The Starks are back, baby.
In last night's epic episode of Game of Thrones, Jon (Kit Harington) and Sansa (Sophie Turner) took back their home from the impossibly evil Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon) after one big, bloody battle of the bastards. As the battle came to a close, we were ready to deem it the best battle—if not the best episode—Game of Thrones has ever had.
Not only was this battle against one of the worst people who have ever been a person, but it was also filled with all the things you typically want from a battle: archery, sword fights, giants, trampling, the last minute arrival of some unexpected allies, and the villain getting punched in the face before being eaten by his own hounds.
It sure was awesome to watch, but was it the best battle of all? Let's find out!
Blackwater, season 2, episode 9
Lannister vs. Stannis Baratheon
Why it was awesome: It was Cersei at her most Cersei-ish as she holed herself up with a ton of wine while Joffrey abandoned his men just when they needed him most (OK, not him, but just someone in general) and Tyrion rising up to lead the Lannisters to almost a victory.
Why it was kinda meh: Tyrion's usually the only Lannister we're rooting for, and the day had to be saved by his dad. He ended up with a cool face scar though!
The Watchers on the Wall, season 4, episode 9
The Night's Watch vs. the Wildlings
Why it was awesome: The scope of it was huge, and the special effects with the wall were pretty incredible.
Why it was kinda meh: RIP YGRITTE. It was hard to figure out who to root for, and it just ended up being depressing when Ygritte had to pay the ultimate price.
Hardhome, season 5, episode 8
The Night's Watch and the wildlings vs. The White Walkers and the wights
Why it was awesome: After convincing most of the wildlings to aid the Night's Watch in their battle against the White Walkers, Jon learned that the battle had already arrived at Hardhome. While the wildlings fled, Jon, the brothers of the Night's Watch, and Tormund defended as best they could, with Jon even killing one Walker using dragonglass. Forced to retreat, Jon looked on in horror as the Night's King raised the dead, revealing the startling truth behind just what (and who) it is they're fighting.
Why it was meh: Are you kidding? There was very little that was "meh" about this.
The Battle of the Bastards, season 6, episode 9
Why it was awesome: All our favorite people won, Ramsay was destroyed, and the Starks took back Winterfell. Plus, it was incredible to watch, and incredibly satisfying.
Why it was kinda meh: Was there ever really any chance that Ramsay would win? Everyone we love lived (except poor Rickon), and even when it looked totally impossible for the Starks to win, they still somehow did. Everything happened as our hearts wanted, which is fine for our hearts, but not very surprising TV.
Which battle is your favorite? Place your vote below!
The Game of Thrones season 6 finale airs Sunday, June 26 at 9 p.m. on HBO.