Game of Thrones delivered some of television’s most memorable battles, but two episodes stand out in particular for their ambition, execution, and impact: Blackwater (Season 2, Episode 9) and Battle of the Bastards (Season 6, Episode 9). While both remain high points in the series, they offer very different experiences in terms of strategy, character focus, cinematic technique, and thematic weight.
Setting and Stakes
Blackwater unfolds entirely within the city walls of King’s Landing, placing viewers at the heart of Stannis Baratheon’s naval assault. The stakes are clear: the Lannisters must hold the city or risk total defeat. The battle is defined by political tension and the looming threat of wildfire, and it captures a moment when the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance.
Battle of the Bastards, by contrast, is set in the open fields of Winterfell and centres on a more personal conflict between Jon Snow and Ramsay Bolton. While the future of the North is at stake, the narrative is driven more by vengeance, legacy, and family honour than kingdom-wide consequences. It is emotionally charged but arguably less pivotal for the broader political order of Westeros.
Tactical Design and Realism
Blackwater stands out for its use of strategy. Tyrion’s clever deployment of wildfire in the bay is not only visually arresting but rooted in sound tactical thinking. The sequence highlights siege warfare, naval bombardment, and the chaotic nature of defending a city under attack. It’s a battle informed by medieval strategy, with a strong emphasis on preparation and surprise.
In contrast, Battle of the Bastards leans into visceral intensity. Director Miguel Sapochnik crafted a nightmarish depiction of medieval combat, with suffocating shield walls, cavalry charges, and the infamous pile of corpses that traps Jon Snow. While impressive in scale and choreography, the tactics are less convincing. Ramsay’s decision to lure Jon into a kill zone with Rickon as bait is effective but reliant on his opponent acting rashly. The encirclement by the Bolton phalanx echoes Roman testudo formations, but the Vale’s sudden arrival feels like a convenient release valve rather than a plausible battlefield outcome.
Cinematic Execution
Both battles broke new ground for television, but in different ways.
Blackwater was one of the first TV battles to make use of a single-location format, with the entire episode dedicated to one event. It used clever lighting, confined sets, and sound design to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread. The use of wildfire, the green inferno erupting in the bay, remains one of the show’s most iconic images.
Battle of the Bastards, however, raised the bar for scale. It featured hundreds of extras, mounted cavalry, practical effects, and long takes that placed viewers in the chaos of melee combat. Jon Snow’s moment of drawing his sword in front of the charging cavalry became an instant visual hallmark of the series.
Character Arcs and Emotional Weight
Blackwater is a character-driven battle. Tyrion’s leadership under pressure, Cersei’s cold pragmatism, and the self-serving cowardice of Joffrey are all drawn into sharp relief. The battle changes characters. Tyrion proves his worth as a commander, only to be betrayed and maimed. Sansa glimpses the true cruelty of Cersei’s worldview. The battle is as much about psychology as it is about warfare.
In Battle of the Bastards, the emotional focus is squarely on Jon Snow. His reckless bravery, Davos’s quiet resolve, and Sansa’s bitter satisfaction in unleashing the hounds on Ramsay all contribute to the episode’s emotional intensity. But character development takes a backseat to spectacle. Ramsay dies as expected, and Jon’s arc continues without any significant transformation.
Legacy
Blackwater established the blueprint for future battles in the series. It proved that Game of Thrones could deliver big-screen action on a television budget, while keeping political drama and character stakes at the core.
Battle of the Bastards refined that formula into something grander, more cinematic, and more brutal. It remains a benchmark for the depiction of pre-modern warfare on television. But some critics note that it prioritised emotional catharsis over narrative depth or realism.
Seven Swords Verdict
In terms of scale and visual ambition, Battle of the Bastards is unmatched. It is a technical triumph and a landmark for the genre. However, Blackwater delivers a tighter, more tactically coherent narrative, with deeper character engagement and greater political stakes.
Which is better depends on what you value. If you prefer emotionally driven spectacle, then Battle of the Bastards might edge it. But if you appreciate strategy, character tension, and a more grounded portrayal of conflict, Blackwater remains the superior episode.
