Game of Thrones season 8: 5 last-minute Arya Stark predictions

Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams. Photo: Helen Sloan/Courtesy of HBO

Arya will see her dead father Ned again

We’re all basically in agreement that once the Night King and his army reach Winterfell, they’re going to reanimate some or all of the dead Starks in the Winterfell crypt, yes? The trailer footage that shows Arya running from something in a dark tunnel is most likely a shot from the Battle of Winterfell and she’s probably fleeing from a reanimated family member. But, who?

While Sansa is most likely to come face to face with her dead mother, Catelyn, there’s pretty much no way that Arya doesn’t run into an undead version of her father, Ned. It just makes too much thematic sense. So, you know, get your emotions ready now.

First of all, this is totally happening because of the sentimental value involved. Does anyone think Game of Thrones isn’t going to go for the big shock of having Sean Bean – the show’s first big death – pop up one more time before it’s all over? Plus, Arya has always been her father’s daughter, and forcing her to confront the horror of his wight self is the kind of big, emotional play this final season is all about.

Furthermore, this would also force Arya to confront so many of her own feelings. It’s not clear that she’s really processed so much of what’s happened to her family over the course of the series, instead choosing to channel all her rage and grief into crossing names off her vengeance list. Is seeing her father again – in whatever form that might take – a possible way back to herself?