Why 'The Battle of the Bastards' Disappoints as a Cinematic Battle Scene

While many fans and critics regard 'The Battle of the Bastards' as one of the most critically acclaimed episodes of Game of Thrones, there are notable reasons why it might not live up to the grandeur and strategic complexity some might expect from a high-stakes battle scene in a series as complex as Game of Thrones.

Strategic Flaws and Misuse of Resources

The battle itself is often criticized for its lack of adherence to strategic principles. As DD points out, the battle setup is quite unrealistic. Given Ramsey Bolton's fortifications at Winterfell and the lack of siege equipment and mounted troops among the wildlings, a pitched battle in an open field is a questionable decision. Historically, such a setup would be a significant strategic error. Ramsey could have held Winterfell with a significant portion of the Vale men he claimed to rally, further emphasizing the improbability of the battle's outcome.

Emotional Payoff and Character Development

While the battle is undeniably intense and provides a showcase for Jon Snow, its impact is somewhat diminished by the emotional payoff. After waiting for six seasons for the Starks to finally reclaim the North, the emotional weight of the battle adds to the crowd-pleasing nature of Ramsey's defeat. Sansa Stark's victory is the culmination of a long and arduous journey, making the battle a critical moment for the series. However, this emotional payoff comes at the cost of historical and strategic accuracy.

Comparison to Other Epic Battles

Comparing 'The Battle of the Bastards' to other battles in the series can highlight its limitations. For instance, 'The Battle of the Blackwater' and the 'Loot Cart Train Battle' are often cited as more visually striking and strategically complex. In 'The Battle of the Blackwater', Stannis Baratheon's massive army faces off against the Lannisters with an unexpected twist, and the scene is filled with tension and heroism, culminating in the destruction of fearsome artwork. The 'Loot Cart Train Battle' sees Daenerys Targaryen's army engage in a grand melee, with a dragon's fire turning the tide of the battle against the Lannister forces. These battles offer a more grand visual spectacle and strategic intrigue than the straightforward battle in the North.

A Case for the Critics

Despite its critical acclaim, 'The Battle of the Bastards' falls short in terms of strategic depth and visual awe. Critics argue that the battle's focus on showcasing Jon Snow's leadership rather than exploring the broader implications of the Stark comeback detracts from the overall storytelling. Some might even claim that 'The Battle of the Blackwater' and the 'Loot Cart Train Battle' are more historically and visually compelling, offering a richer battle experience with more layers of complexity and stakes.

Emotional Payoff

The emotional payoff for the Starks' victory is significant, but it comes at the expense of a more realistic and historically informed battle. The historical and strategic accuracy of the battle is questionable, with the random victory of Lyanna Blackwood and the visually disturbing torture of Ramsay Bolton's men undermining the realism of the scene. The battle serves as a payoff for the audience and the fans who have been waiting for years, but it fails to deliver the visual spectacle and strategic complexity that other battles in the series offer.

Historical and Strategic Accuracy

Historical and strategic accuracy are critical aspects of any battle scene in a series like Game of Thrones. 'The Battle of the Bastards' lacks both in significant ways. The open field battle against an enemy without siege equipment or mounted troops is a historical anomaly. Additionally, the use of human bodies as display props for psychological warfare is not historically accurate and detracts from the overall integrity of the scene.

Visual Spectacle

While 'The Battle of the Bastards' is visually impressive, the emotional payoff and historical accuracy come at the cost of a more grandiose visual spectacle. In contrast, battles like 'The Battle of the Blackwater' and the 'Loot Cart Train Battle' offer a more immersive and visually striking experience. The strategic complexity and sheer scale of these battles make them more credible and engaging, even if they do not provide the same satisfying emotional payoff.

In conclusion, 'The Battle of the Bastards' is a battle that showcases the emotional and narrative impact of the series but falls short in terms of strategic depth and historical realism. While it is a significant moment for the characters and the series as a whole, it pales in comparison to other battles that offer a more visually striking and historically informed experience.