Season ranking for me:
1>>>>>>>>>>>3≥2
Still a quality series, but this was the first season that really gave me the sense that there was too much material and too little time. Lots of strange pacing choices, so many arcs felt underdeveloped and rushed (EVERYTHING about Theon's storyline felt like the writers were screaming "don't worry, it's annoying now but it's important for next season. We swear!" And don't get me started on everything Dany). Just didn't come together as strongly as the intensely focused first season.
Said it before and I'll say it again: Game of Thrones needs longer seasons. At this point I feel like having to cram so much into 10 episodes is actually keeping the show from being as good as it could be.