The next season of Game of Thrones starts July 16. As preparation, I’m re-watching the first six seasons of the show. Below are 15 thoughts I had while watching the tenth episode of season four, “The Children.” Spoilers for the entire series, but for this episode in particular.

1. I’ve never been so happy to see Stannis as I was when he showed up in this episode just in time to save Jon from trying to kill Mance. Not because I like Mance, but because then Jon would be dead (really dead, not temporarily dead).
2. Qyburn is basically the Westeros version of Frankenstein.
3. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Cersei is such a selfish bitch. She’s willing to put her son’s life in danger in order to get out out of an arranged marriage.
4. Change is difficult to bring about, Daenerys. Especially among old people.
5. The scene with the shepherd breaks my heart. How could you, Drogon?
6. It’s so sad that Daenerys is forced to lock up her dragons. Especially because it goes against everything she has stood for so far.
7. Melisandre finally spots the true king.
8. Jon may have been playing Mance, but he did care for Ygritte. His tears are proof of that.
9. Poor Jojen! And poor Meera, having to mercy-kill her own brother.
10. The Children of the Forest are so interesting. I would watch an entire series about them.
11. The Hound may not be the most charming guy, but I’m glad Arya didn’t finish him off. Even if the writers let us think he was dead for a season and a half.
12. Shae, you filthy traitor! You already testified against Tyrion, and now you’re sleeping with his father? Ros never would have sunk so low.
13. It’s so ironic that Tyrion kills Shae by strangling her with the chains he gave her.
14. I’m glad Tywin got such an embarrassing death. It’s the worst thing that could happen to a man who spent his whole life worried about how everyone else perceived him and his house.
15. I know going north wouldn’t have been a good choice for Arya (because it’s currently occupied by the Boltons and because she needs to develop as a character), but I wish I was able to warn her of all the misery she was about to face in Braavos.

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