This 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.
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.