I rewatched "Blackwater" last night.

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Don't fight for a king. Don't fight for his kingdoms. Don't fight for honor, don't fight for glory, don't fight for riches, because you won't get any. This is your city Stannis means to sack. That's your gate he's ramming. If he gets in it will be your house that burns. Your gold he steals, your women he rapes. Those are brave men knocking at our door. Let's go kill them!

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Ah, back when Tyrion was a compelling character and the writing was good

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It is very good from a writing standpoint. But the battle scene was subpar compared to later episodes like Hardhome and BOTB. No wide shots, too few soldiers, looks like it was filmed in a studio.

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Yeah, I'd much, much rather have that than Watchers on the Wall. WotW is an episode of all style and no substance. I think D&D realize this which is why they have not whatsoever repeated the mistakes of that in Hardhome, Battle of the Bastards, and the Spoils of War. You could easily cut the episode in half, especially the scenes in the vaults with Sam, Gilly, and Janos Slynt in the vaults, which is pathetic compared to the amazing scenes with Sansa and Cersei in Blackwater. They should have intercut this episode with Tyrion killing Tywin.

I still think Blackwater is my favorite episode. I do think that it or the Rains of Castamere are the two best written episodes of the show. Just not a single wasted line of dialogue, and all the plots save for the Northmen converging was fantastic. Like you really wanted Stannis and Davos to take out Joffrey and Cersei, but then you've got tons of characters you like on the other side of the wall that you know are doomed if Stannis wins. Also the Hound's best episode for sure.

The only episode I question that I like more may be "The Winds of Winter". Despite not being as grandiose as the battles that came after it, I still feel pretty comfortable saying it's my favorite battle episode.

it is by far the best battle episode. the writing for that episode was impeccable.

GOT then: "work with this budget, the writing is what will carry us

GOT now: "dont worry about budget OR writing lmao"

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back when Tyrion was a compelling character and the writing was good

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yup. such a tragedy

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At the time I watched blackwater, I wasn't yet a book reader. It was very intense. I think it's one of 2 episodes that took place at 1 location. It's was back at forth. One minute I thought KL would win, then Stannis, then KL, then Stannis then KL. It was well done

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all of this. you really wanted Stannis to win, but you knew Tyrion (and others) would be history if he did. quite the tug-o-war. the tone and atmosphere of the episode haven't been matched yet, and there were so many great moments

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it is by far the best battle episode. the writing for that episode was impeccable.

GOT then: "work with this budget, the writing is what will carry us

GOT now: "dont worry about budget OR writing lmao"

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George R.R. Martin then: Follow the books
George R.R. Martin now: Good luck frickers

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epic as shite when Tywin enters the red keep at the end

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Meh, Kind of a cheesy line by him.

Also at the start of episode 10 does he really need to ride the damn horse?

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epic as shite when Tywin enters the red keep at the end

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Yes duuuuuddde. So epic. The theme starts playing, Loras pulls off his helmet, Tywin walks in with that awesome armor with the boss arse red sash. That look of relief on Cersei's face as she mutters "Father..."

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Also at the start of episode 10 does he really need to ride the damn horse?

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Of course not, that's the damn point.