In an unexpected revelation, George R.R. Martin declared Blackwater to be his favorite among the four episodes he contributed to the Game of Thrones series.
George R.R. Martin, the renowned author of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series, upon which HBO’s Game of Thrones was based, has always been an influential figure in the world of television and literature. While he’s currently immersed in the writing of “The Winds of Winter,” the eagerly anticipated sixth book in his series, and serving as an executive producer on AMC’s “Dark Winds,” he still finds time to engage with fans and share his insights on various aspects of the entertainment industry.
Recently, Martin took to his official “Not a Blog” blog to address a noteworthy achievement related to a Game of Thrones episode he wrote—an episode that has earned a place among television’s finest.
The episode in question is “Blackwater,” the penultimate episode of Season 2. With characteristic humor, Martin acknowledged the honor of being considered “perfect” but clarified that he understood the accolade was intended for the episode, not himself.
In an unexpected revelation, Martin declared Blackwater to be his favorite among the four episodes he contributed to the Game of Thrones series. He did, however, express appreciation for his Season 4 episode, “The Lion and the Rose,” as well.
Martin’s four Game of Thrones episodes are:
- “The Pointy End” (Season 1, Episode 8)
- “Blackwater” (Season 2, Episode 9)
- “The Bear and the Maiden Fair” (Season 3, Episode 7)
- “The Lion and the Rose” (Season 4, Episode 2)
What makes “Blackwater” such a beloved Game of Thrones episode?
This sentiment isn’t limited to George R.R. Martin alone; fans and critics alike have showered Blackwater with praise. With an impressive 9.7-star rating on IMDb, based on over 52,000 reviews, it has earned a special place in the hearts of viewers.
The episode is a tour de force, encapsulating the elements that made Game of Thrones a cultural phenomenon. It featured a riveting and impassioned speech delivered by Tyrion Lannister as he prepared to defend King’s Landing against Stannis Baratheon’s impending attack. Moments later, a shocking twist left viewers believing Tyrion had met his demise, a testament to the show’s knack for subverting expectations.
Blackwater also showcased the signature Game of Thrones-style dialogue, replete with wit and tension, particularly in the exchanges between Sansa Stark and Cersei Lannister as they faced what seemed like certain doom.
In a breathtaking visual effects sequence, the episode depicted the wildfire explosion in the bay, illuminating the night sky with a mesmerizing display of green flames.
In retrospect, Blackwater stands as a pivotal episode that helped define the series’ tone. It exemplified Game of Thrones’ penchant for raising the stakes and captivating its audience throughout its runtime, setting the stage for the many unforgettable moments that would follow in the saga of Westeros.