BigWilleyStyle

I had the same initial reaction as you. In the books we are told over and over again that Robert (not Stannis) would have been the one to lead the charge over the wall, kill most of his enemies and then make friends with those still left alive). So I was initially surprised they went that way with his character. However, I changed my mind for two reasons a) We don't really get a Stannis POV so who's to say how he thinks on the inside. and B) The non book reader reaction to Stannis makes me thing this is a good look for him. All they've heard from Stannis up to this point is whining about the throne should be his and some underhanded sorcery used to accomplish his victories thus far. Him leading the charge shows how much he himself is willing to do to get his throne back. It also is supported by Davos' emphasis on him attempting to do it without the Melisandre's aide which I felt was understated in the book.

I think the TV Tywin has been shown to be hands on kind of guy. In season one he's butchering and dressing a deer carcass? Why would a high lord need to do that. He's also shown in the same scene "educating" Jaime on how to properly handle himself. The scene at Harrenhal reflects this perfectly. He comes in see's something amiss in his shop and sets about to correct it while also educating his men on why it's better his way. It show's that's he not just some uber powerful rich Lord who rules by fear. It also explains why men follow him willingly. Also, as someone said earlier you can really see how much Tyrion and Tywin are alike in how they handle their affairs.

I thought they made good choices with some of the converged characters/plot lines. Having Littlefinger push the idea of trading the girls for Jamie works for me. In the book, it's done as if Cat just woke up and decided she has to have her girls back. It also sets up the LittleFinger/Sansa escape scenario to be more transparent than they book. I like the cliff hanger ending, but I wonder where in next weeks show the actual Assassination will take place. It will be somewhat anti-climatic if it happens in the 1st quarter of the show, but too drawn out if it goes to the end as well. I think next weeks episode (Ghosts of Harrenhal) we will get to see Arya take active steps towards revenge.

Hmn, I wasn't the only one who thought that he sounded strange in this episode. I wonder if he had a cold or something. I think there is still time for the Reeds to show up.