Rick Reacts: Game of Thrones 6x9 Early Access

why is it a struggle?

Rebel Pilot

I love Rick but he was a nozzle this ep.

Jo

I’ve been watching these reactions purely to fill the gap between GOT seasons. But oooft. It’s a bit of a struggle now.

Scottishrose2017

Just because it's consistent with his character doesn't mean they have to think his decisions are smart or logical. Also, if you can easily tell an action is tied to story mechanics, that's called "bad writing". Read up on this little thing called "suspension of disbelief".

HybridThizzle

Dude don't be an asshole. Just because you have a narrow sense of humor doesn't mean they're autistic. Grow up. Don't watch if you don't like it.

HybridThizzle

Yeah characters make flawed decisions and it's completely justified for someone to say "Jon you dumbass"

HybridThizzle

Rick, how DARE you have an opinion different than everyone else. Who do you think you are, some kind of individual with his own opinions and tastes? Get off the high horse and say exactly what we want you to say!

Charcuterie

Rick stop to be duche. Nonsenss history master.. so annoying. I agree with the people. Do not include Rick in last season. We are paying to see Rick complaining all the time

Kārlis Jandāls

Yikes, this wasn't a very good reaction. I enjoy Rick in Black Sails and Sherlock, but he should just stop reacting the GOT. He clearly doesn't enjoy it, not like everyone else does, so this just isn't fun to watch. I'm not saying reactors have to like everything and agree with everyone, but to say this was one of the worst Game of Thrones episodes is insanity. I don't watch Rick reacts for this reason, but I thought hey, it's BoB, he's gonna love this one. Nope. I try my best to not be rude, but Rick just seems like he has to always be right and be the smartest person in the room. Everything Jon and Sansa did in this episode was completely in character. If they had done anything else it would have been OUT of character. And for him quote real history (like always) and try to use that as a point against Jon makes no sense. Please, I'm begging you, don't put him in the reactions for the final season. You are my favorite GoT reactors because of your positivist and love for the show, and because you don't feel the need to be edgy and over critique things. Rick will ruin that. Please, I know he's your friend, but for the fans that support you, don't include him in future GoT. He can do everything else, but his clear distaste for this show is just annoying.

I'm pretty disappointed in this reaction, to be honest. I, for one, liked the chaotic nature of the battle. The characters are flawed and sometimes they make bad decisions. But these decisions, for the most part, fall in line with their personalities, beliefs, and histories. Story-wise, BotB is pretty average, but I do not think it's bad at all. In fact, the story sufficed to allow the creators to give us one of the most epic battle sequences ever to air on TV. I've seen this episode.... 20 times at least. Not once have I thought the story made no sense, nor has it made me unable to enjoy the battle. Sometimes, you just get lucky, and that's what happened with Jon. Anyway, I'm probably going to stay away from Rick Reacts for a while. Maybe I'll watch the rest once their S7 reactions over. But right now, I'm calling it quits. For those still staying on, enjoy the rest of them!

doc1990

Yeah, I kinda see what you mean. To be fair though, this battle (and peoples' decisions leading to it) makes no sense whatsoever in so many ways. I'm disappointed the writers didn't put more effort in.

Haven’t been watching rick reacts but figured this would be a good episode to see a reaction too and man was I disappointed. Rick is that guy who shoots down everything that you like so he can tell you why you shouldn’t like it and why it doesn’t make sense. Calvin is just Calvin and Lisa needs to go.

COnor hennessey

The sea be salty me hearties... Be careful the winds can change anytime. 😂😂🤣🤣

Mr. Big Stuff

I think Sansa didn't tell Jon because she was afraid Jon would fall into a Ramsey trap. Having the Knights of the Vale as a reserve force prevented them from falling into a Ramsey trap. Also had the KOV charged in at the start of the battle it's 50/50 they would have won the day. Putting them in after Ramsey had thinned his own numbers with arrows made it 100% winnable. But that's just my opinion.

Ari is my Cat

I still love you Rick <3

Alex Eckersley

I can't understand how Jon being true to his and his fathers character is such a bad thing, or a condemnation on his ability as a leader. He's a flawed human who was goaded into giving up his position by using his emotions against him. Ned would have done the same thing in Jons position, yet everyone thought of him as one of the most beloved leaders in the North and commanders in Roberts Rebellion. Jon proved that he is good at planning a battle and good at leading men. Yet he made a mistake in the field. That doesn’t erase everything else. The Sansa not telling Jon about the Knights of the Vale when he specifically asked what other options they had if not to attack now was dumb and mostly done to create tension in the episode. I think you’re being unfair with a lot of the other criticism in regards to the battle. You just watched one of the most expensive and longest filmed battle scenes in the history of cinema, yet you concentrate on the fact that a Stark acted like a Stark. Honestly, if that’s your take on Jon, which I personally think lacks nuance, then you’re going to really dislike the next few episodes. And because Rick and Lessa haven't been given a whole lot of background on some of the story where they review what has happened throughout the series (which aren't spoilers), I'm not sure that some of the upcoming reveals are going to hit them as hard as it does most other viewers who are steeped in the history and lore.

Rick not liking this episode doesn't actually surprise me. I know he likes history and I remember him in Season 1 reactions saying that he wants to see the battles, but I was thinking that he's probably not going to like Battle of the Bastards. It's visually very impressive but the actual battle is lacking IMO. Just charging at each other, no tactics, Jon abandoning his plan and apparently thinking he turned into a superman and dooming his entire army, and how the battle looks too small (I have played enough Total war to know that 6000 man battle doesn't look like that). But then again most of the audience isn't going to care about these things.

Nico

Also, it's a good idea to show them the "last time on" clips that play before the episode starts. There are some good reminders of what all happened seasons ago, which plays into some of the reveals and plot development going forward. Especially going into the next episode.

Apparently he is also a man who thinks he can charge into a hail of arrows and rows of spears and defeat an entire enemy army just by himself. Those are not the actions of a caring and honorable character. Those are the actions of a lunatic. I like Jon and I like this show, but that scene is just stupid. I thought he had more intelligence and common sense than that.

Nico

Theres more to a tv show than being cinematic and having a good production. Seasons 1-4 didnt need these big battles to be better seasons did they?

I agree Jo. The balance is off with these reactors. I like them, but they Lack nuance in their criticism. Also Calvin has a different opinion, but he lacks persuasion. I miss Eric in this, he can see the true value of the cinematic and production.

My main problem with Rick and Lessa's opinions are 1. They are completely forgetting everything about Jon's character. All of his actions are consistent. He is an emotional and caring person. He just is. Not liking Jon throughout the show is one thing but thinking that this episode he did anything out of character is ignorant and ignoring the past. And 2. They need to realize this is a show. Not real life. Actions will be taken for dramatic effect and to delay the end of an arc.

MOB12

How does Jon making mistakes lessen the episde? It is totally consistent with his character.

Nick Earl

There are definitely strong points of view in this comment section, some of which make interesting points. However, the You Tube comment section next week is going to be a complete and utter war zone .that will most assuredly descend into petty name calling.

Splashdown

I'm surprised Rick hated this episode.

Kali Mbata

I can't believe the amount of vitriol in this comments section! Of course I would love everyone to love every episode I love as much as I do, but I can't blame Rick and Lessa for pointing out some very valid criticisms of John ditching his plan, the fact that he falls right into Ramsey's trap after Sansa warned him, or that Sansa fails to provide him with key strategic information about the Knights of the Vale. They still found good things to talk about, you're just upset that they didn't react the way you wanted them to. Sorry guys I love the episode too, but it's not perfect, not everyone has to love it, and John makes a ton of mistakes strategy-wise

Jeanette C

I found Rick’s disappointment a little funny. I seem to recall that in seasons one and two he was so disappointed that we didn’t get to see the battles. Here we finally get to see one and it’s “too cinematic”? Also, as to why Sansa didn’t tell Jon about the forces from the Aerie: would YOU trust Littlefinger to follow through with anything he promised?

Doug C

What a disappointment. I was so excited to watch this reaction because this is one of my favourite GoT episodes but Rick and Lessa's constant ridicule of the show kinda ruined the mood for me. You could tell they weren't invested in the actual story or characters and many of the best moments went right over their heads. Instead of enjoying the show and appreciating it for what it was they approached it as a game to see who could identify the most flaws and crack the most jokes.

Tron

Mag the Mighty was the giant that died during the invasion of castle black, pretty sure he was the king. WunWun was the one with Jon and Tormund. Fun Fact: Unknown Female Giant, Tormund Giantsbane once cut open the belly of a sleeping giant in order to escape freezing to death in a storm. When the Giant found him, she mistook Tormund for her child and suckled him for 3 whole moons before he escaped, earning the title "Giantsbane" instead of "Giantsbabe" just to save him from embarrassment. lololol

kjak32

I really hope that Rick and Lessa film their own reactions to S8 and stay out of the other guys' reaction, they're perfectly entitled to feel however they feel and react however they react... but I honestly don't know if I'll be able to enjoy them otherwise... :\

Mattman

Why are you such a cunt? Honest question

Red Hood

I'm with Rick on this one

Sauna-Man

Yeah, spend the whole episode on the trial... It sure will be a long trial...

Sauna-Man

Totally disagree with Rick. This is one of the best episodes. I agree that a lot of the stuff he pointed out were dumb mistakes but those dumb mistakes fit the characters who made them. Of course Jon wouldn't hesitate to try and save a family member. And sansa has been lied to, manipulated and raped since season 1. Of course she acts shady and untrusting. You're mistaking the characters mistakes for the writers mistakes.

Boy am I glad I stopped investing any more time watching these reactions before the first season ended. This sounds like a s*** show.

Paul Gregory

Is it really just fanboys? Here is where Battle of the Bastards sits on the All Time Game of Throne Episode Rankings: Rolling Stone - 5th, Ranker - 1st, Business Insider - 4th, Film School Rejects - 5th, The Ringer - 16th, WinterIsComing - 3rd, Vulture - 5th, Digital Spy - 4th, Playlist - 3rd, IGN - 7th, Variety - 2nd, Forbes - 1st.

Nick Earl

yeah, its one of the best episodes of TV spectacle of all time from a show that's on another level than all else, be sad when it ends, I doubt anything will have the production, story, actors, characters that thrones has. I still hold out hope for a high budget sith TV series!!! one day?

There's criticizing Jon, as a character, for being stupid making bad decisions, and repeating Ned and Robb's mistakes, that's fine... and then there's criticizing show writing decisions that YOU think are inconsistent with the character and letting that affect you so much that somehow what's generally considered one of the best episodes become the worst for you... Jon's actions are consistent with his personality.. and his family and father's code of honor... This is a man who straight after battle rode into his enemies camp alone to negotiate... A man that charged into an army of wights and whitewalkers to buy some time for his enemies(wildlings) to escape onto the boats... He walked wildlings right into Castle Black knowing that betrays everything the nightwatch is about... if he'd do all that for his enemies what would he do for his brother?

n p

This is all well and good, but it wouldnt it be a better use of their time and our time to react to something else instead. I would much prefer to hear them talk about something they value and care about.

Nick Earl

C'mon guys and girls, stop hating. He is just not into the show, that could be with anyone and with any show, not his type of show. He never was, he just took on responsibility of watching it with Calvin, being neutral at first, and he does, as well as Lessa. If it were an typical YT series, not connected with patreon money, they would've just stopped, but that's not the case. No reason to chastise Rick or Lessa for their honest opinion or reaction, for them, and they are clearly not immeresed/interested in the show as hardcore fans of books+show, or just the fans show, or even casual fans who don't remembers names, plases and what happened previosly, it's comedy sketch, they found Red Wedding somewhat laughable, nuff said. So, if you suddenfly dumbfounded that Rick thinks it's the worst one he has seen, well you haven't been paying attention;) P.S. I like the minority haters crowling out of their caves to say "Yes, you're right Rick, finally someone agrees with me, no I'm gonna spoil the comment section and the experience of other with my troll comments. Can't wait for s7 so I could shine, it was a shitshow, right, right? Oh I hope Rick agrees with so I could right my essays on GoT here." Just gtfo, you nasty weasels.

Nick Rubin

"This is definitely the worst one i've seen" - Rick............... Rick, you're krillin me, and I can't take you seriously now.

mysterious_one7

Relax Nick Earl relax, everything's going to be ok bro.

Raul Martinez

For those wondering where Battle of the Bastards typically features on Game of Thrones All Time Episode Rankings: Rolling Stone - 5th, Ranker - 1st, Business Insider - 4th, Film School Rejects - 5th, The Ringer - 16th, WinterIsComing - 3rd, Vulture - 5th, Digital Spy - 4th, Playlist - 3rd, IGN - 7th, Variety - 2nd, Forbes - 1sr. Hardly the worst ever episode.

Nick Earl

Would not say all Blind Wave hated this just Rick. The True 4 Blind Wave original loved this one if go back and watch that reaction which this is Calvins second viewing. What they totally miss in the reaction is that Jon even though had no chance his courage and pure luck skills allowed him to live another day.

Skeletor

He is joining that why there's a catch up series lol

Calvin's knowing look tho...

Maia Patten

I think if they read the books they might have more respect for the show. You have to understand that this all came out of one man's head.

Idk why everyone hates on Ricks reaction to this just because he's not a fanboy like Eric and looks at it from a realistic point of view it's ok guys not everyone has to drop their jaw at every scene like we did his point of view is much more thoughtful I think than from the original crew in aww over one shots or the sword fights Rick reacts to the strategies and logic which is just as fun

Anthony Lujan

Both Rick and Calvin always have to overanalyse everything and yell that shit ''makes no sense''. So having both of them in the same reaction can get pretty damn annoying. At least in the other shows, you either have Eric or Aaron telling them to shush because they know how annoying it is and that nobody want to watch that shit.

Jo

I'm just glad Rick is really into black sails xq rick gave his true reaction and didn't pretend to like it so all I can do is respect it. I loved this episode and ep 10.. S7 is the downfall for me but we'll see what he thinks!

PCGaming

I have to go back and watch the original Blind Wave reaction to this episode to wash my mind of this filth.

Mango Maniac

Wow. Just when I thought this couldn't get any worse. These two are officially the worst GoT reactors of all time.

Mango Maniac

God these are the worst people to watch reactions to. Everything has to be a witty comment or a joke, which makes none of them funny. Neither of them have any understanding of nuances in characters and don’t take into account the previous things that have happened, how that makes the people feel, the specific language they use. Etc I’ve tried time and time again to get into these two’s reactions, but my god I want to just want to gouge my eyes out and tear my ears off because of how annoying both are. I’m glad I pay for this service for the other shows, and I’ve seen Calvin’s reactions, because otherwise this would be just burning money.

Damn, if Rick hated this episode, I don't know how he's gonna make it thru s7. I had a few issues with the character choices in this episode and Arya's storyline, but for the most part loved this season. But s7 had the laziest writing by far of any of the previous seasons. I still enjoyed it, just because I love this shit so much, but wouldn't surprise me if Rick's picky ass quits midway thru the season. Lol

Ram

But it does make sense. It totally does.

Nick Earl

Gotta love the people complaining about Rick pointing out that the battle makes no sense

James

I don't care that BW didn't like the episode. But I do care that the reasoning they give is terrible. I would be so much more angry if Jon had developed hitherto unseen tactical nous. It would be completely inconsistent with his character. And obviously Sansa was uneasy about Littlefinger, and didn't know whether to mention it. She still didn't know if she could trust Jon fully, and considering how Littlefinger was an accessory to the horrific sexual assault she suffered, she was probably desperate to do anything but ask for his help.

Nick Earl

Jons story in this ep would be fine, if he wasnt the commander of the army.

Sojtus

rick is so annoying, hope he does not join the crew in the final season next year, with his crap attempts at humour constantly.

chris z

I am an avid fan of the books, and I love this episode.

Nick Earl

Rick hates this episode, the emmy award winning Battle of the Bastards? Christ on a bike.

Nick Earl

Rick hates Battle of Bastards... Are you fucking serious lmao I have just accepted Rick just hate game of thrones cus its not like real life history which is just to silly and stop influencing/draggin lyssa down into your dark hole of no fun lol

MustacheKash

"Hannibal didn't lose his cool when his brother died on the battlefield." Bro. THIS. IS. A TV. SHOW. Elements have to be dramatized to serve the purpose of this epic story. This is a fantasy tv show. It's so absurd to compare this to real life. There a dragons, dead ice zombies, human resurrection and other magics in this show and you're salty that they dramatized Jon's (the main character of the show) story. Preposterous.

Tyler Kern

It is fair. They didn´t critisize how the ep was shot or directed or acted out. They didn´t like, that it tacticaly didnt make any sense.

Sojtus

That wasn't Mag! It was Wun Wun!

Cheyenne Hacker

....Wun Wun is the giant that just died. Mag the Mighty was the one that breached Castle Black.

Kaleo Mungin

I know right?!

I Hope the two still enjoy the show. Having/being a criticism is great, but it can ruin the cool things in shows and stuff in general #storyofmylife😓😅 Although They forgot about the Bran storyline 🤪

Rick has lost so much weight!

Calvin how could you not stick up for the episode that in your first reaction you guys all loved it. This episode won emmys and was one of the best in the series, not sure if I ever heard anyone say bad things about it, whats the deal with these two, jeez.

Theresa Drosselmeier

That's Smalljon Umber, not a Karstark

Tyler Kern

Is "Giant with an eye patch!" Lessa's version of "Dwarf head mountain!"

Jon Dub

Not sure if Lessa and Rick have read the books, but they're reacting to the later seasons like most book readers did. Mainly not being ok with the nonsensical character decisions and plot points. Have a feeling they're gonna be really disappointed with season 7.

Ram

"I think Jon will finished him, before the dogs get to him" NOPE!!

Martin Wiggan

Only when it comes to visuals, cause storytelling wise; it's nothing more than fanservice.

Finally! One of the greatest hours of television...EVER!

Mabs Ali