GoT was great because of character development. It focused on many different characters and with complex character arcs. The characters so far in this show seem one dimensional and the situations they put the characters in seem contrived, almost like they are trying to force to much into the plot without proper setup. If you don't build the characters up and make the viewers like them, hate them or feel anything towards them then no one will care when they die. Almost feels like there are no stakes in the show. I think part of that lack of connection comes from the shows timeline fast forwarding from one episode to the next. We don't get to see characters deal with the emotions that would naturally occur after certain events, how are we supposed to connect with them if we don't get to see them struggling?