This is it folks. The great equalizer. The season in which the Song of Ice and Fire readers are just as in the dark about what is going to happen in Game of Thrones as the non-reader peasants. No longer can we smugly watch as our friends freak out at the latest twist, and then offer a comforting embrace to them after the episode ends. We all go into season 6 without armor, only with the tiniest glimmer of hope that something good will happen to a character we like.

This season’s first episode, “The Red Woman”, accomplishes what many first episodes of a season do: frantically play catch up with the numerous (and ever increasing) storylines. For the most part, this year’s season premiere accomplishes its goal, even dare I say, more satisfactorily than other premiere episodes.

Some more notable parts from this episode include (with MAJOR spoilers):

• Ser Davos Seaworthy once again being both badass and sensible by taking charge of Jon Snow’s body and regrouping those in the Night’s Watch still faithful to Jon.

• Another “big damned hero” moment from Brienne as she almost single handedly saves Sansa and Reek/Theon from a group of assailants. (I guess Pod helped a little with that as well.) Sansa gains a few IQ points by finally accepting Breanne’s service.

• Daenerys proves she can face an entire horde of dangerous Dothraki without her dragons or guards and still remain unharmed. Despite some questionable decisions the past couple of seasons on her part, she remains a true queen (and one of my favorite characters.)

• Haters of Ellaria Sand and her daughters, the “Sand Snakes”, will be disappointed to see them back and causing more trouble than ever as they cold bloodily murder one of the few non-corrupt leaders the Seven Kingdoms have left. I personally hope Ellaria suffers a painful death sometime soon.

• And finally, it was revealed that “The Red Woman” herself, Melisandre is not quite the luscious young woman she appears to be; her necklace has been hiding the fact she is a very ancient old woman. The timing for this reveal is understandable as this is the most vulnerable and unsure we have ever seen this character.

Notably missing is Bran’s storyline, whom after being missing for an entire season, I was eager to catch up on. I’m sure they will show it soon enough. Also, those who are desperate to see if Jon Snow will come back to life will be disappointed to know that he is sadly still dead…for now anyway. I, for one, am patient and still have faith in his return. Overall, this episode proves that we all have a lot to be simultaneously exited and terrified about with the upcoming season.