I am wondering about the pacing of some of the arcs, as it is apparent that the Lannisters will end this season roughly at the same point where Book 3 ended, while Sansa hit that point in this episode, Theon, Bran & Dany have moved into Book 5 territory, Arya could cover her book 3 arc in one episode, and get started on her book 4 stuff this year, or, given the plodding they have been doing with her and the Hound so far, stretch it all the way to the tenth episode. It also looks like Jon and the Stannis cluster are going to finish book 3 even with this year as well, though I'll be they have to combine a couple of the battles (either having Mance & the Magnar's attacks simultaneously or at least in the same episode, or having Mance's attack on the gate and the final battle be merged into the same fight/episode). I would assume the election would be for the finale.

But then, they're going to have to show more Theon/Ramsey stuff, and presumably some Northern intrigue. I mean, they wasted all that time last year with his torment, in what seems to have generally been the least popular subplot among non-readers (as well as readers, who didn't appreciate the diversion, considering what else didn't make the screen), presumably just to justify keeping Alfie Allen on the payroll, so I'd think they're going to need to have him do a little more this year. But with Sansa & Dany, it doesn't really seem like they have enough time left to move their stories forward in a major way, but there is also too much time to waste treading water for the remainder of the year.

I guess we'll just have to see. It appears to be succeeding rather well among non-readers...