Yeah the bad writing was pretty much apparent from the start, and that is the thing I can bear the least. Bad FX, bad visuals, even bad acting I can handle if the writing is well done.

I have the feeling that writing has really deteriorated in the last couple years with many new shows. Seems like all the money goes into advertising, FX, some high class actors to garner interest. Another example being the Wheel of Time series, which pains me even to mention, but also The Witcher (was at least average).

I also suppose GoT might have set the bar quite high at least for the first few seasons. But even without GoT as an example.. To me LotR and WoT were utter trash even though I was really hoping, willing and forgiving..