Game of Thrones is back, and while last night's season 8 premiere was relatively light on action and instead focused on reestablishing storylines and characters, we still got to witness some emotional reunions and powerful revelations.
The biggest moment was obviously Samwell telling Jon the truth about his lineage, revealing that he is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne and ruler of The Seven Kingdoms in the process. As you'd expect, Snow wasn't overly thrilled with the news, and resorted to anger before accepting the truth. The fact that he's been shagging his aunt wasn't addressed - although one of Dany's dragons seemed to have a fair idea that something was up when the couple kissed in front of him after their little excursion through the mountains.
The most satisfying reunion was Jon and Arya, with that emotional embrace echoing their hug from the very first episode. It's clear that Jon still sees Arya as the innocent child he said goodbye to in Winterfell all those years ago as he asks her if she's ever used her sword, Needle. "Once or twice," was the young Stark girl's almost mournful reply.
Plus, we got to see Sansa and Dany meet for the first time, and it's very clear that The Lady of Winterfell neither likes nor trusts her new queen. Is she right not to? After all, we were reminded just how Ruthless the Targaryen can be when she rather coldly told poor Sam that she executed his father and brother for refusing to bend the knee.
This episode also delivered a decent scare, as Tormund, Beric and the other Wall survivors reunited with Edd and the remaining men of the Nightswatch to make a gruesome discovery. The Night King and his army had passed through The Umber stronghold just before them, and left them a warning: little Ned Umber nailed to a wall with a few severed limbs. As Tormund discussed their new plan of action, Ned opens his now bright blue yes and takes a swing at the Wildling before Dondarion puts his flaming sword to use.
The premiere saved arguably its best moment for last, though, as Jaime Lannister rode through the gates of Winterfell and set eyes on the boy he pushed from a window back in season 1. Is there much of Bran Stark even left in the Three-Eyed Raven at this point? Will he still care what Jaime did and tell the others, or simply use the information to manipulate The Kingslayer somehow?
We'll have to wait until next Sunday to find out, but in the meantime let us know what you thought of "Winterfell" in the comments.