I liked Episode 1. I liked the Arya scene with the Lannister soldiers. One of the best things about the books (and TV) are the frequent reminders that this isn't all black versus white, good versus evil, and most characters are just people living their lives and trying to do the right thing.
I liked the Sam scenes. Why does everyone hate Sam? The character development and dialogue are what I enjoy most about this show. Some of the battle sequences are truly awesome (Hardhome), and some of them are much more mundane hack-fests (Battle of the Bastards), but the character development is nearly always terrific.
No Dorne in the first episode! +1000!
I don't even like Dany that much but I thought her homecoming was well executed.
I've got Episode 2 on the DVR for this evening!