There were 704 deaths on Game of Thrones prior to season six. I’m pretty sure double that many people died in last night’s violent episode, “The Battle of the Bastards.” Rickon Stark and Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun, commonly referred to as lovable ol’ Wun Wun, were killed by arrows; Smalljon Umber had his neck chewed out by Tormund; and most critically, Ramsay Bolton was eaten alive by his starving hounds. Mr. Burns would be proud. Plus, Daenerys, her dragons, Grey Worm, and the Dothraki mowed down dozens of masters in Meereen, and now they’re finally (hopefully) on their way to Westeros.
It was an action-packed episode, with a battle scene that lived up to the months of hype. Fans of the show think so, at least: “The Battle of the Bastards” is already the highest rated episode of the entire series on IMDb, with a perfect 10.0 rating, or 0.1 higher than “The Rains of Castamere” and “Hardhome” (which, in this writer’s humble opinion, are better episodes).
The “best. episode. ever.” sentiment was shared on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/ktylerphoto/status/744762861847642113
#GameofThrones is the best thing that ever happened to me. To us! Unite!
— lesleyarfin (@lesleyarfin) June 20, 2016
Wow that was the best episode of #GameofThrones ever! NBA + GOT FTW TONIGHT! 👏👏👏👏
— Ryan Case (@film114) June 20, 2016
Hands down the best episode of the season 😳 #GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/SXh04gv6Oj
— Taz 🩷 (@tazminlevett_) June 20, 2016
this was clearly the best #GameOfThrones episode of all. it's been 12 minutes since the episode is over and my heart is still beating fast.
— clara (bow) (@taylorwords) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/Boogie2988/status/744747543301545985
The best episode of the entire series – not just the season! Perfect from start to finish! #GameofThrones
— faisal sultan (@friskygeek) June 20, 2016
No doubt the best episode ever for #GameofThrones #got! My life is now complete and winter has arrived! pic.twitter.com/H4gFQPFkyp
— boscoanthony (@boscoanthony) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/DarmianFC/status/744825098033573889
#GameofThrones OH MY GOD!!! Best episode I've ever seen
— callum. (@wallumcingate) June 20, 2016
#GameofThrones That has to be the best episode EVER
— . (@WrightNelson) June 20, 2016
Here's the deal. Tonight's ep of #GameofThrones is a new litmus test. If one agrees that it was perfect, we're cool. If one doesn't, ✌🏼out.
— emmacaulfieldofficial (@emmacaulfield) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/sxmwillixms/status/744826127139635200
BEST TV EPISODE EVER TO AIR #GameofThrones
— Joe (@Master_Tapp) June 20, 2016
https://twitter.com/SimplyHand_made/status/744826105245339649
That was hands down without a doubt the best episode of not just #GameofThrones but of any TV show I've ever seen 😂😁⚔
— Mac (@Mac__James) June 20, 2016
#TheBattleOfTheBasturds was hands down the best #GameofThrones episode of the entire series! pic.twitter.com/eyhNVCR2Nw
— Luke (@luke_pwr) June 20, 2016
I believe I lost 3 pounds watching #GameofThrones tonight! Best episode of the season. Crazy good!
— Leah Remini (@LeahRemini) June 20, 2016
I can't breathe!! That honestly might have been the best episode of #GameofThrones in the entire series pic.twitter.com/EsSPb6R4NA
— Nura نورا (@nridwvn) June 20, 2016
Watching #GameofThrones again at 11 because it was. Just. That. Good. Best episode of the series so far. pic.twitter.com/IQQuGeJe7h
— Amy Smith (@amynicks87) June 20, 2016
That was probably the best episode of television I ever saw! #GameofThrones
— Julie Rose Wallach (@JulieRWallach) June 20, 2016
An SNL cast member went even more hyperbolic.
Best. Hour. Of. Television. Ever. #GameOfThrones
— Taran Killam (@TaranKillam) June 20, 2016
Don’t tell Lorne Michaels. Anyway, if nothing else, “The Battle of the Bastards” gave us the best line in Game of Thrones history.
That we can all agree on. (I’m really glad Tormund didn’t die.)