Game Of Thrones: 10 Huge Questions To Consider Before Season 7

All right, admit it: how many fans were totally hyped for season six closing with Cleganebowl, the showdown between estranged brothers The Hound and The Mountain? Everyone seemed certain up until the final few episodes began deconstructing it: trials by combat were abolished by the High Sparrow, and The Hound wound up travelling with the Brotherhood.

Yet that begs the question: why bring back The Hound? As mentioned previously, Game Of Thrones has started gently telling characters they're no longer needed (and by that I mean stabbing them in the face or slitting their throats), which means the return of charming Sandor Clegane (especially when he was basically already killed off) must have a purpose. So what could that purpose be?

Is Cleganebowl still coming? Maybe. Honestly, it wouldn't be that surprising. The last couple episodes of season six were so chock-full of material that there simply wasn't room to line up the pieces. Then again, it'd be pretty sweet to see The Hound brought back to revitalize Brienne's storyline, especially if Sandor respected the fact he was bested by her.