Actually, the review read quite positive to me except for wanting more of a resolution. I'm not sure that's a damning indictment so much as wanting more.

Huge grade split between newbies and experts. I wonder if the expectation that Stannis would arrive in this episode didn't play a major role in that split.

Huh. You almost never see a grade split that big for the same show. Very interesting.

I thought the staging and sets were fantastic, but I'm definitely in the B+ area. Definitely lacked the Character development of Blackwater beyond Aemon and Sam's talk.

There is a lot to do in that final episode if we are to get Stannis and Tywin on the pot.

I want to disagree with Todd, but the crux of his concerns is asking what was the most powerful scene? It seems to me, it was Master Aemon. That shouldn't be the case, but it was here because he's the most complex character by far and he got to relate to Sam who is second.

Alfie Allen deserves some love for his performance as well. Reek/Theon is arguably the most complicated acting in an episode about subjugated identity and identity transition.

To be clear, the writers of a fictional comedy about the shallowness of politics felt Gov. Rick Perry's failing to remember the three depts he would close would be too unbelievable for their show and had Selena mostly forget her third R and create a terrible one on the spot. All because Perry's true incompetence is…

As gruesome as that Oberyn scene was, it had some subtle master strokes. Ellaria's reaction is brief but powerful. Tyrion's reactions throughout are painful foreshadowing. Then the recitation of crimes only has Oberyn is being destroyed. It's easy to focus on the battle, but the cutaway elements were so good.

Possibly Arya as well depending on how you take that laugh.

And the extent to which we can and cannot subvert who we are.

Also, Alfie Allen continues to do just enough to lead the Emmy nod for this show. Watching the Reek slowly eek out was impressive stuff.

Suspense by validation score? Gallows math jokes? Multi-episode Adderall arc? I love this show.

I think the real issue is that next episode is going to play out a lot like Blackwater for non-readers. Besieged by overwhelming forces and rescued by surprise counter charge.

Well, talking too much, dying, and killing Bond.

That was meatier than I expected.

"Let's just say there's a lot of blood." *click*

That he never gets to kill anyone giggling at a quip in a moment of seriousness is a real shame.

One of the most surreal scenes I can recall. The play with visibility was amazing and frankly felt new, which is an odd thing to say about any television show no matter how good.

That have to bring Ray back as a Joe the Plumber type cashing-in. Pleeeeeeaaaassssse.