Yeah, I suggested that at some point last week. I figured he was going to show up at the end of the episode, deus ex machina-style.

Jon's ranger uncle, who disappeared somewhere around the fourth episode.

I kind of feel the exact opposite. I feel like I have a handle on where Arya/Hound is going, no idea for anybody else.

Clearly, I don't know, but I felt a bit of closure with Sansa's debutante coming out.

Plus, Jeor Mormont in S3.

Oh, that's right, the Boltons are the wardens of the North. "Hey, wildlings, on second thought, go wild."

Yeah, he's the one who Littlefinger and Ned discuss paying, right before Littlefinger betrays him. Which is why Tyrion sends Slynt far, far away from him.

Hahahaha, is that why the experts are so angry?

It's after Ned's death. Jon wants to leave, and Aemon talks about how he was similarly challenged in the wake of Tywin's Targaryen slaughter.

It's an episode when Tyrion first becomes Hand of the King. Probably S2E1?

Whose story are we most excited about finishing up next week? Lots of good options: Tyrion, Arya/Hound, Bran, Jon Snow, Dany/Jorah?

I'm right there with you. Given that they've stressed the extent to which Mance Rayder is a former Crow and that they've played around with Mance Rayder's identity before (via the Tormund switcheroo), I wouldn't be too surprised if it still ends up being Benjin.

One thing that occurred to me this episode: This whole series is all fucking Maester Aemon's fault. He becomes king = no Mad King, no rebellion, no War of Five Kings, no weddings of any color whatsoever.

This isn't Lost.

Or at least glue some carpets to some elephants.

The credits were pretty hilarious, with their listing all of five people.

Unlike certain useless fuckers from King's Landing.

Odds on Benjin Stark showing up next episode?

Tonight probably already provided the answer, but they need to attack Castle Black from both sides.

Presumably the same way that Jon Snow's wildlings did: they scaled the Wall.