It's time for the battle we’ve all been waiting for, that between our favorite zombie Jon Snow and the wretched Ramsay Bolton. But war is breaking out over all the lands for the Iron Throne, starting with the city of Meereen.

Daenerys returns home with the city of Meereen on fire. Everything was fairly calm when she left, leaving her to scowl at Tyrion with unforgiving eyes. "Despite appearances," Tyrion argued, "I think you’ll find Meereen is on the rise."

Commerce has returned to the markets, and most of the people of Meereen are behind her. Ultimately, the city’s rebirth is what has caused all of the violence. Tyrion pointed out that the Slavers needed to win, because if Dany’s work in Meereen succeeds, it will prove that a city without slaves, without masters, proves that no one needs masters; thus, their only cause in life will be null and void.

Daenerys Stormborn wants the Slavers to beg for mercy at her feet after she destroys every aspect of their being; however, Tyrion pointed out that her actions would be no different than that of her father’s. Once upon a time, Aerys II Stormborn massacred the people of King’s Landing, including the enemies and the innocents. Aerys’s actions are what spurred Jaime to become the Kingslayer; he did it all to save lives. Tyrion doesn’t want to be in the same position as his older brother, so he suggests a different approach, and I fully agree. Those who cause pain in the world deserve to face the consequences, but innocent people shouldn’t have to be caught in the crossfire.

Dany’s glorious reign has just begun, however, and no one is going to get in her way of being ruler of the seven kingdoms. She rode off to the Slavers’ ships and had her dragons burn them to a crisp. What a great improvisation, don’t you think? At the end of the Slaver army’s destruction, the lone Slaver was told to go back home and tell his people about what happened there at Meereen. The great Khaleesi spared the man’s life, but her mercy will not extend to his Slavers ever again.

Somewhere out in the wilderness, Jon Snow and sits with Sansa at his side to parley with Ramsay. Jon assured Sansa that she didn’t need to be there, but she wanted to. Sansa is just as important to this battle as anyone else. She not only has a say in saving her brother and her home, but especially in putting Ramsay down. That man tortured her, physically and mentally, as his wife, and there was no way she wasn’t going to make him pay. The cruelty Ramsay poured into the lives of so many was to be no more.

As they speak, Ramsay repeatedly referred to Jon Snow as none other but "bastard." News flash Ramsay: You’re the biggest bastard of them all, and gaining your father’s name doesn’t negate that fact. As he pompously mocked Jon’s army, Jon Snow sat there as regal as ever, remaining above the nasty remarks. Jon tried to challenge Ramsay to an old school, up close and personal swordfight, but Ramsay was smart about it.

"I don’t know if I will beat you, but I know my army will beat you," said Ramsay. Smart move, grasshopper. Smart move.

Sansa bid him with a nice, "You’re going to die tomorrow, Lord Bolton — sleep well." And with her polite words, we all knew that there had to be some truth to it.

Back at Jon Snow’s camp, he argued with Sansa about his approach in defeating Ramsay. Sansa knew that Jon couldn’t take the obvious approach; he needed to come at Ramsay from a different angle altogether. Nevertheless, Jon had to work with what he had. He told her that battles have been won at greater odds, which is quite true.

Meanwhile, Sir Davos had an honest, real conversation with Tormund Giantsbane, the head Wildling warrior. They spoke of their former, very deceased kings and the accomplishments of those men. Both Davos and Tormund whole-heartedly believed in their kings, something that Davos thinks may have been their mistake. Luckily for them, Jon Snow is not a king. Non-kings tend to get stuff done around here.

Jon made a visit to Melisandre’s tent for an important pow wow. He informed her that if he falls, she should not bring him back to life. She reminded him that she does what the Lord of Light commands, which she interprets through various signs. She also brought up a great point: If the Lord of Light didn’t want her to bring Jon Snow back to life, then how did she? Melisandre has no power, only the power that the Lord gives her. This Lord of Light is making some serious moves, but to what ends? Both Melisandre and Jon Snow have no idea what his higher purpose is, but I’m sure we’ll soon find out.

Back at Meereen, Theon and Yara sat with the Dragon Queen to plea with her about their alliances. Tyrion wasn’t having it, for one. Tyrion is very suspicious of Theon Greyjoy, a known traitor. Although Tyrion can’t seem to forgive Theon’s transgressions, Dany can swallow that pill for a large fleet. Yara has slyly let it known that, if Dany is up for a marriage to join their houses, she’s game for whatever happens. A same-sex marriage of powerful women would work, in my opinion; the only problem is they wouldn’t have a "legitimate" heir to the throne. Oh, the tricky ins-and-outs of power. For now, the Greyjoys simply made an alliance with Daenerys, and in return, they must recognize her as Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Sounds easy enough, right?

Back at the battlegrounds, dawn arrived and the battle commenced. Ramsay rode out from a sea of men with Rickon Stark tied to the back. Ramsay released him and had him run out to Jon as he hunted him like a little pig with his bow and arrow. Just as Rickon was within feet of getting scooped up by Jon, Ramsay sent an arrow straight through the boy’s chest. The sick cruelty of Ramsay Bolton is inexplicable.

The battle began, and Jon sliced and diced his way through the crowd. It was both painful and exciting to watch him fight for his home. It was obvious that those men were no match for Jon’s fury. Sadly, Ramsay’s army was simply too big for Jon and his men. Just as they’re surrounded, however, Sansa shows up with Littlefinger and the full army that he promised her. That letter she sent last week must’ve been to Littlefinger to confirm their ambush. When it was all said and done, Sansa saved the day.

Ramsay retreated with the very last of his men to Winterfell, and Jon, Tormund and the giant weren’t far behind. They broke in, and Jon finally got to deliver his one-on-one butt whooping. Jon beat his face in just enough to make him feel the pain, but to still keep him alive.

Sansa then had Ramsay tied up in a dungeon as she said her last words: "Your words will disappear, your house will disappear, your name will disappear … all memory of you will disappear." Then Ramsay’s ravenous hounds gobbled him up in the end — the perfect treatment for all of his torment. Watching Sansa walk off as we hear Ramsay’s flesh being ripped to shreds was one of the most satisfying moments I’ve experienced through television.

So, for all of the buzz and anticipation, "The Battle of the Bastards" managed to deliver – and there's still an episode to go.