I really liked the episode. I think it developed slowly....like the book. I am somewhat surprised by all of the posters generally very book first that are clamoring for action. I thought the Tywin/Joff scene was brilliantly done. Charles Dance does amazing things with placating facial expression. The Dany scene was total action and brilliantly done. I have actually enjoyed the building of Reek. The time they have taken to show his slow and systematic breakdown in a way the book never really showed. How does a man go from Theon to Reek? I think the dialog reflected some deeper aspects that may have been hurried over in the novels. As for the Bear, I agree this wasn't ideal. However politics and money are what they are. We need to remember these are 2 separate mediums that have separate benefits and constraints. How would it have gone over from an animal rights standpoint if it was shot as written? I also think they used a HUGE portion of the episode budget to make that Dany scene pop....and they nailed it. I rated it a 9