...and only the MOST loyal of professional reviewers are still clinging to hope that this will turn out well.
This episode wasn't awful, nor does it deserve anything above a 5/10. The good scenes (Tyrion/Varys, Dany seeing her hold to the throne slip, Sansa asserting herself) were balanced by the bad parts (awful pacing, the last 20 minutes in totality).
This feels like standard cable TV writing in a universe that once had better writing. That's kinda it. The spoilers are out for episodes 5-6 and, from what I've read (I've avoided the spoilers themselves but saw reactions) it doesn't end in a way that is better-than-TV writing expected. Cliches abound, apparently.
So, I'll try and enjoy what few surprises and action scenes that'll likely come. I'll try to ignore the poor pacing and plotting. I recommend anyone reading my review do the same.
And to those superfans giving it 10/10, good on you. You've linked your entire personality to the show for nearly a decade. Anything less than a 10/10 would be like saying your own kid is ugly. It's a reflection on you and your choices. I get it.
