I think as book-readers, we have the advantage and disadvantage of recognizing set-ups and plot points in the show that the unsullied might not see as such. That gives us room to both enjoy the progression of the show, and to take issue with the direction it's going when those set-ups are unrecognizable from Martin's material. I personally may not be happy with the direction of the show at this point, but a lot of times I consider that my personal bias when measured against the books. So, a lot of time I draw my opinion of how well the show is working from my husband, who exclusively sees this world through the show. When he's angry at the show for it not making sense, it helps me accept that I'm not just being elitist. These last few episodes especially, he has been increasingly irritated by the illogical actions of the characters and confusing focus on things that seem not to matter. Here are a few of those concerns, from someone who does not have the bias of the books to go on: 1) Nothing is happening. These episodes are really boring. (With the exception of Jorah getting Grayscale, and Dany burning a guy.) I can see where these plotlines are going, but he can't, and to him it's just boring television. Which means that the seeds the show is planting aren't going to stick when the time comes for these plots to pay off. They aren't getting people invested in these plots. 2) Why did Sansa just walk into the kennels? I thought she was supposed to be getting smarter. She just seems like she's getting bitchier. 3) He laughed after Aemon said that a Targaryen alone in the world was a terrible thing, and the camera focused sharply on Jon. He doesn't even know R+L=J, but he's certainly getting the idea that Jon is involved with the Targaryens somehow. 4) He wants to know what's going on with Arya's wolf. 5) He's extremely disappointed in the Unsullied. They're supposed to be the pinnacle of fighting prowess, and yet they can barely defend themselves from untrained nobles? 6) I waited all this time to see Barristen do something, and when we finally get to see him fight, he immediately dies. Super lame. Now, I agree with most of what he's saying, and have my own concerns, but if you think it's just book-people who are disappointed at the writing, continuity, and pacing of this season, that's just not true.
