The only reason why this program is so popular is becau8se it comes on the back of GOT. In my opinion the stories are disjointed and difficult to follow in any sort of linear way. Character development is missing. I do not get a solid sense of any of the characters, unlike GOT. And worst of all, it took me a half hour to realize that many main characters all of a sudden, , without warning, grew up by years between episodes 5 and 6. Any, affinity, as little as it may have been, for some of the main characters is totally emptied by this switch to older actors who only minimally look like their younger selves. Truly disappointing after an incredible production like GOT.