Also, I like your take on the maesters. That makes a lot of sense.

Thanks. I just checked my recollection against the wiki (LOVE the wiki), and Aemon specifically went to the Wall to not only be out of the line of succession, but entirely out of the Game.

I feel like honor, love, and power is the big thematic triangle of the series, with various characters charting more toward one point or another. But also with the different institutions trying to reduce/eliminate one or more of the factors in order to strengthen the others. We've seen the Watch a good amount (which cuts family ties and power outside of the organization), but less of the church or the maesters, who seem to keep much more power, as organizations.

I am working really hard not to gush spoilers and speculation all over the place. "If Jon..." "When Brienne..." "Lena Hedley..." "After Sam..." "ARYA!"

Big, massive spoiler referenced in the WF.

ISTG, the cast must have some kind of contest or bet about making statements that point big flashing arrows away from Lady Stoneheart. e,g. things about never getting to work with any of the people in the Red Wedding again. And far more often than seems like would be naturally-occurring.

Ha. I bet you're right DebetEsse.

Episode titles:
4.1 - Two Swords
4.2 The Lion and the Rose
4.3 Breaker of Chains
4.4 Oathkeeper
4.5 First of his name
4.6 The laws of God and men
4.7 Mockingbird
4.8 The mountain and the viper
The watchers on the wall
4.10 The children.

I think I have a method to watch episodes. . . I think. Late but better than waiting a year.

The episode titles are making me happy. Particularly, 4.1, 4.8 and 4.9. . .

My thoughts on the titles (where I have them and they're book spoilery - for all books):

Two Swords: The sword that Tywin gives Joffrey and the one that Jaime gives Brienne.
The lion and the rose: purple wedding (so to speak)
4.4 - Brienne?
4.6 - the wall, perhaps-something to do with Melisandre's king burning
4.7 - Littlefinger centric
4.8 - Trial of Combat!
4.9 - election, no?
4.10 - possibly a Bran-centric thing? That would definitely go to Dance with Dragons territory. And possibly Jon switching babies and sending Sam and Gilly to Old Town.

The Maesters - they provide a form of standardized education for the aritocrats (at least) and possibly for others. And they also stand for science vs. magic.

I think the title for 4.5 is my favorite. It certainly brings a smile to my face.

Also, I think of all the minor non-spoilery details from the books I miss the most is Lord Mormont's talking raven. Whether they thought it would play too comic, or if it was just budgetary reasons, I can respect why the producers decided to leave it out, but I still miss that bird.

sumi, I'm pretty sure the second part of your note on the first title won't happen until 4.4, as that episode's title is the sword's name.

Sean, snow!

Well, yes. But then am I forgetting a sword ?

Needle ?