The Game of Thrones, "The Wolf and the Lion"

Loved tonight's episode of The Game of Thrones. I wonder if I would love it as much if I didn't already know and love the books. Part of the thrill is seeing scenes we never saw in the books - such as the scene between Renley and Loras - so we're getting a whole new opportunity to see new scenes and facets of characters.

And part of the thrill is recognition, both of places and people.

It gives me renewed hope for A Dance With Dragons. If, as I imagine, George R.R. Martin has gone back and added scenes, rewritten moments, and has done it so well, it's a sign of his revived enthusiasm, and that bodes well for the next book. That aside, it has increased my anticipation level pretty much back to where it was before the disappointing A Feast For Crows.

( As for tonight's episode.... )

So: looking forward to next week and (at the moment) glad I ordered the coming novel.