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Game of Thrones returns for its fifth season tonight (Sunday, April 12) at 9pm ET/PT. In this brief preview, I respect producers D.B. Weiss and David Benioff's wishes, trying not to spoil anything. But I can still tell you cryptic bits of what I have seen in the flames. (Read that previous sentence in Comic Book Guy voice for best effect.)
(Brief aside: This episode packs a ton of characters into its 51-minute run. We see glimpses of almost everybody, and get the real sense that many chess pieces are in place for more big battles, serious personal changes, and new alliances. Get excited.)
Bran
Is presumably still learning to fly under that Heart Tree. Haven't seen him. Hodor?
Arya
Is on a boat, as they say. Stay tuned for the next episode.
Cersei
Photo courtesy of Macall B. Polay/HBO.
Has apparently always been cruel. But we knew that.
Lancel
Has "found peace." Hmm. (If you don't remember Lancel, you will. His hair is a bit different.)
Tywin
Is still stone-dead.
Jaime
Gets as many lines as he has hands.
Tyrion
Photo courtesy of Macall B. Polay/HBO.
Finally gets out of that box. Nice beard!
Tommen
Seems like a nice kid. Heck of a job he's got, ruling the Seven Kingdoms.
Varys
Gets to play Odd Couple with Tyrion, a little like last season's Arya/Hound banter, but with more wine. This is adorable.
Daenerys
Continues to struggle with the reality of ruling cities of ex-slaves and ex-slavers.
Jon Snow
Photo courtesy of Helen Sloan/HBO.
Has gained wisdom, but still knows nothing.
Ghost
Is huge, and gnawing bones.
Stannis
Photo courtesy of HBO.
Is a truly hard, cold dude. Do we really want this guy to be king?
Loras Tyrell
Probably ought to take a trip to Dorne.
Robin Arryn
Has been weaned, more or less.
Brienne
Takes good care of her Lannister sword, Oathkeeper...but is still mean to her squire, Pod.
Petyr & Sansa
Are on yet another road trip.
Mance
Photo courtesy of Macall B. Polay/HBO.
Makes an important decision.
Melisandre
Plays with fire.
Where to Watch
Game of Thrones returns tonight (Sunday, April 12) on HBO at 9pm ET/PT. You can catch it on HBO, HBO GO, or HBO NOW. I'll be using that last one with a little glee—the cord is officially cut, and I couldn't be happier.