I didn't think they were bad, but I kept waiting for the Dovahkiin to come out. Drogon looks ripped straight from Skyrim.

"Next, on a very special episode of Game of Thrones, …"

Because maybe the weather would break tomorrow. Stannis immediately jumping to the most drastic of measures at the first real setback was out of character, especially given that every scene prior to this emphasized that he thought sacrificing Shireen to be beyond the pale. Stannis' snapping when he did conflicted…

This could have been justified, in my opinion, if they spent a little more time developing the sheer desperation of Stannis beyond just burned supplies and a shot of soldiers getting food with shaking hands.

Sansa certainly doesn't seem to be okay with her situation, especially considering what she says in the preview for episode 10.

I can understand any number of criticisms, but I have a hard time grasping that someone could find this episode boring. Maybe the scene with the Sand Snakes slapping each other. But the Shireen scene, boring?

Thanks for the laugh. Someone with skills should make a picture of Ramsay in a leprechaun outfit.

The Dornish should cut their losses and declare independence. Who's going to stop them?

I know. I take no joy in my comment. I think that there might be a book 6 forced out before the end of next season (depending on how GRRM's contract with his publisher is structured, he might be contractually obligated to do so), but I think it will be a sloppy, slapdash, get it out the door type effort. I don't…

After that episode, I realize that deep down I want to see King Mace of the House Tyrell, first of his name, sit the Iron Throne. He's lovably dopey and blind to his privilege, but does not appear to have the vicious streak the other players all have- he's the Westerosi Dan Quayle.

…because there won't be any more books.

Having her repent and him be cool with it was so abrupt of a role reversal.

Realistically, by the way, AFFC and ADWD could have easily covered two seasons.

This whole thing is a colossal fuck-up by GRRM. He has put out 2 books in 15 years. When HBO annouced the show, it was expected that the book series would be finished by 2011: http://variety.com/2007/sce…

He can always make more heirs, I suppose. A man who's willing to burn his daughter alive is probably willing to off his aging wife (who he never liked anyone) if it serves the cause.

Ed Gein vs. Stalin. Interesting, if not very appealing.

She can turn on her, even if turning on her is futile and ends in failure.

Right. Theon was the one who I thought would be burning this season, not Shireen.

Meereen felt meh because the Shireen sacrifice took all of the oxygen out of the episode.

Yeah, I can't see any realistic way I stop watching the show. The Stannis scene was like the Ramsay wedding night scene in the books- disgusting and about three steps too far, but I plow through because I'm too caught up in the overall story to get stopped by the horrible details.