Alright, I do have to admit that the Sparrow/Tyrell/Lannister story has been a good one. That said, I don't think it was a serious struggle until the jailing of Cersei. Marjory and Loris hadn't actually exerted much influence. She had only got started with Tommen, but leverage didn't translate into much with him being spineless. I sort of see her jailing as inconsequential until Cersei was jailed. The Crown went from being a useless pushover torn between two people to being a useless pushover with nobody to push him. If Littlefinger had occupied that vacuum or Lady Tyrrell, that would have been a big shift. If they had focused more on the shift of popular support from Crown to Church, without so much exposition, that would have been a fantastic story. In short, loved the arc, but thought the focus was off and the pace was slow.
As for Danerys, she is in the same position as the end of the last season - a bumbling ruler in a city she doesn't understand. Sure, she has Tyrion at her side, but that hasn't stopped the Harpies or anything and there are two episodes left. Whatever happens, it will seem to jump from a standstill or reverse.
While Jon has a change of title, I don't see his relationship with the Watch to be very different. Essentially outcast, seen by many as a traitor, and Sam is in danger without him there.
Stannis is still plotting conquest but with no gains in the seven kingdoms. Still moving pieces on a map in the firelight.
Sansa, well, same situation, different sadist.
I know I probably sound terribly pessimistic. Thing is, I do love the show and this season. It feels very very different and, until recently, was leaning slightly more towards soap opera pacing than I'd like.
Warms my heart seeing his lad achieving greatness.
