Stannis ftw

For once-per week viewers, is it easier to follow a characters "natural" progression, or keep track what is possible for him/her "in-universe"? (non-book readers should have no basis for the latter estimation anyways.)

Oh yeah? Them just appearing in the middle of the forest? "We were looking at you"? The "book journey" of Reeds was totally believable and logical. Why change it for TV, i dont get.