As a bloodbath looms, let us remember the ways some departed the Game of Thrones

We have one episode of Game of Thrones left this season, and we're forecasting a bloodbath.

Some of the deaths have been awful so far, but this season's worst bad guys and most throne-worthy good guys are still in one piece and there's no way that can continue.

So who's next? Might Sansa flay Ramsay Bolton? (A girl can dream.) Will Ser Davos avenge his reading teacher's death and assassinate Stannis? Can Arya cross another name off her kill list by digging up Needle and using him on Meryn Trant? Or maybe someone we're rooting for - Dany or Jon Snow, say - is in peril.

All we can do is look back and bid adieu to this season's dearly and not-so-dearly departed.

Here they are:

Shireen

Cause of death: Stannis Baratheon gave Melisandre the go-ahead to sacrifice his daughter to the Lord of Light by burning her to death.

Why we'll miss her: The plucky little lady was one of the few optimists left in the putrid Seven Kingdoms. She had an adorable relationship with Ser Davos and seemed wise beyond her years. She also allowed us see a more human side of Stannis.

Maester Aemon

Cause of death: He was just really old.

Why we'll miss him: The Targaryen-born Maester at Castle Black was a die-hard Jon Snow supporter and always had wise words for anyone who would listen. When Jon was nominated to become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch, Aemon broke the tie and voted for the young whippersnapper. And Aemon defended Jon after he returned from hanging with the wildlings, saying "If we beheaded every ranger who lay with a girl, the Wall would be manned by headless men." Preach.

Janos Slynt

Cause of death: He defied the boss, Jon Snow, who chopped off his head.

Why we'll miss him: The disgraced City Watch Commander for King's Landing turned on Ned Stark, murdered a baby and cowered in fear in the larder during the Battle at Castle Black. Is it wrong to admit his decapitation was pretty satisfying?

Barristan Selmy

Cause of death: Stabbed to death by Sons of the Harpy.

Why we'll miss him: Is there a more loyal guy in the history of the Seven Kingdoms? He was a living legend - one of the best fighters in the imaginary world - but he was also a good storyteller and passed on solid advice to Daenerys, urging moderation over revenge.

Plus, he stood up to Joffrey.

Hizdahr zo Loraq

Cause of death: Stabbed by Sons of the Harpy

Why we'll miss him: It was fun to watch Dany push her betrothed around.

Mance Rayder

Cause of death: Jon Snow shot him with an arrow as a mercy killing.

Why we'll miss him: The hangdog King-Beyond-the-Wall was a diplomatic superhero and all-around reasonable man.

The lady who tried to help Sansa

Cause of death: Ramsay Bolton flayed her. Ugh.

Why we'll miss her: It was just nice to know Sansa had an ally.

TV preview
What: Game of Thrones season five finale
Where and when: Soho, 1pm and 8.30pm today.