While not quite as emotionally moving as we've seen in past season enders I did find it to be an exceptional setup for all that is to come next season...which of course is what a great season finale should do.
For those who haven't read the books this was probably pretty epic. For those of us who have, the satisfaction comes from knowing that they were (mostly) dead-on true to at least the major parts of the story, but also the subtle differences from the books they did take license with. Because for me anyway if they simply followed the books and their every nuance then I might have really regretted reading the damn books so far ahead, and watching the series would bring no surprise at all.
Fact is they seem to do the differences so well that I'm finding I don't mind them at all. I also understand certain omissions, like there being no "pretty pig" for example. I'm interested to see where they go with Tyrion because of that, and can imagine what a nightmare it might have been to have to try and recreate dwarves riding pigs instead as opposed to the much easier yet still entertaining way they did do it.
Now.... the longggg long wait until next year.
Where is that damn 6th book at?