Bran could have (and probably should have) actually been killed by Theon. He's added NOTHING to the story since season 2. The only purpose he has served was to show us that R+L=J, but fucking Sam Tarly figured that out too. He also showed us that the Children created the White Walkers, but what actual difference does that make? If anything it makes them less intimidating because it was executed in the most asinine way possible.