Rob Snow

I get that screentime and casting budget limitations are the reason, but the creepy/funny factor with each of the fools, is just the thing that gives the ASOIaF world it's depth and flavor. Little touches like Lady Olenna having her bodyguards (Left and Right) is another examples. I know that adding ancillary characters to the biggest cast in TV history makes no sense, but everyone has their favorites, and I am just a fan of fools, I guess.

No Patchface. No Butterbumps No JingleBells. Only Dontos, who is a fool in name only. D&D are missing the boat. The fools are one of the great things about the courts of each of the Lord/Royal houses. Plus, in the case of patchface, how are they going to introduce all the creepy prophetic stuff he spouts off?

In the shaving scenario, Theon/Reek would be thinking, "It's a trick, Lord Ramsey is giving me a dull blade, hoping I attempt to slit his throat, so he can take another finger. I must remember my name Reek, Reek, it rhymes with weak."

I agree that the "Red Viper" backstory, which makes Oberyn almost as infamous as Jamie in the 7 kingdoms, should have been exposited before the poisoning, if for no other reason than to create another suspect for the Westerosi Clue game everyone is now engaging in. I have on dissenting opinion to add to the discussion though. I don't like referring to show-only viewers as "Unsullied" The Unsullied are badass warriors who endure everything. Show-only viewers should be referred to as "Summer Childern" I think the connotation is more fitting, as they have never endured the heartache that comes with being a fan of the ASOIaF series.