Game of Thrones- Battle of Bastards.

            Game of thrones – Battle of Bastards (Spoilers ahead)

            Cast: Kit Harrington, Sophie Turner, Kristofer Hivju, Iwan Rheon

            Ponderings of the episode

            4.5/5 - by Zulfi 

            When the preceding episode didn’t denote any happenings out there in the north, there was a sense of forecast that the ninth episode was going to be solely about the epic battle between the two mentioned characters. But the weekly presentation began with the events in the south where dragon queen, Daenerys enters the great pyramid like palace of Meereen and discusses political angles of the imminent attacks of Masters’. This is the first time in the whole series, I feel as though the central issue of game of thrones is being laid down. In IMdB, regarding the blurb of Game of thrones, it is written that the children of the seven kingdoms fight to rise to power. Tyrion and Dany discuss the follies of their ancestors. While at first, it feels as though Tyrion had made a mistake of making a spurious pact with the masters and his judgment is going to be in jeopardy, Dany realises the gravity of his words, when he advises more sensible plan of action rather than a massive suppression of the rebellion. We see a hint of the real incidents which happened in Mad King’s rule and how his decisions decimated his reign. Dany, like the best player, as always yet again chooses the best decision by considering Tyrion’s word despite his minor misjudgements. Probably this is the highlight of her character. In the many ironies of Game of Thrones, Dany looks to me the character, who is a straight-shooter, plays her dice well and gets the equal and equitable returns on it. Unlike Robb, Jon, Tyrion, Eddard, and many others, she isn’t deceived by her fate during her reign. At least, till now.

            The dragons’ setting fire of the fleets and Daario’s routing of Sons of Harpy are dealt in a brief but graphic way. And that is the beauty of it. Except Drogon’s entry, we don’t see much dramatisation of the fight. Probably those things are put in check for the finale season. But one thing, we know for sure is that the southern political matters have come to rest with them settled once and for all. This is the time for Dany to go north and occupy the throne of thousand swords. Theon and Yara add their hundreds of fleet to her vast army of Unsullied and dragons. And yes, the dragons have been released from their dungeons and they are following the lead of Drogon. And I think they have reached their largest size. Drogon has the imposing look with his brothers looking like weaklings before him.

            And yes, battle of bastards. Graphically, the battle between the armies of Boltons and Starks is the best in the series. The battle at the wall between the wildlings and nightwatch was an excellent and massive setup, but this battle has more heart with the way the things have settled between the two men. Sansa’s reading of Ramsay becomes more apt as the latter starts the war with the death of Rickon and it is one of the gripping scenes of the show. Miguel Sapochnik and writers, David Benioff and DB Weiss, make us gasp till the last moment as to what will happen. Ramsay’s cruel streak, which probably was the highlight of the last two seasons, rises till he taunts the Stark bastard and jibes him with the death of his brother. He pulls him away from the army and for a moment the bounding armies of the Boltons would have thrashed him off with their horses thundering in unison against Jon Snow, when they meet the opposite side make an applaud-able run in into them. And one of the best thing and terrific character, which happens in the battle, is that of Kristofer Hivju’s Tormund Giantsbane. He looks dashing and has that flair-y wild-folk look while he battles the enemies. He plays the perfect foil of the staunch supporter of Jon Snow and this makes the latter look so heroic. Kit Harrington continues to grow in stature with his excellent screen presence. He is handsome, he has heart and his character is so endearing, pitiful, bold, righteous, valiant, powerful and all the best words that you can think of. This is because of all the last six seasons’ efforts as to how the writers have painted his sketch. There are many moments in the show audience doubt if he will succumb. (Of course he shouldn’t because he comes back from dead for a reason and internet is rife of rumor that a separate Jon Snow spin off is on the cards). Many have mourned his death when it occurred in the last season and there was a collective sigh from fans (which would have creaked the nuts and bolts of Eiffel Tower) when he was revived. He encounters another near death Stampede before he makes it back again. Daavos and Wun Wun join the proceedings when the Boltons surround and try to crush the relative small team of Jon Snow’s. This is probably a different and tense setting of the war format. The ploys of the war are something, which audience will probably enjoy with their graphical explaining, which is doen so vividly. Tormund again gets a few commendable shots before he rips off the throat of Smalljon Umber. I would have relished, if it would have come at the hands of Jon.

            The Boltons’ plans come to a halt when Sansa arrives with Arryn banner and Littlefinger. Yes, that is the fly in the ointment. Jon Snow’s role will be diminished yet again. Sansa’s little tiff with her half brother prior to the battle has that burgeoning minimal spite against him and she would, if that’s how ironic things proceed in George RR Martin’s plot, undermine the Lord Commander of the nightwatch and give the loyalty of Winterfell to Peter Baelish. These are the ironies which GOT is rife with and though it saddens the heart, it will make the spirit of the series. We have to accept that like Jon Snow, who is going to show a lot of stolidity of heart. He chases Ramsay Bolton to kill him and look at the expressions of Sansa. She isn’t happy that her brother is fighting for her cause. No, she isn’t. There is that old Sansa as seen in the first episode, self centred, self motivated and going with the wrong man again. We see her wicked smile, when she watches Ramsay torn to pieces by his hungry hounds.

Ramsay, though gets a real pulping of his face at the hands of Jon, we knew that his verdict will be delivered by Sansa and she does it as mentioned just now. But many faithful followers of GOT would be disappointed with this scene. And that is probably the only demerit of this episode, because it maligns the end of such an epic hour. Many would have expected it to be Theon’s hand which should have slain him. More than that, such a short death is what would be most important complaint. He has such a great notoriety built over the last two seasons and his end looks too simple, too stale. Fans would have minded his end being drawn over the next few episodes. But then there is a much bigger battle ahead. However, for me, this is more than half the climax of GOT. Ramsay Bolton was the biggest antagonist in the series, closely followed by Cersei. Probably, the writers felt the final season could concentrate more on the story if one of the villains is bumped off and so, it happened. Now the final battle shall that be of Cersei and Dany. Which means there could be a lot of underhand usurping by Little Finger, contrary to the tastes of Jon Snow and Sansa. This will probably be as skulduggery against Jon Snow first followed by Sansa, at the end with Baelish becoming an ally to Cersei. And Dany will probably deal with Euron first to be followed by the final battle in the coming season. Or it could be completely different as is many times the case. And Varys will also probably have a strong part to play in the future.

Whatever maybe the case, though the sixth season lagged a little in the middle, it gave a fitting one of the final episodes. This could be one of the best in the series as it balances both the physical battles and also the clearing of the plot. George RR Martin had been many times overwritten by the writers as they have changed the plot and character futures for the dramatisation on television. If it continues, GOT may have two climaxes one each for the screen version and for the books. Either way, fans are assured some decent fun. And who knows, Jon Snow could be the son of Ned’s sister, Leanna, making him the equivalent of Daenerys or her cousin. It could be such a juicy twist. Only Bran’s greensight would solve it for now.