The sixth season of Game Of Thrones will be pivotal for a number of reasons, not least that this will be the first season with episodes which are not based on an existing George RR Martin book.
Enjoy the award-winning HBO fantasy epic while you can because showrunners DB Weiss and David Benioff have already said they foresee the end.
“We’re approaching the finish line,” they told The Hollywood Reporter. “From the outset, our hope was to tell a complete story – beginning, middle and end. We are writing the final act now, and the last thing we want to do is stay on stage after the play is over.”
As we welcome back the gang for more gripping familial dramas, deadly rivalries, bloody wars, shocking deaths, consensual and non-consensual sex and copious bloodshed, there some questions we hope this run will answer.
1. IS JON SNOW REALLY DEAD?
Did Jon Snow die? (Sky Atlantic)
Mystery surrounding the fate of Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, continues in the minds of some viewers.
So much focus on the illegitimate son of Ned Stark (Sean Bean) is driven by desperate fans who still hope he is alive, despite appearing to be killed by his fellow Night’s Watchmen in the season five finale.
Could he return thanks to red priestess Melisandre (Carice van Houten)? Or perhaps some other type of magic?
Sadly, we think he's dead but we think fans will see him again – for his funeral.
2. WILL ARYA STARK SEE AGAIN?
Arya to see again in Game Of Thrones? (Sky Atlantic)
Arya (Maisie Williams) was out for vengeance, but now she’s blind as punishment for killing Ser Meryn Trant (Ian Beattie) and because she took a face from the House of Black And White without permission.
But indications are strong the blindness will not be permanent. In George RR Martin’s A Song Of Ice And Fire series, Arya loses her sight as part of her training at the House of Black And White. Eventually, her vision comes back, so fear not, Arya fans.
3. WILL DAENERYS GET CLOSE TO KHAL MORO?
Daenerys is caught by Khal Moro (Sky Atlantic)
It’s Dothraki time again thanks to the appearance of Khal Moro, played by Spartacus star Joseph Naufahu.
Daenerys (Emilia Clarke) was married to Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa), so will this hunky Dothraki warrior stir some memories? There’s no firm indication of a romantic involvement at this point, but if Khal Moro becomes a key ally, anything could happen.
4. WILL SANSA AND THEON STAY ALIVE?
Theon and Sansa are in deep water (Sky Atlantic)
Sansa (Sophie Turner) and her father’s former ward Theon (Alfie Allen) are on the run from her sadistic husband Ramsay Bolton (Iwan Rheon). But will season six bring a key change for Sansa? She’s had a really rough time. And that’s putting it mildly.
Ramsay raped his wife in a controversial storyline that sparked a huge backlash on social media. Did the assault result in a pregnancy? And will she get revenge? “It’s all I think about, what was taken from me,” Sansa says.
And what of Theon? The first trailer for this season depicted him surrounded by soldiers.
5. WILL CERSEI CHANGE?
Cersei could seek revenge for her public and brutal humiliation in season 5 (Sky Atlantic)
Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) was shamed by the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce) in the most excruciating way at the end of last season. But she is unlikely to change her ways as season six progresses.
The incestuous relationship with her brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) produced three children, with the couple now mourning the loss of their daughter Myrcella, who died in the season five finale.
As if fans needed a reminder, their son Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) died in season four.
Cersei is “full of revenge” following her daughter’s death. Bring it on!
6. CAN TYRION STAY COOL AND RULE?
Is this Tyrion's time to shine? (Sky Atlantic)
Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) is now on Essos with Varys (Conleth Hill), trying to run Meereen after the mess created by the Sons of Harpy at the fighting pit.
Daenerys is not around, Jorah Mormont and Daario Naharis are out looking for her, and they have Missandei and Grey Worm as aides.
Looks like it's time to shine, Tyrion. Be the good ruler you were supposed to be or, you know, get burnt by the dragons Dany left behind in the basement.
HBO's Game Of Thrones will be simulcast with Sky Atlantic at 2.00am on April 25. It will be repeated on Sky Atlantic at 9.00pm.
