I came to HOTD in hopes the new series would redeem the damage done to the prior series. Lost is the political intrigue of the previous GOT. There was a hint of this initially but now it appears as though the story is far more one dimensional. Milly Alcock and Matt Smith were the stand outs, but now Alcock is out and replaced by a frumpy Emma D'arcy.

Storyline has quickly become convoluted. The choice to rapidly swap out actors much older than the prior ones has further changed the dynamic. Milly young and full of life. Emma sour and stoic. Would've preferred a gradual aging and a continuity in personality.

Warning to show writers: Expediency in the end killed ALL respect D&D had built in the original GOT. Let the story unfold. Less dragon. More dialogue and story that the franchise was known for. It is still early and I have not given up but this storytelling is nowhere near as intriguing as early GOT. If the show runners don't bring their A-game they will quickly lose this viewer.