Another long time fan here, my Grandmother hooked me when I was still in my teens.
The flash-back was so sad today with John. I used to go to a site and get all the spoilers a few years ago, so I always knew what was coming, but I quit because it wasn't as fun to watch. Today though, during the flashback I kept wishing I knew what is coming. It seemed so final, is the character of John actually leaving the show?