The new season of Game of Thrones starts July 16. In preparation, I’m re-watching the first six seasons of the show. Below are 10 thoughts I had while watching the first episode of season five, “The Wars to Come.” Spoilers for the entire series, but for this episode in particular.

1. I think the only thing that hurts more than the sight of Winterfell burning in the opening credits is the sight of House Bolton’s sigil over it.
2. This scene with the Woods witch is so interesting. The most obvious reason is that it foreshadows Myrcella and Tommen’s deaths, but also because it explains so much about Cersei’s character, such as why she hated Robert (she knew all about his other children) and why she hates Margaery (she is more be beautiful and beloved by the people than Cersei).
3. “He loved you more than anyone in this world.” – I would argue that Cersei was Tywin’s favorite child, simply because she was the most valuable (ie he was able to marry her off to the king). But, then again,  Jaime was the one he wanted to give Casterly Rock to. Either way, we know Tyrion was dead last.
4. The Sons of the Harpy are a bunch of cowards, sneaking up on White Rat and killing him while his eyes are closed.
5. If Stannis expects Mance to bend the knee, then he doesn’t understand why the wildlings call themselves the Free Folk.
6. Damn, Brienne was so close to finding Sansa. I hate when the show pulls this kind of shit.
7. If Melisandre’s followers are drinking the kool-aid, Lancel and the Sparrows are chugging it.
8. Loras, you should listen to your sister. After what happened with Shae at Tyrion’s trial, she’s smart enough to know not to trust a whore.
9. “The Seven Kingdoms need someone stronger than Tommen but gentler than Stannis.” – You mean, like the rightful king?
10. I’m glad Jon gave Mance the mercy of a quick death. Mance wasn’t a nice guy, but I wouldn’t have been able to look at Jon the same way if he’d allowed Mance to suffer.

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