You're really going to enjoy the books, Holy. Welcome aboard. ;)
Ok, so I just watched the latest episode. Some quick thoughts:
! - Great action in this episode. Loved the Hound and Ser Gregor's fight, and Gregor cutting off his horse's head was a nice "wow" moment for me. Same for Ned and Jaime's swordfight, it was a very tense and well-choreographed moment.
! - I did enjoy the added scene with Bran and Maester Luwin, and the exchange between Littlefinger and Varys was very well-acted and fun to watch (a verbal swordfight, if you will).
! - Ok. I didn't care for the way they handled the Loras/Renly relationship at all. It was rather over-the-top (manscaping, lol) and just extremely blunt. I don't believe I've ever read anything about Renly cringing at the sight of blood, either. Just…a very bizarre addition overall.
! -The Cersei and Robert interaction was clearly there to build sympathy for Cersei's character, I think. The actors had good chemistry and it was a well-done scene, but I'm not sure why we're meant to feel sympathy for her in the show, given her nature and actions in the books. But then, I'm very biased against her and it is extremely hard for me to view her in any forgiving light.
! - Theon and Roz. Pointless scene.
! - The Eyrie was simply stunning. Cold and formidable, as it should be. The sky cells looked appropriately terrifying. And are Tyrion's scenes ever anything less than a pleasure? Would have appreciated more screentime for him, but of course, I simply love Dinklage as Tyrion. ^^
I also must add that:
! Watching Sweetrobin sucking on Lysa's breast was the creepiest fucking thing ever. Straight out of the books. Dear god.
! But they did nail the characters right on the head–both came off as appropriately....disturbed. :\
@BigLuffy559:
! It had crossed my mind that Loras might be gay, but Renly was a surprise to me. I don't recall the hinting at his tourney either, so I guess I really need to pay better attention
! Yes, it was subtle. Catelyn noticed that most of Renly's attention was on Loras during the feast after Renly's tourney ("it was Ser Loras who shared most of his jests and confidences."). There was the exchange between Renly and Stannis in Storm's End (Stannis: "We both know your wedding was a mummer's farce…" Renly: "You'll be pleased to know she came to me a maid." Stannis: "In your bed she's like to die that way.") And a few more in the later books.
! It also puts a smile on my face whenever I think of Renly's Rainbow Guard.