When Game of Thrones first aired its “Blackwater” episode in 2012, it was hailed as one of television’s most ambitious and spectacular battle sequences. With wildfire explosions lighting up the night and ships torn apart in green flames, it became an instant classic, a moment that defined HBO’s fantasy juggernaut.
But more than a decade later, the battle has come under new scrutiny. Dr Michael Fulton, a medieval warfare expert and author of Artillery in the Age of the Crusades, recently critiqued the episode in Insider’s How Real Is It? video series. His verdict? Despite its visual grandeur, “Blackwater” makes little sense from a tactical perspective.
“Lighting arrows on fire like this Hollywood loves to do it,” Fulton explains. “But it serves no practical value unless you’re trying to burn something flammable, like a thatched-roof cottage.”
The result, according to Fulton, is that Game of Thrones’ most legendary battle earns only a 3 out of 10 for realism, a stinging rebuke for what fans long considered a masterpiece of medieval warfare on screen.
Understanding the “Blackwater” Battle
In the world of Westeros, the Battle of Blackwater marks a turning point in the War of the Five Kings. Stannis Baratheon launches a naval assault on King’s Landing, hoping to seize the Iron Throne. Tyrion Lannister leads the defense of the city, employing a cunning trap involving wildfire a volatile substance that incinerates Stannis’ fleet in a single massive explosion.
While this strategy thrilled viewers, Dr. Fulton says the battle’s ground combat falls apart under expert analysis.
Overview: “Blackwater” Battle
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Episode Title | “Blackwater” (Game of Thrones, Season 2, Episode 9) |
| Original Air Date | May 27, 2012 |
| Battle Setting | King’s Landing harbor and city walls |
| Main Commanders | Tyrion Lannister (defending) vs. Stannis Baratheon (attacking) |
| Notable Strategy | Wildfire trap to destroy enemy fleet |
| Expert Reviewer | Dr. Michael Fulton, medieval warfare historian |
| Realism Rating | 3/10 |
What Dr. Michael Fulton Found Unrealistic?
1. Poor Siege Tactics
Fulton’s primary criticism centers on how Stannis’ troops attack the fortress. “Are they trying to go through a gate?” he asks in disbelief. He then explains that real medieval armies approached fortified walls with strategy, not blind aggression.
“There are three ways to overcome a wall,” he notes. “You can go over it using ladders or siege towers. You can go under it, though that’s risky. Or you can undermine it by digging beneath and collapsing it. Charging straight at the gate makes little sense.”
This, Fulton suggests, is where Game of Thrones prioritizes spectacle over substance.
2. Flaming Arrows: All Style, No Strategy
Another Hollywood trope that caught his attention was the flaming arrows a staple in fantasy battles but mostly useless in historical warfare. “Unless you’re targeting something flammable, fire adds no advantage,” he says.
In real sieges, defenders might use boiling oil, rocks, or heavy projectiles from above. Yet, as Fulton points out, the defenders in Blackwater seem oddly inefficient, missing the simple tactic of dropping stones on soldiers gathered below the walls.
3. Command Decisions That Defy Logic
The expert also criticized how leadership and troop deployment are depicted. “Why would you send troops outside your well-defended walls?” he questions. “And why is the battle being led from the rear instead of by a commander at the front?”
Dr. Alicia Trent, a medieval historian at the University of York, agrees:
“Real commanders like Richard the Lionheart or Saladin were often visible on the front lines to inspire morale. Commanding from the rear was a rare exception, not the rule.”
Unrealistic Yet Unforgettable: Why Fans Still Love It?
Despite the harsh critique, many fans and even some historians acknowledge that Blackwater remains a cinematic triumph. It was one of television’s first large-scale fantasy battles shot almost entirely at night, using complex visual effects and practical pyrotechnics.
Film analyst Jordan Cross comments:
“From a storytelling perspective, Blackwater isn’t about accuracy. It’s about chaos, fear, and desperation — emotions that realism sometimes can’t capture.”
Still, experts like Fulton believe filmmakers can balance drama with authenticity. “There’s a way to make it thrilling and logical,” he says. “Look at the siege scenes in Kingdom of Heaven or The Last Duel. They feel chaotic but grounded in real tactics.”
Tactical Accuracy vs. Cinematic Impact
| Aspect | Historical Accuracy | Cinematic Impact | Expert Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flaming Arrows | Unrealistic | Visually impressive | “No practical use unless setting fire to flammable targets.” |
| Siege Approach | Poor tactics | Creates tension | “Charging a gate directly is suicidal in real warfare.” |
| Wildfire Trap | Fictional | Iconic storytelling moment | “Inventive but fantastical weaponry.” |
| Command Strategy | Inconsistent | Builds character drama | “Leaders wouldn’t command from behind the walls.” |
Recent Updates in the Game of Thrones Universe (2025)
The Game of Thrones universe continues to expand even as experts dissect its older battles. HBO’s next prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, is set to debut in January 2025, bringing audiences back to Westeros with new stories of chivalry and politics.
Meanwhile, House of the Dragon has already been renewed through its fourth season, with the third instalment expected later in 2025. Fans are eager to see if these newer shows will depict medieval warfare with more realism or continue to favour cinematic drama over tactical logic.
Film historian Dr. Lionel West adds:
“After all the criticism of Game of Thrones battles, it’ll be fascinating to see whether HBO’s upcoming projects consult military historians more closely.”
Why This Critique Matters?
Dr. Fulton’s review isn’t just about nitpicking fantasy TV. It opens up a broader conversation about how historical warfare is portrayed on screen. In a world where many viewers learn their first impressions of medieval combat from film and television, authenticity plays an educational role.
“Pop culture shapes how we imagine history,” says cultural analyst Marissa Lee. “When shows like Game of Thrones depict strategy inaccurately, it reinforces myths about medieval warfare that it was all chaos, fire, and heroics, when in fact it was highly strategic.”
At the same time, Blackwater remains a technical milestone in television. It combined digital and practical effects on an unprecedented scale and set new standards for fantasy filmmaking. While not tactically sound, it was emotionally effective, and that’s part of its enduring legacy.
FAQs
He rated it 3 out of 10 for historical and tactical accuracy.
He is a historian and author specialising in medieval artillery and siege warfare, best known for his book Artillery in the Age of the Crusades.
Because they add little to no damage unless the target is flammable. In real battles, flaming arrows were rare and impractical.
Experts argue it’s the direct assault on the castle gate and the defenders’ poor use of their fortifications.
While unconfirmed, HBO has reportedly consulted historical advisors for upcoming episodes, suggesting an effort toward greater realism.
All eight seasons are available to stream on HBO Max.
