Well, Cersei is manipulating him and he is liking her bod and her power. Modern day love in Medieval times.
Slaying dragons for the one you love always works, and is the chariot of romance. Spoiler: I have historical proof
Ha. Those chicks look completely uninterested in their white knight. Like their mind is wandering and wondering about Chad and his thigh slapper and how she can get him to stop beating her up and change him for the better.
Can't believe Jaimie gave up his virginity to that crying biotch. I did like the celebration humor and dynamics.
It's not just a truncation -- I can't imagine any scenario in which a fleet of ships could ambush a pair of dragons that are faster, more nimble, and have much greater field and range of vision. What's more, the remaining dragon, being faster and more nimble could pretty easily wheel around to the back or side of the fleet and burn it down to the waterline. Scorpions and ships both are slow to turn. But, to your question on storytelling -- I'd actually go for the better ambush (not even picture perfect) over Daenerys' reaction (which shouldn't require more than a couple of seconds anyway). The show had built its following in the beginning on the robust plotting, not on emotional investments.