Game of Thrones is a wonderful, exceptionally well made series based off a compelling, irreplaceable series of books, and when I tell you this might just be the best episode I'm certainly not messing around. This isn't particularly my favourite episode, but it's a definite top five, and I think in regards to how well it was made, it might be the absolute best of the entire show. Everything is astounding, the thing I love most is the dark nature and tone of the episode, and while every episode of the series pretty much has this to its name, this is by all means one of the darkest, or darker episodes, which I love. The acting, action, and the look of the episode, are also some of my favourites. This is a very epic penultimate episode. And to make it even better, the episode is beyond tragic, emotions-driven, and totally captures the best atmosphere. It is sad, even heartbreaking, but very, very wonderfully executed and caught, and the climax is truly something. I think it's safe to say it's one of the greatest episodes in TV show history.
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Season 6 Episode 9 Battle of the Bastards Rating 7/10 SPOILER ALERT!!! It is a good episode, when it comes to the direction and cinematography. The CGI was brilliant and the scenes looked real. And finally Ramsay dies a well deserved death. But I am giving it a rating of only 8/10 cause of the following things
1) Daenerys - Taking her own sweet time
As soon as the battle of the masters start on Mereen, she reaches on the pyramid with her dragon. She waits and discusses things with Tyrion and then goes out to meet the masters and takes her own sweet time to deliver a punch dialogues and then flies off to save the city. If she was as caring as she shows she is she could have done all this without waiting.
2) The Unsullied - Useless in battle
When Daenerys tries to get the unsullied from Astapor, the master says there are 8,000 unsullied men. If at present there are at least a half of them present at Mereen, that is 4,000, should they all be huddled up in the pyramid or helping the civilians on the streets? They were getting slaughtered by the enemy ground forces with no defense and there were only about 20-30 of the enemies in that particular scene.
3) The Dragons - No one tries to attack with any real effort
Granted, seeing 3 dragons burning up a ship can be pretty scary, that doesn't mean you shouldn't attack them. There are about 50 ships shown in the scenes and not one even tried to actively attack them? In S05E09 it is shown that the dragon gets affected by spears. So the ships could have tried to attack cause they don't know that Daenerys only plans to attack one ship.
4) Jon Snow - Trenches
In the war council scene, Jon Snow says he'll dig trenches along the flanks to prevent a double envelopment though nothing can be seen in any of the battle scenes.
4) Jon Snow - The not so brilliant tactician
Face it, this battle was not won through any stroke of brilliance by Jon Snow. When he said he had fought against greater odds we all felt there will be some awesome strategy coming up but nothing was there. He wanted Ramsay to come at him at full tilt instead of that he went alone taking his army with him to their deaths.
5) Jon Snow - Incredibly lucky
It is definitely a miracle he survived. He didn't have a shield and wore just a flimsy Armour and somehow he miraculously survived hoards of arrows with no difficulty apparently. Especially the scene in which he alone is there charging with a horse.
6) Ramsay - Not killing Jon Snow
Why did he let his cavalry charge when Jon Snow was alone after his horse died? He could have finished him off then with arrows and be done with it.
7) The Battle - Unrealistic
The bodies piling one by one to form small hills and act as a barricade for Snow's army was a bit too much.
8) The Battle - Numbers don't add up
Before the battle Ramsay says that he has 6,000 men and Jon Snow has less than half of that. According to that, in the trap with the circle the remaining soldiers of Snow's army must be much less in number than Bolton's but it doesn't seem so.
9) The Battle - Bolton's archers suddenly disappear
There were a whole lot of archers in the previous scenes, but during and after the trap, Bolton is accompanied only by 2 or 3 other men. Doesn't seem right does it? It's the cavalry that charges for the trap mainly, not the archers.
10) Sansa - Showing unnecessary thug life
She could have discussed with Jon Snow that she can bring another army into the picture, not just wait till Snow's army gets almost fully killed and then enter in style. Was all of this worth it for a smirk in the end?
So considering all of this, this is definitely not even one of the best battles I have seen and not worth a rating of 10/10 -
fabrizio-mafessoni26 June 2016It made no sense. All the characters took totally random decisions, and this episode truly betrayed the most valuable quality of GoT: consistency of decision making and realistic psychology. One can accept flying dragons, but shallow psychology justified by the need of a spectacular entry (the knights of the Vale, after Sansa for not reason whatsoever did not mention this to Jon) really brings down the quality of this season. The writing is very bad, definitely contrasting with the depth of previous seasons. Many speculated that this is because the producers deviated from GRR Martin's book deeply. For example, since Sansa was not anymore with Littlefinger as in the books they had to devise this non-sensical trick of her not telling anything to Jon Snow to justify the last-second entry of the savior army. I honestly think this was the worse episode in GoT, as the big budget and spectacular scenes - truly spectacular admittedly - cannot compensate for the cheap story-telling. If possible, they make it even more obvious, as they highlight the change in priorities of the producers.