reception seems to be lackluster compared to the great 1st season..- it takes the first big battle scene to change things up again.
I don't have time to watch it yet but it appears that 1-4 has an arc closed. I read the story in Fire & Blood and it looks like they are going to drag it out into season 3. IMHO the actual story can be told in 2 seasons like they originally planned- what's in the book is just an outline really.
The actor that plays Aemond is the most anime looking character I've ever seen, Japanese people must love him. Also the actress that plays Queen R is really, really cute.