Ramsay Bolton Needs To Die On 'GoT'

Two heavy weights will face off in possibly Game Of Thrones’ most epic battle and episode to date. In one corner we have Ramsay Bolton, formerly known as Ramsay Snow, and in the other we have fan favorite Jon Snow, representing House Stark. Which one will win in the aptly titled episode, “Battle of the Bastards?” With so much riding on this showdown, and a history of foul play for Bolton, fans are hoping that Ramsay Bolton will die in Sunday's Bastard Bowl.

It's bastard vs. bastard in a fight for Winterfell. And, HBO has been pretty tight-lipped about this episode and the next, the Season 6 finale which is significantly titled, “The Winds of Winter.” In fact, there has been a lot of buzz because Game Of Thrones’ most current press release did not provide a synopsis for either episode. Though, the network eventually released a cryptic one liner about episode 9 “Battle of the Bastards.” HBO succinctly said, “Terms of surrender are rejected and accepted.”

While this level of secrecy and mounting drama is common for the end of a Game Of Thrones season, fans are particularly intrigued as these two key characters battle it out in a match unspoiled by the books, as the show has surpassed where the characters left off in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. And, HBO has fanned the flames with the trailer for the much-anticipated episode.

The trailer may seem simple, though it is tantalizing fans with just the right amount of tension building sound bites. Fans hear that Jon may be outnumbered. He says, "Battles have been won against greater odds. I fought beyond The Wall against worse than Ramsay Bolton.” To which Sansa replies, “You don’t know him.” Viewers then hear the recently resurrected Jon tell Melisandre, “If I fall, don't bring me back.” And, the most suspenseful one liner of all from Jon to Ramsay, “Thousands of men don't need to die. Only one of us.”

Only. One. Of. Us. So will it be Jon Snow (please Lord of Light, or whoever, don’t take him from us again!) or Ramsay Bolton (please Lord of Light, or whoever, make his death more painful than Joffrey’s)? While the trailer grimly leads us to believe that if Jon Snow dies this time, he’s really dead, I think we should have faith in Jon Snow. Here is why Ramsay Bolton will die in the “Battle of the Bastards.”

The Actor Who Plays Ramsay Bolton Thinks Ramsay Should Die

Iwan Rheon, who plays Ramsay Bolton, told Wales Online that he thinks Ramsay Bolton’s death is inevitable. He said:

It could happen at any time, that's the nature of the show — no one's really safe … That said, I've just bought a flat in London so I hope that day doesn't come too soon [laughs]. But that day is definitely coming, no mistake about it — and I hope that when it does it's epically nasty, and preferably dragon-related … He needs to go out with the bang.

Jon Snow’s Recent Death

Jon has been alive for like five minutes. There was so much energy put into Jon Snow’s recent resurrection and the plot was dragged out for so long that it felt like his life hung in the balance for an eternity (see this hilarious SNL skit about it). The man has only been mobile for about 5 episodes. It seems like a huge waste to bring Jon Snow back to life only to die at the hands of Ramsay Bolton. This would be a ridiculous let down.

The Tully Army Will Arrive

Episode 8 may have ended with Jaime Lannister taking the Tully castle, but with his peaceful infiltration via Edmure Tully and reintroduced bro code with Brienne of Tarth, I think the episode left it open for some 11th hour assistance at the Battle of the Bastards from the Tully army. While the trailer insinuates that Jon Snow is outnumbered, I think that Littlefinger, the Tully forces, and Wun Wun will come through big time — not to underplay the ferocity of the 62 men from Bear Island.

Foreshadowing

Reddit user, DanDampSpear, recently speculated about the Umbers’ motivations in giving Rickon to Ramsay Bolton. DanDampSpear explains that the Umbers were loyal to the Starks and proposes that Rickon may be a device for the Umbers to infiltrate Winterfell? To take it a step farther, maybe the Umbers will join House Stark in battle? DanDampSpear also cited an interesting piece of foreshadowing. The Redditor reminded us of what Roose Bolton said to his son Ramsay, “If you acquire a reputation as a mad dog, you’ll be treated as a mad dog.” You’ll be put down…

Sansa’s Revenge

This season has been all about Sansa’s newfound fierceness. I am secretly hoping she gets to deliver Ramsay’s final blow.

Then There’s The Issue Of Rickon

So, Rickon may complicate things. Is he alive? Is he dead? Will he be a weakness for Jon Snow and Sansa in battle? Though some fans wonder if Rickon will be a secret weapon, will he be the Stark that kills Ramsay Bolton? Honestly, I doubt it. And a death at the hands of Sansa or Jon Snow would be way more satisfying.

However it goes down, I think we are all hoping that the Battle of the Bastards results in Ramsay Bolton's demise.

Images: HBO; Giphy (6)