‘Game of Thrones’ season 6, episode 9 review: Jon Snow, Ramsay Bolton battle; Dany’s visitors; death abounds

Going into tonight’s “Game of Thrones” uber-episode entitled “Battle of the Bastards,” we knew that we were going to get an episode for the ages. However, we didn’t think we’d be so lucky as to get more than just the battle at Winterfell, and we ended up also getting some great stuff up at Meereen with Yara and Theon Greyjoy getting to see Dany for the first time!

As it turns out, Yara and Dany have quite a bit in common, and with that, it’s possible that she may help her get the Iron Islands back … with conditions. Basically, she’s done her part to negotiate for everything she could possibly want, and we gotta give her credit for her ruthlessness and distrust of strangers. Yet, isn’t it a little painful to see her turn away people we know to be good at this point? Sure, but that is part of what makes this character so interesting. We understand those who look at Dany as a villain; personally, we just see her as more of a realist.

Now, let’s go ahead and get to some of the other good stuff: The battle, which was really remarkable. As a matter of fact, this may be one of the best battle sequences we’ve ever seen on television. It was outstanding. Sure, you can argue that the Knights of the Vale coming in at the last second was predictable, and the same goes for the death of Rickon Stark, who really meant nothing the majority of the time that he was a part of the story. Strangely, we’re probably the most bummed about Wun Wun the giant, who was a true killing machine through most of the battle.

In the end, though, the death everyone wanted to see happened, as Sansa got a chance to effectively feed Ramsay to his own dangerous dogs as the perfect punishment. This character was one of the most truly awful people we came to meet over the years, and it only seems right that he go out in the most epic, horrible way possible. Jon and Sansa suffered great losses, but they now rule Winterfell.

This may be one of the most straightforward episodes of the entire season, and yet, we don’t want to diminish how much of a visual or storytelling feat it was. The game has definitely been changed, and we’re starting to think now that the heroes at least have a shot at this! Grade: A.

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