Battle of the Bastards
Battle of the Bastards has to be the most stunning episode of Game of Thrones to date. So much so, I am strongly considering dumping (much like the nervous shits of Ser Davos) a volume of screenshots below and letting them speak for themselves.
This image is as sad as it is beautiful. It also has a lot of foreboding, especially given our preview for the next episode, which reinforces the possibility of Melisandre being sentenced to death for the burning of Shireen. In the event that she is sentenced, it would be a sentence Jon would likely carry out himself, as Ned Stark has taught his sons to do. It would also defend the possibility of Melisandre being the one to temper his sword and create Lightbringer, thereby also reinforcing Jon being Azor Ahai reborn.
Dany
At long last, a fruitful collaboration is nurtured between Tyrion and Dany. Both are heeding the other’s advice, and great things are bound to happen. The battle was beautifully handled, and goddamn those dragons look good. The CGI department is getting better and better with their depictions, and I have never wanted one more.
Another great character interaction has been unearthed with the arrival of Yara and her subsequent lines with Dany, in a coupling which might unseat Brienne and Tormund in the league of “pairings to root for.” I don’t care what you’re into, that exchange was awesome.
Jon Snow
Now I, for one, was a bit critical of the show’s attempts to undermine his strategic abilities. Jon may have been emotionally compromised at the thought of an endangered Rickon, but for a man who orchestrated the dazzling victory at the Wall, he seemed to be continually saved by lucky timing and good fortune this past episode. I was absolutely terrified he was going to be killed off again during the stampede of soldiers. Jon Snow does not suffocate to death, you crazies. Who will Tormund bromance with if he goes?
The beauty of this scene is due to many things. Jon single-handedly faces down a horde of charging horses and enemies. He is calm and focused when he thinks death is upon him once more. His surprise is our own when his men make it there in time, abandoning their previous plans to help and save their commander. It is touching and it shows his people believe in him (for good reason).
I was peeved at Ghost’s absence for a while, but then I realized that the CGI budget needed for the ship burning probably ate up his screentime, and I was more than mollified. I also remembered that when the show writers have bothered showing direwolves it has been to portray their imminent demise, and I was not about all that. I am sure we will see Ghost again soon enough.
I have a lot of excitement regarding the discovery of R + L = J for next week. Now, Bran is in a great position to discover this long-kept secret, but another character that is now close to Jon and possibly aware is Littlefinger. It would make sense for him to keep quiet about this secret all the time he was in love with Cat. Why reveal that her husband was actually loyal to her the entire time? It was hardly in his interest. I also remember the reaction that happened here when Sansa talked about Lyanna. It would appear the show writers are setting him up as a character that is in the position of making the reveal.
Sansa
I am crazy proud of Lady Stark, I must say. For one, her forethought lead her to call upon Littlefinger’s help, thereby turning the tide of the battle for the better. In other words, she saved everybody’s ass. She also delivered one of my favorite lines on this show, “No one can protect anybody”, which was a much more eloquent way of phrasing the same sentiment the Hound threw at Brienne before their epic show-down, “There is no safety, you dumb bitch.”
Her absolute best moment, however, was the smirk she had at the end of the episode after she watched Ramsay get devoured by his hounds. I am glad that at least one Stark is demonstrating the thirst and capability for vengeance. I believe next week’s finale will leave her in charge of Winterfell.
Cinematography
On top of some stunning shots that we got, (as shown in this gif below of the charging horses) there were some eloquently contrasting images that were set up in this episode.
Shot from last night’s GoT finale made my jaw drop | No Spoilers
A brilliant foil they established was between Jon and Ramsay. Jon fights in the front, with all of his men, while Ramsay takes more of a background role. When the battle starts to go Jon’s way, Ramsay immediately retreats. Wun Wun’s Hulk Smash through the Winterfell gates was epic as hell here. Once Jon and company arrive at the scene, Ramsay chooses to use a bow and arrow (like a little bitch) while Jon charges at him full-fledged. I will say that the acting of Iwan Rheon will be missed dearly, even if the character will not.
Sansa’s character has undergone some stylistic changes that are subtle yet revealing. When the show started out and she traveled to King’s Landing, she started wearing her hair like the ladies at court. Upon meeting Margaery, she then takes on her style, a fact Littlefinger remarks upon. Now, we see her sporting the Catelyn Stark braid, and I for one am glad.
Now let’s talk giants. During the battle at the wall, when Mag the Mighty charges through, we are relieved that he is stopped due to efforts from Grenn and his fellow brothers. The giant’s death is our consolation. However, this episode, Wun Wun was the one we were rooting for, his death a tragic one.
During the battle, we get a reference to Dany in her Mhysa scene when Jon finally emerged from the stampeding sea of bodies. Especially curious, I think, is to note that her still is primarily in warmer shades that lean towards red, while Jon’s is embued with blue. A song of fire and ice, indeed.
