After six seasons and 60 episodes, keeping track of Game Of Thrones’ many threads can be as difficult as persuading George R.R. Martin to sit down and get some goddamn writing done. As a service to you, the reader (and a refresher for ourselves), here’s The A.V. Club’s quick catch-up guide to the goings-on in Westeros and beyond, broken down by regions of the known world.
The North
Where we last left off: After a long run under the banners of House Bolton, Winterfell was finally restored to the Starks—though not without a whole lot of bloodshed, and with only the most tenuous of victories (as per usual). Currently not-dead Jon Snow vanquished Ramsay Bolton in the Battle Of The Bastards with the help of his wildling army; Westeros’ toughest 10-year-old, Lyanna Mormont; and a last-minute intervention from the Knights Of The Vale that Sansa didn’t tell him about, just to keep things exciting. And while Jon got to hear another group of beardos loudly swear fealty to him, it came at the cost of yet another brother, Rickon (plus his direwolf and his wildling nanny, Osha). Not to mention, this whole, shout-based system of government remains incredibly fragile—especially with Littlefinger whispering in Sansa’s ear about his plans to take the Iron Throne for himself with her by his side. And with Melisandre banished south after Davos discovers she barbecued Shireen, there’s currently no one around to resurrect Jon should his loyal subjects get stabby again. Then there’s that pesky white raven, heralding the fact that, oh yeah, winter has finally arrived.
What’s next (we think): All that unease—exacerbated by Sansa’s growing, Littlefinger-influenced discontent, as well as Jon’s typically terrible communication skills—will make it difficult for him to rally the North against the White Walkers, a threat most Westerosi already seem to take about as seriously as climate change. So for his inevitable trip back beyond the Wall, Jon will have to marshal forces outside of those fickle and feral men he’s assembled and forge some new alliances, presumably beginning with his long-awaited hooking up with his aunt, Daenerys. (Knowing this show, maybe in more ways than one.)
Who’s gonna die: There aren’t many beloved characters left to kill in this particular region, so maybe it’s finally Littlefinger’s turn? He’s had it coming from the business end of a Stark ever since he first betrayed Eddard, and by expressing his open desires for Sansa—probably the most honest thing Littlefinger has ever said—he broke his own code about always keeping your foes confused, leaving him vulnerable to a little deadly conning of his own. [Sean O’Neal]
The Wall
Where we last left off: Season six saw action move from the Wall farther south, as the two characters we care about there—Jon Snow and Samwell Tarly—left to seek their fortunes away from what’s got to be one of the shittiest places in Westeros. After fighting tirelessly against the White Walkers and on behalf of the wildlings, Jon’s perseverance was rewarded with murder at the hands of his fellow Night’s Watchmen, though it does provide the technicality that he has served to the death, which allows him to leave the Wall. Samwell, meanwhile, traveled to the Citadel, along with Gilly and her baby.
What’s next (we think): Sam will presumably put his maester training to good use and find something helpful in the upcoming battle against the White Walkers; Gilly will do… something. As the only person in a position of power who cares about the encroaching White Walkers, Jon will probably enlist the help of the Night’s Watch to bring them down. But with him in Winterfell, there’s a good chance we won’t see much of what happens on the Wall this season.
Who’s gonna die: Lots of wildlings, members of the Night’s Watch, and White Walkers, presumably. [Caity PenzeyMoog]
The Riverlands
Where we last left off: The Riverlands haven’t seen much action since the Red Wedding, when Lord Frey murdered Robb and Catelyn and took Edmure—Catelyn’s brother and the lord of House Tully—hostage. Catelyn and Edmure’s uncle, the wily Brynden “The Blackfish” Tully, had taken over Riverrun and presented a lingering threat to the Lannisters’ hold over central Westeros. That came to a head when Jaime Lannister arrived on the scene in season six to take charge of the inept Frey boys. Threatening to kill Edmure’s son, Jaime convinced him to return to Riverrun to tell his men to stand down. They did, recognizing Edmure as the rightful lord of Riverrun, causing The Blackfish to fight to the death—though not before helping Brienne Of Tarth and Podrick escape, who were there delivering a letter from Sansa pleading for her great uncle’s help in the North. The Blackfish’s death happened offscreen, so it’s possible he avoided death by swimming down the river, which would be in keeping with his character. At the end of the season, Arya murders Lord Frey’s sons, cooks them in a pie, serves it to Lord Frey, then kills him, too.