I enjoyed it. I'm not sure what people were expecting really. The shows have to follow the books fairly closely and it can't all be action and drama at every turn. It was the opening of several plot threads which I'm positive will each lead into something much more interesting.

Spoiler

+

The Barristan reveal had me very, very happy. I was expecting him to return in the third season but I didn't know how or when. This was the perfect way to handle that. I also thoroughly enjoyed all of Davos' scenes. Stannis becoming a deranged fanatic post-defeat is great. Margery's charity is interesting because it's grinding Cersei the wrong way. Something will give sooner or later. Also Natalie Dormer is hot so that's a win-win. I like how Joffrey seems baffled and confused by the concept as he slowly turns it around in his head. The stand-off between Tyrion and Tywin was great. The scenes beyond the wall were great. The only scenes I didn't care for were Robb in Harrenhall (though it was suitably creepy) and the little exchange between Ros and Shae. Considering that Ros was invented entirely for the show and is an absolutely awful character, the less screen-time they give her the better. So really, I don't know what was so bad about it at all. Seemed to me like it was just setting things in motion at a respectable pace. I enjoyed almost every scene so no complaints here.

Also in response to Niney's point:

Spoiler

+

Having not read as far as Storm of Swords or read any spoilers for this season, I wasn't expecting Barristan to be there. And even after he took off his hood it was a slow burn. They've made him up to look suitably different enough with the beard that the cogs were spinning for quite some time. So really, that reveal was handled flawlessly. Not knowing it was coming meant that I really was blown away. Good work.

Paulus @ 1/4/2013 6:43

I enjoyed it. I'm not sure what people were expecting really. The shows have to follow the books fairly closely and it can't all be action and drama at every turn. It was the opening of several plot threads which I'm positive will each lead into something much more interesting. Spoiler + The Barristan reveal had me very, very happy. I was expecting him to return in the third season but I didn't know how or when. This was the perfect way to handle that. I also thoroughly enjoyed all of Davos' scenes. Stannis becoming a deranged fanatic post-defeat is great. Margery's charity is interesting because it's grinding Cersei the wrong way. Something will give sooner or later. Also Natalie Dormer is hot so that's a win-win. I like how Joffrey seems baffled and confused by the concept as he slowly turns it around in his head. The stand-off between Tyrion and Tywin was great. The scenes beyond the wall were great. The only scenes I didn't care for were Robb in Harrenhall (though it was suitably creepy) and the little exchange between Ros and Shae. Considering that Ros was invented entirely for the show and is an absolutely awful character, the less screen-time they give her the better. So really, I don't know what was so bad about it at all. Seemed to me like it was just setting things in motion at a respectable pace. I enjoyed almost every scene so no complaints here.

I really hate people who go into every episode of shows like this expecting huge wars and blood shed and every character to be killed off. It's the same with the walking dead, I can't stand it. That's really not why I wasn't thrilled with the episode. I'm all for new plots developing and watching things start to move into the right place going forward, but as an episode as a whole this one just didn't really do it for me. I'm sure the plots will lead to some good stuff and maybe looking back at this way later will be nice, but for now not too much of it excited me

Just watched it. Kinda slow episode overall but I enjoyed it. Pretty much par for the course compared to the other GOT premieres since they're just setting the stage.

Spoiler	+
The Ghost scene and the giant scene were both awesome. The effects for the giant looked really good. My favorite scene was probably Tywin/Tyrion's conversation. Just ice cold. And that ending was the shit, even though I have no idea what that kid was about. BUT YAY MAH NIGGA BARRISTAN IS BACK!

Pretty sure

Spoiler	+
The kid was something to do with the necromancers. I'm assuming they're following her now because of the stuff at Qarth. I have no idea how this syncs up with the books since apparently Pyatt Pree doesn't die in the books or do any of the dragon stealing shit. But that seems to be where that was going.

Boc @ 1/4/2013 22:35

Just watched it. Kinda slow episode overall but I enjoyed it. Pretty much par for the course compared to the other GOT premieres since they're just setting the stage. Spoiler + The Ghost scene and the giant scene were both awesome. The effects for the giant looked really good. My favorite scene was probably Tywin/Tyrion's conversation. Just ice cold. And that ending was the shit, even though I have no idea what that kid was about. BUT YAY MAH NIGGA BARRISTAN IS BACK!

Spoiler	+
Pretty much this. Tywin/Tyrion's scene reminded me of Cersei's scene with Tyrion, but still hearing your father blame you for your wife's death is still hard to hear. Great drama between those two. I loved seeing the camp beyond the wall, I want more giants. I can't wait to see Barristan and Jorah Mormont with Dany.

Also

Spoiler	+
Margery doing acts of charity while getting on Cersei's nerves was just amazing. Though anyone who pisses off Cersei is win in my books.

I also thought

Spoiler	+
it was kinda sad how narrowly Arya missed Robb/Catelyn's arrival to Harrenhal

Leaffan20 @ 1/4/2013 22:07

Also Spoiler + Margery doing acts of charity while getting on Cersei's nerves was just amazing. Though anyone who pisses off Cersei is win in my books.

Spoiler	+
Yeah that dinner scene was pretty great. I lol'd at the part where Joffrey struggles to say 'charity' like it's a foreign word

Boc @ 1/4/2013 23:11

Leaffan20 @ 1/4/2013 22:07 Also Spoiler + Margery doing acts of charity while getting on Cersei's nerves was just amazing. Though anyone who pisses off Cersei is win in my books. Spoiler + Yeah that dinner scene was pretty great. I lol'd at the part where Joffrey struggles to say 'charity' like it's a foreign word

Spoiler	+
loool yes, the way he fumbled it was great. Quite hilarious. I do wonder if her acts of kindness will have an impact on him in the future.

I just love Margaery's actions so much in "Valar Dohaeris" and I'm sooooo excited to see Olenna Tyrell next time.

Grimapple @ 1/4/2013 23:53

I just love Margaery's actions so much in "Valar Dohaeris" and I'm sooooo excited to see Olenna Tyrell next time.

I'm wondering when Mace comes into the picture.

Mace Windu?

Curtis @ 1/4/2013 23:01

Mace Windu?

Mace Tyrell. Margaery and Loras's dad (and their brothers' dad but I don't remember if their brothers have even been mentioned on the show).