WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Let’s just come out and say it: Jon Snow is back.

This was by no means a big surprise, but the show’s producers did leave us hanging for nearly two full episodes.

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What does actor Kit Harington have to say for himself?

“I’d like to say sorry for lying to everyone,” he told Entertainment Weekly.

We forgive you, you curly haired mischief maker.

Book readers and show watchers alike had been expecting this twist for months and had pretty much predicted the entire thing.

Based on what little we saw at the end of the episode, a reluctant Melisandre gave Jon a haircut, threw his locks into the fire and prayed to the Lord of Light to resurrect him.

After everyone left the room, Jon’s eyes miraculously shot open.

Deep breaths, Jonny. Photo: Vanity Fair

So, did we miss anything?

Many point to the presence of Jon’s direwolf Ghost. As we know, Jon’s little brother Bran can warg, prompting speculation Jon can too and spent the days following his death hiding in Ghost’s body.

Another theory is that Jon is Azor Ahai reborn. Azor was a mighty warrior whom prophecy dictates will return to defend the realms of men against White Walkers and wake dragons out of stone.

Whatever the explanation, death may have changed him.

In 2011, author George RR Martin said this: “My characters who come back from death are worse for wear. In some ways, they’re not even the same characters anymore.”

“Relax, I have medical training.” Photo: HBO

In a cave somewhere

After being a no-show for the entire fifth season, Bran Stark returns. The whole time he’s been having crazy flashbacks in a cave with the Three-Eyed Raven, Hodor and Meera.

We find him as he watches his father Ned play at Winterfell as a child. Also in attendance is a young Hodor, or should we say Willis, who clearly used to have a wider vocabulary.

We also get our first glimpse of Ned’s sister Lyanna, a key part of a popular theory about Jon Snow’s parentage – click on the owl to learn more. 

Little (sort of) Hodor! Photo: HBO

In the forest

Elsewhere, Sansa is buoyed by news from Brienne that Arya is still alive.

In a surprisingly poignant moment, Theon decides to part ways with Sansa, Podrick and Brienne because he’s concerned Jon Snow will cut him into tiny pieces when they get to Castle Black. Plus, he’s homesick. Why? We’re not sure. Because …

The Iron Islands

… are not exactly the dream holiday location. Things have become even bleaker because Theon’s uncle Aeron came along and shoved old Balon off a bridge. Aeron looks set to shake things up and we’re guessing Yara won’t put up with it for long.

From where you’d rather (not) be … The Iron Islands. Photo: HBO

Meereen

Potentially fulfilling another fan theory, Tyrion proves he gets on well with dragons. The theory is Tyrion’s real dad is not Tywin Lannister but the mad king Aerys Targaryen, which may mean he can ride dragons like Daenerys.

Notice a clear balance of power emerging here? Dany, Tyrion, Jon > Everyone else.

“Sit! Stay. Good boy.” Photo: HBO

Winterfell

Let’s not dwell on Ramsay Bolton, who just murdered his own father and then set the hounds on his stepmother and her newborn baby. Let’s just not.

Worst big brother ever. Photo: HBO

Braavos

Yet more good news for the Starks. Things seem to be looking up for poor blind Arya. Jaqen H’ghar finally rescues her from a life of beatings on the streets. Hopefully he’ll take her somewhere much nicer.

King’s Landing

Cersei and Tommen buried the hatchet and her new, freaky, genetically engineered knight proved he too could smoosh a man’s head in, The Mountain-style.