Game of Thrones 2×01- or how NOT to do a Season Opener. (Spoiler Free.)

I just finished watching the first episode of season two of Game of Thrones, and let me start by saying that it was both gorgeous and spectacular at the same time. The production values have gone through the roof (few movies look this good) and the acting was superb as ever. It was a sight to behold, and I wish I could have loved it as much as I wanted to.

But I couldn't, and for that I completely blame the writer/producers. This is probably the first time I've seen them make a serious...