But I do wish the previously-on had included Cersei's retort: "They hurt little girls everywhere."

Speak for yourself, I have no intention of laying aside my smarm.

Yeah, they've removed the race angle pretty effectively by making pretty much everybody, on both sides, varying shades of tan & brown. Both literally & figuratively, black & white would be too simplistic.

Sadly, I think that ship has sailed.

I liked that as a nice nod to the book readers.

Agreed. And they look enough alike to help along the illusion that they're mother & daughter.

There's also the basic logistical question: How does Varys kill Kevan if Varys is in Essos & Kevan is in Kings' Landing (or maybe even Casterly Rock)? Before Kevan showed up again this week, I was wondering if he'd even be back to play a significant enough role for him to need to be taken out.

Sounds like they might have seen The Thin Red Line as well.

AND I WOULDA GOTTEN AWYAY WITH IT, TOO….

Brings an interesting slant to "WE HAVE THE MEATS".

I thought so at first, but it was more stick-like than bone, & of course no giant-skull helmet. (But maybe that's Rattleshirt's new look? I've heard/read that his part was re-cast.)

Well, Melisandre has used royal blood for her magicking in the past, so….

Except they showed Grey Worm in the previously-on, which I don't think they would have done if they were doing such a switch. Still, like several here have already noted, the resemblance was probably deliberate.

So has Tyrion.

I am NOT one of your FAAAANS!

Also the sun & spear is the sigil of House Martell.

Really? I think his only motivation is the one he's consistently cited: He wants to sit on the Iron Throne. He already regards himself as the rightful king.

I dunno. Seems more likely that Melisandre is using Stannis, though he still may benefit from it.

I thought the same about Mance's little farewell speech. Also, I was expecting Rattleshirt to be there amongst the wildlings, buT I didn't see him (& I went back & looked after I finished the ep).

I had forgotten, but A Wiki of Ice & Fire says that Jon did the same thing in the book—or rather, had archers shoot "Mance" (as opposed to doing it himself).