I enjoyed this one thoroughly. Much of the exposition (so deadly in television) is now done. The writers are feeling more free to invent scenes that aren’t in the book, in order to explore relationships more deeply–also, in the case of a brothel scene, to explore, er, other things more, er, deeply.
All the actors are doing a good job. I’m beginning to enjoy Aiden Gillen’s performance as Littlefinger; his part’s beginning to warm up (cough). And John Bradley is beginning to find his feet (or perhaps the writers are…) as Samwell Tarly. It was great to see Charles Dance–nifty bit of casting, and strong writing for his introductory scene. I loved the deer business. I do miss Harry Lloyd–though, of course, we’re going to miss a lot of them before this season’s done. I would like to have checked in briefly with Bran but I understand the difficulties inherent in this kind of multi-viewpoint tapestry.
A minor irritation: having Ghost bark and run about like a dog. Ghost is meant to be a scary, silent direwolf, not a police dog bounding joyously into the fray.
A question for those of you with musical expertise: has the opening theme mix changed? It sounded different to me this week. I heard the drums more. I’m perfectly prepared to accept that a) I’m imagining it, or b) the fact that we weren’t watching the HD version might make a difference in sound quality but it would be great to hear from others on this.
I have a couple of episodes to watch, still, but I doubt I'll miss Harry Lloyd. What an utterly despicable character. Mind you casting Lloyd for this was brilliant and he played it well. Doesn't make me miss that character though.
I remember being cross when I read Game of Thrones and we did check in on Bran at the end.
Eve, oh yep, the book is full of cross-making moments…
God, that barking infuriated me.
mordicai, and it was such an easy thing to fix. Just carelessness.
With the series in general, I think they are handling the dire wolves incorrectly. I don't understand (as an example) why they chose to have the dire wolves completely removed from the scene when the outlaws ambush Bran on his horse. Perhaps it was to emphasize Theon Greyjoy more? However, I thought the scene in the book had more meaning when the deserter demanded the lives of the dire wolves in exchange for Bran's life.
Michael, I'm guessing working with animals is just not that easy, practically speaking. I also noticed the lack of wolves in the ambush scene. But, hey, it's a big book; something has to get cut. I just wish they bits they did leave in were more carefully aligned with readers' (okay, this reader's) expectations.