I've been arguing with my IT buddy for hours now and all I can do is smh. The first episode, although crucial, was definitely a bit anti-climatic, but I also feel that was due in part to the pace of the last season and the expectations after almost 2 years of waiting. The reunions and dialogues were necessary. I preferred episode 2 however and thought all the interactions were entertaining. It is obvious it is the last time we'll see a ton of these characters as mentioned previously. Particularly Brienne, IMO. She toast.
I just can't stand some people's opinion of the show in general or the last two episodes. They literally expect insane plot development and twists at every turn (maybe this is a testament to the show/writers that viewers have gotten greedy). My IT buddy was hoping for so much more from the last couple episodes and I had to ask him where he honestly thought there could be room for more plot development. Everything has culminated to this point; everyone is either in Winterfell or Kings Landing. Just ride it out, the next 4 episodes are gonna be nutty.