frametown

Budget constraints, seriously? These shows are insanely well done. And I imagine that shadow baby wasn't cheap. Babies never are.

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.

Regarding the Fist of the First Men, it will definitely be in this season. In one of the maps that is on the interactive HBO GO version of this episode, the Fist is noted as being northwest of Craster's Keep. That makes me think we will be seeing it soon.

Great episode. I personally like changes, only because I hate watching something where I know what happens in the end. The last scene with Jon is a perfect example of that. Great cliffhanger ending.