Yeah, I don't think this was what Mariah signed up for back then. She wanted to mentor, not be part of producer manipulations.

I for one enjoy the religious conversations. What other mainstream show has had such an overtly atheist character? And how many shows give us a parent who supports their child for having a different belief and even seeks that child out for advice?

I don't get the character of Lila at all. Why would people like her?

Who cares if it's technically product placement? The overall point of the episode - how we live today and how it affects the way we connect - trumps any product. And, really, if we'd had generic products and names, it wouldn't have come across as well.

Also, if you've seen the Writer's Room with some of the writers, you'd know they actually come in with NOT ENOUGH screen time. They had to write in more because some episodes were clocking in under 50 minutes. So, HBO actually asks for more.

I wouldn't say HBO doesn't give them freedom in terms of time. Episodes are anywhere from 50 minutes to 65 minutes, commercial free. FX and other networks may let shows go to 75 minutes, but that's with commercials. And the 60-75 minute range is the same range as GOT going 50-65 minutes.

Isn't the question whether the episode was a reflection of what these characters would have said/done in this situation? I took. Nora's elevated role being because of what Eli would do (bring a shield). I also think Alicia and Frank would debate in a kitchen over sandwiches (they have always had a certain base…

Is it that Alicia doesn't like disloyalty, or that she doesn't like when she can't predict people (i.e. they don't fall under the rules she knows)? I think she can work with Bishop, Sweeney, etc. because they are at least loyal to her, but she can also predict that they will be bad (i.e. there is no gray).

Wow. This show just does not let up. I am so immersed in this world and these characters. I wish the public would catch on more, but as long as enough people watch to keep the show going, that's good enough!

I usually love Colin Sweeney, but it was too much last night as we got true confirmation he's a sadistic killer. That takes any element of "fun" out of it. Still, I liked individual scenes a lot.