It’s that time again, as Game of Thrones finally arrives at its ninth episode of the year, with Season 6 promising to deliver a “proper battle” with “Hardhome” director Miguel Sapochnik’s aptly-named “Battle of the Bastards.” The first trailer promises more depth and destruction than ever, but might Jon Snow’s return have been for naught?

As with most Game of Thrones trailers, HBO remains careful not to give away too much, though Jon appears more than worried about his chances taking on Ramsay and the armies of Winterfell. So much so, in fact, that he’d ask Melisandre not to be brought back a second time,  but we’re more worried for Tormund or Davos, at this point.

HBO has yet to release an official episode description for its “Battle of the Bastards,” but might the internet’s reigning Game of Thrones ship reach a violent end? What of that mysterious letter Sansa sent out last week? What other three-season returns might Season 6 trot out?

Stay tuned for a full description, photos and beyond of HBO’s Game of Thrones “Battle of the Bastards,” as we begin the big countdown.

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