The penultimate episode of Game of Thrones has become one of television’s most anticipated moments – and Game of Thrones season 5, episode 9 looks like no exception.

The episode, titled “The Dance of Dragons,” will focus on several characters contemplating serious choices. Up north, Stannis must confront a horrifying decision, while Arya faces a conflict in Braavos. And in Meereen, Daenerys finds herself forced to deal with consequences of her actions, as she must preside over the brutal sport fighting in Daznak’s Pit.

Dany also faced a serious decision on last week’s episode of Game of Thrones and challenged Tyrion to advise her what to do with Ser Jorah. On his recommendation, Dany had the knight ejected from Meereen – but Jorah remained determined to fight his way back before the Khaleesi. Later, Dany accepted Tyrion as her adviser, seeking his help on how to conquer Westeros and “break the wheel” of Great Houses.

So we’ll see how that one goes.

In Braavos, Arya adopted a new identity and was charged with giving “the Gift” to a cheating life-insurance salesman. In Westeros, the Faith pushed Cersei to her limits for her pride and defiance, while in Winterfell, Sansa learned that Bran and Rickon were still alive.

Related: George R.R. Martin discusses rape and reality on Game of Thrones

And far beyond the Wall, Jon Snow made an uneasy pact with the wildlings at Hardhome – only to find the new alliance attacked by wights and the eerily sentient White Walkers. Only a fraction of the wildlings escaped with the horrified Night’s Watch; the rest were reanimated into the Walker’s seemingly-unstoppable army of the dead.

Jon’s return to the Wall will feature in “The Dance of Dragons,” though we suspect that his story will not hit its climax this week. The still photos for tonight’s episode offer a hint at this week’s story high points; for further analysis, check out our theories on Shireen Baratheon’s fate, Arya’s future, and the events at Daznak’s Pit in our predictions for Game of Thrones season 5, episode 9.

Game of Thrones season 5, episode 9, “The Dance of Dragons,” airs tonight at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.

What are your predictions for ‘Game of Thrones’ season 5, episode 9?