6x09 Epic Battles Discussion

This episode really lived up to all the hype. I am thrilled at how much hard work HBO, the writers, the directors and especially the actors put into this masterpiece. 

For many, myself included, the surprise of how epic the siege of Meereen ended up being was a special treat. I had no idea they were going that all-out for a battle with the Masters and how amazing the dragons all looked in these scenes. The best they've ever done for sure. 

I especially loved the parallel 'parley' meetings each side had. First Tyrion convinces Dany to try a different approach after pointing out her plan was pretty close to Dear ol' Dad level crazy. The Masters sealed their fate by being once again arrogant and insulting to Daenerys. I'm glad she didn't roast them on the spot and that it was left to Missandei, Tyrion and Grey Worm to resolve that situation. Giving some of the glory of the broken peace agreement to them was well done. 

The parley between Jon and Ramsay was also excellent and tense. I most especially enjoyed Jon taunting Ramsay with a 1v1 fight and again, a parallel there where he asks if Ramsay's men would still fight for him knowing he wouldn't fight for them. This was repeated by Grey Worm to the Master's slave soldiers who took the smart approach and laid down their weapons. Loved that! 

The battles at Winterfell was appropriately epic. I appreciate how they limited CGI and did an actual real pitched battle with tons of horses, real soldiers, and lots of mud, blood and bodies everywhere to enhance the realism. That shot of Jon removing his belt, pulling his sword from his scabbard and facing an entire cavalry bearing down on him was amazing. 

Even though the ending 'save' from Littlefinger and Sansa with the Vale army was entirely predictable, it was still really epic to see their army break through that shield wall and demolish them in one sweep. I've been watching fan reactions on youtube and the responses have been appropriately awe-struck and cheering at the end of the battle so it was well done and filled the bill for victory feel-good emotions for all of the fans which makes me happy. Finally something good for the Starks even at great cost. Rest in peace sweet Rickon and also the sad loss of the amazing giant Wun Wun who pledged his allegiance to the Starks with an epic "SNOW!" ... the only word we needed to hear. 

What were your favorite parts and thoughts on the battles of 6x09?

I like what you mentioned about how the horrors of war are often glossed over in favor of making the heroes look good. At first I was sort of freaking out that Jon fell down under a pile of bodies and men struggling to escape. That was so ... NOT heroic. But after a re-watch and some thought on it, I liked what they did with him. They showed him as an amazing fighter but still just as vulnerable as any other man out there... still mortal ... definitely not "some kind of God" as Tormund put it. He and Davos pointed out that Jon Snow was not a king as well. I thought that was curious along with Jon nearly dying under his own men, it somewhat humbled his character in an endearing way. Jon Snow is everyone's bastard. He's the misfit, the black sheep, the misunderstood hero. And worst of all, he didn't even really want to be there and commanding that army in the first place. It plays on the theme that the best leaders are the ones who do so because it's necessary, not because they want to.

I found that one of the hardest parts to watch. It made me think of the Hillsborough disaster.

What I found poignant was that when Mel brought him back, she made the resurrection decision for him. He didn't choose to live. On this occasion he had the choice and he chose to live. Either that or he didn't trust Mel's hairdressing skills as he's had to wear a manbun to hide her poor barber skills. I think Jon needed a trigger to bring his personality back and that was it. Although he might become a darker character.