I haven't read any of the books, just prefer to remain in the dark about what is to come. But, Joffrey seems to be too effing evil to die quickly. After all, he is the king. I imagine one of the other kings to be will have to behead the little snot!
I'd go back with Evangeline Lilly any day -- butt that's aboot it. MMM, I'd even re-watch the whole series if I could clasp asses with her!
This show keeps getting better (easy on the LOST bashing though). The one issue I have is keeping track of who everyone is. You need a program to keep things straight. I find myself constantly referring to the Game of Thrones wiki in order to remember who everyone is. For example, I knew the guy who recognized Arya as a girl was someone important, but I didn't know until later that he was Cersei and Tyrion's pops. Tyrion and Joffrey are two of the best characters on TV.
Not watching the show but Tyrion Lannister is one of my favorite characters of all time. Just a brilliant device to put Claudius in the books alongside the War of the Roses.
Last episode was good. WE need more Jon Snow though. Tyrion, Arya and Jon Snow are my favorite characters. I've read all 5 books and i noticed somethings on the show that either wasn't on the book or happened on the wrong time. I think it was necessary though in order not to lose viewers who didn't read the books.
They seem to have deviated from the books much more for season 2. Will be interesting to see how the Jeyne Westerling replacement will work. Also interested how its going to work with Tywin Lannister at Harrenhal instead of Roose Bolton. And why is Margery Tyrell so old? Speaking of Bolton... it's about goddamn time! His absence was my main gripe from season 1.
Interesting tidbit -- Jayne Westerling's replacement character is played by the actress, Oona Chaplin -- granddaughter of Charlie Chaplin.
Tywin was in Harrenhal on the 2nd book. He went to Kings Landing on the 3rd book to shit gold. Roose Bolton took Harrenhal by force.
I didnt get why they had the Renly scene at the start of this episode instead at the end of the last one. But there was some stellar dialogue between Arya and Twyin in this episode