Game of Thrones Fans Missed This Genius Callback in Battle of the Bastards

As a passionate movie critic, I must say that before audiences were critiquing the writers for allegedly ruining their beloved shows, they were applauding them for producing exceptional seasons of the legendary HBO series “Game of Thrones.” Regardless of how the show may be viewed in hindsight, it’s indisputable that its initial run was nothing short of extraordinary. Each year, “Game of Thrones” stood as one of the most significant phenomena in television history, with each season, twist, and turn consistently surpassing itself. This wasn’t achieved without stellar writing and a generous contribution from one of the finest fantasy novel series ever written by George R.R. Martin. A substantial amount of credit should be given to this author for meticulously creating an original world, intricate characters, and richly layered fantasy lore. Many of the most captivating elements of the show can be traced back directly to the books upon which they are built.

Essentially, the novels need to be translated effectively to retain their impact, as D.B. Weiss and David Benioff had done brilliantly for years, especially during seasons one through five when they still had source material. However, season six proved particularly challenging due to the lack of additional source material. Despite some criticisms following the final season, many consider season six to be a high point in the series. The season is rich with intricate plotlines and character development, with even minor details enriching iconic scenes or moments.

One of the Best Season Six Episodes Continues to Be a Classic of Modern Television

In Game of Thrones, I found myself engrossed by a critical moment that sparked much debate among viewers: the fate of the beloved character Jon Snow. As we delved into season six, this question of whether the showrunners would miraculously resurrect Jon Snow was on everyone’s lips. In the books, Jon meets his end at the close of the fifth novel, “A Dance with Dragons,” only to become another casualty in the ruthless game of thrones depicted within its pages. Throughout the series, characters are routinely killed off, often during pivotal episodes that leave a lasting impact on viewers. With Jon Snow’s demise at the end of season five, fans were left questioning whether there was any chance he could rise again.

Previously, the show hadn’t taken a step like this, but when season six unfolded, it became apparent that events were being orchestrated for Jon’s return. This event sparked much debate, as it was considered one of the most divisive decisions ever made by the writers. While some fans embraced it, others felt it undermined a series already filled with casualties. Additionally, it appeared to deviate from the tone that Game of Thrones had established until then. However, this decision would eventually be overlooked due to its role in shaping some of the series’ most memorable episodes, including “Battle of the Bastards” and the penultimate episode.

One of the most memorable episodes in television history, “Battle of the Bastards,” pits House Stark against House Bolton in a fierce struggle over control of the North and the reclaiming of Winterfell. In essence, this episode features two illegitimate offspring from each house battling for their inheritance, an occurrence neither had envisioned given their social positions. The contrast between them is significant; one has become the unquestionable hero throughout the series while the other is known as a villain. Seeing these characters clash on the battlefield was bound to be a pivotal moment for the show, and it surpasses all expectations in its execution.

The emotional rollercoaster and grand spectacle make “Battle of the Bastards” an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind adventure. Apart from the exceptional action sequences, the character interactions, particularly Sansa Stark’s confrontation with Ramsay Bolton, are deeply moving and stand out among the series as a whole. Moreover, this episode serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative, causing seismic shifts that alter the storyline’s trajectory and tie up various past storylines, too. In essence, this installment handles numerous aspects of the plot, bringing everything together neatly in a satisfying conclusion.

Battle of the Bastards Has a Moment That Recalls an Earlier Foreshadowing

As a devoted fan, I’ve noticed that in “Battle of the Bastards,” there are numerous characters who each have their unique, intricate storylines that unfold over time. One character who stands out is Melisandre, a key figure who has been closely associated with Sansa Stark. Throughout five consecutive seasons, Melisandre was unwaveringly loyal to the potential king, Stannis Baratheon. From the onset of the series, Melisandre was actively seeking an ally in her quest for power, and she wholeheartedly supported Stannis Baratheon, betting everything on him as a contender for the throne.

Due to her being a witch, she possesses extraordinary abilities that lend richness to the story. When choosing to back Stannis in the first season, she employs her sorcery to foretell Stannis’ fate via her enchanted flames. She perceives him as the “Chosen One” and commits to supporting him. Later on, during season two, she allows Stannis to peer into the flames once more to verify his destiny, and he asserts seeing numerous signs in the flames confirming he is the “Prophesied Prince.” Regrettably, Stannis doesn’t survive until the fifth season, casting doubt on Melisandre’s prophecy (a fact that troubles her from then on).

As Stannis and his troops suffer defeat, Melisandre roams the North and encounters Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch. Eventually, it is Melisandre who employs her mystical powers to resurrect Jon Snow, leading her to back him as the foretold one. Intricate details coalesce in an impressive manner when Jon eventually vanquishes the Boltons and recaptures Winterfell. One of the subtler echoes can be seen when Melisandre witnesses the Starks removing Bolton flags from the walls of Winterfell. Although this moment may appear inconsequential on first glance, it actually ties up loose ends from earlier in the series.

In the flames, Stannis perceives an image of himself strolling atop Winterfell’s walls and noticing the Bolton banners being lowered. He shares this vision with Melisandre during season five, though its events don’t occur as foreseen. However, what transpires in season six eerily mirrors Stannis’ vision. This subtle moment where Melisandre foresees the future is skillfully crafted by D.B. Weiss and David Benioff, serving as a reminder that seemingly insignificant details often hold profound implications when viewed from another perspective. Such instances underscore the depth of the storyline, making it more intriguing than it initially appears.

It All Went Wrong When the Show Stopped Addressing Important Details

To this day, one significant criticism leveled at “Game of Thrones” is that it seemed hurried and disjointed. While I may not share the same views on particular narrative choices, it’s clear that the series lost some of its earlier pace and intensity. What might be even more damaging was the lack of time dedicated to wrapping up each character’s journey and resolving their respective storylines. The intricate details that once elevated “Game of Thrones” above typical television were largely neglected in the final season, leaving many questions posed throughout the series unanswered. Characters like Melisandre, who had several open-ended aspects to her character, are a part of this issue.

At one point, Melisandre, who seems younger than her true age, removes a magical necklace, revealing her genuine old age to everyone. This mysterious figure, throughout the series, has left many viewers curious about her origins and the real function of sorceresses within the show’s universe. These questions are seldom answered in depth, adding to the perception that the show’s quality has declined at times.

Despite the fact that Game of Thrones can be excused for some questionable storytelling choices towards the end of the series, it’s the oversight in detail that remains bothersome. In reality, the writers should point fingers at HBO for a truncated season and hasty conclusion. Fans didn’t get the deserved finale they expected, yet not for the reasons they might recall. Instead, it was due to time constraints and hurried execution.

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2025-05-08 02:58