About Renly: I don't think he was all that well developed in the book, and is he getting similar treatment in the show. His character is more of a vehicle for the real heir to the throne (and his red headed lady friend) to show off what he can do. I had very little invested in Renly in the books, and non-readers have very little invested in his character in the show. Otherwise, I'm glad they got that Cat line in about "playing war." It's a little different in ACOK, but they got still the point across. I also loved how they started the show from Summer/Bran's point of view.