Not to be a downer, but aren't the first episodes were we just check in on each character and remind us where they are and what they are doing?
It's only 7 episodes but most of the episodes will run longer than average. The season finale will be near movie-length too. So it probably won't feel as short as you think.
Reviews are embargoed so as not to spoil anything, but I have read some hints that the show kicks off pretty strong, that the opening seasons are cool. So it won't all be "Daenerys on a boat / beach / looking at the throne at Dragonstone" whatever (and anyone who knows the episode title and has seen trailers knows I've given no spoilers).
It's not just embargoed, I don't think anyone other than those that attended the premier has seen it. So most reviews haven't been written yet. Just rewatched the Season 6 finale, it was extremely well done. My only minor gripe is the show relies too much on the scene where a character is sitting pensively by themselves and another character comes upon them to have a conversation. There's like a dozen of these scenes in the finale alone. It's a contrived way of telling plot, rather than showing it. Also, was it part of the plan for Lancel to be lured by the boy into the basement of the Great Sept? It looked like the kid was waiting for Lancel to see and follow him, but the explosion would have happened regardless. Maybe the kid truly was trying to get away from Lancel, but why run down to where the wildfire is? I think the general consensus prediction is there will be a naval battle at the start between Dany and Euron, to weaken Dany's army. Otherwise there is no stopping her.
As long as those sisters are topless at some point and Littlefinger doesn't come out on top I'm good.
Spoiler Is there a reason Jorah is locked up? And why they hell does that Maesters sanctuary have a prison?
Spoiler Not a prison, its a hospital of sorts, and that seemed like a quarantine unit... and he's there because he contracted the disease that's turning him into stone.
That music was pretty epic when Dany reaches Dragonstone. How did Dany get the keys to the castle though? People just leave castles unlocked in Westeros? Super irresponsible.
well, if you recall it took two people to push it open. Perhaps no one else thought of that for decades
Did you see how sunny and peaceful Dragonstone was? The better question is why not leave your chateau unlocked when its so sunny and safe in that neighborhood and when did it get that way?