Well, my first post on this forum is to rate this episode with a 9.5. That being said, I believe it is one of the best episodes in TV Show history, even though it may not have fulfilled every book reader's dreams (honestly, I don't know a single movie that was better than the book it was made after). I think Tysha being omitted was ok, considering that her relationship with Tyrion wasn't explored as much as Tyrion's relationship with Shae (and basically they serve kind of the same purpose). Sadly, a little more dialogue in the scene would have been better and more emotional (but I also liked the little fight, as I always wondered why in the books Shae didn't fight against him). The scene with Tywin should have been more focused on his betrayal of Tyrion by sleeping with Shae, but otherwise it was also ok. I really liked the Brienne/Hound fight, because I think it was a more appropriate way to end this plot line, rather than him being left behind with an infected wound. Their meeting was improbable, but not impossible. The skeleton and COTF scene was fast paced and quite emotional, especially with Jojen's death. The fireball may be an indication that the Children's power is greater than we know and they may be used in future battles (holding off the WW at the Wall, while they are throwing fireballs at them maybe), even though it may not quite fit in at the moment. I always imagined Bloodraven to be like Harold in Fallout, but we only had a glimpse of him, there may be changes in the future. Stannis's attack was fantastic, the camera showing the perfect cavalry formation was great and the wildling charging at Stannis, only to be cut by a knight, was great. Many people underrated last week's episode because this scene wasn't in, but I think it was worth the wait. Also the Ygritte scene was very touching and closed her arc nicely. Also, I really liked the Tywin/Cersei scene because it showed the madness and recklesness that start to consume her over the next seasons. I wished that Tywin acted more like he knew about her relationship with Jaime, but that it is something that must never be spoken of. Qyburn scene and Dany's scenes, both were awesome. Finally, I think it is unfair to underrate this episode just because LS wasn't shown. We may get her next season and be mindblown. For me, the show complements the books very nicely. It puts a face and personality on certain characters that I wasn't very invested in when I read the books. When Oberyn got wasted in ASOS I wasn't really bummed, but after seeing Pedro Pascal play the dude all season, his death brought a little tear to my eye. Also, Stephen Dillane made Stannis my fav character, even though when I first read the books I wasn't too impressed by him. The show also helps me imagine some scenes more vividly. After the Blackwater episode I reread the book chapter and I saw it in a new (better) light. Cheers!!
