Let me start by saying I really liked seasons 1-4. I hadn't read the books when I saw them, but even now I still think they're pretty great. Some scenes and changes I even respect a bit more after reading the books.
But after watching Season 5, I was pretty bummed about the direction the show had taken (particularly with Winterfell and Dorne). Both seemed to rely so much on plot conveniences (candle?) I decided to pick up the books during the wait for the 6th season because I'd heard from a friend how DIFFERENT those plots were from the show. Finished ADWD a week before the premiere tonight, and HOLY CRAP they were right. It's another world.
Overall, I actually thought this episode was pretty good. The Brienne/Sansa scene was definitely the most rewarding emotionally. Still, it felt pretty obvious. Like of course they're going to bring her in at the last second to ramp up the tension. Classic GoT. Still, it was awesome seeing them reconnect and holy crap the acting here was great all around.
Jaime and Cercei's scene was also solid, though I agree with you guys about Jaime's arc. Interested to see where they take this-- I still have faith that they're going to make something great out of this.
Dorne... what? I mean, I get that it's course correction and probably good for the show in the long run... but damn. Doran is so interesting in the books, and this felt almost like the writer's were simply throwing their cards in and saying "fuck it, we fold." A part of me wants to think they cut it in order to simply focus on the sand snakes (yay?), but another part of me feels like it was just lazy writing from the start. Barf.
All the stuff with the NW was really good... but felt prolongued in a weird way. Like, I would've taken the entire episode up in the wall post-Jon's death, but up until the end it seems like the writer's were just stalling. Which isn't the worst thing. But it made the situation feel a bit empty not seeing it play out tonight. LOVED the opening shot though, and I'm hoping the next time we see this plot again they pick it up and run with it. I personally thought Melisandre's reveal was great, and super creepy. Totally reminded me of The Witch. It almost feels like a Stoneheart reveal is more likely after this scene, given the focus on magic. HYPE.
One last thought: When it comes to political motivations, I've realized after reading the books how they've pretty much relied entirely on GRRM for the political moves in the plot (the best ones, at least). Dorne and Winterfell in S5 failed in part because I think in them cutting them down, they couldn't weave the political intrigue into the plots successfully. I'm worried now that they're further than him they're going to keep resorting to this blood over brains stuff-- with political moves in broad strokes and not finer details. With the Dorne plot in this episode, it was shocking and bloody for sure... but didn't carry the emotional weight the violence in this show is known for. We didn't feel anything. I hope the show gets back on course in this respect.
Overall, excited to see where it goes and optimistic about this season. Though there are quite a few worries that I think are warranted. We'll see!