Game Of Thrones: 12 Ups And 4 Downs From Season 6

10. Guess Who's Back

Back again. Literally everyone's back. Don't tell a friend because that's a spoiler.

A quick run-down of those characters who returned after missing at least one (but in most cases two or three) seasons: Bran Stark, Hodor, Rickon Stark, Osha, Benjen Stark, Walder Frey (and family), Balon Greyjoy, Yara Greyjoy, Thoros of Myr, Beric Dondarrion, Edmure Tully, Brandon 'Blackfish' Tully, and Sandor Clegane. I've probably missed a few too (and not included young Ned Stark), but that's a lot of characters to bring back.

Of these, only, like, 4 were brought back simply to be killed off: Balon to introduce Euron, Osha to show the sadistic nature of Ramsay, Rickon so he could lure Jon into his trap, and Walder so Arya could cross a name off her list. You could say the Blackfish too, I suppose, but his gruff presence is such a wonderful addition to the show that I'm not gonna complain (plus, y'know, didn't see him die... (I do actually think he's dead though)).

I've already discussed Yara, and will talk more about Bran and Hodor separately. So that leaves us with the Brotherhood, and of course Sandor Clegane. While having Thoros and Beric back is interesting - and the mentions of the Brotherhood were teasingly making us believe in the possibility of Lady Stoneheart once more - it's the Hound that's the back comeback.

Sandor Clegane has long been a beloved character, whether it was saving Sansa for attackers, his clear disdain for Joffrey (f**k the King), the unlikely-but-great pairing of him and Arya, or killing a bunch of people over some chicken. His return has long been theorised, and it was fantastic to have that finally confirmed (along with a superb guest spot from Ian McShane). His particular brand of brutish strength and sardonic wit has been much missed, and I can't wait to see what he does next.