I was a bit underwhelmed with the first half, especially considering I always have someone next to me who hasn't read the books and kinda waits for something shocking or exiting to happen. She was pleased after the ending and wanted the next episode though, so that's a good sign.

In the book Ned didn't say he found Robert's bastard right away, did he?
Sam was rather nicely introduced, I found. The story of the Cleganes was cool. The show does a good job introducing the characters we know will play a bigger role later on. They just should mention the names much more often, because that's hard for non-readers.

I also liked Dany fighting back. Her storyline is actually the closest to what I imagined so far. Well that, and castle Black.

The ending at the inn was great. Things will start moving much quicker rather soon if I remember correctly.

What did everyone think?