That is the nature of this world.  My suggestion would be if week to week is hard, try the DVD/Blu-Ray method of seeing them consecutively and watching supplemental material.  To me the complexity of moving parts is what makes it seem alive and real, people in power rarely just sit still doing nothing, especially during periods of war and chaos.

I stated earlier how changes in the transition to show are what keep me on my toes. Most of these changes are fleshing out what is mentioned but never shown explicitly. The big shift to me here I varys working (is he? hmmm) with the Tyrells and arrange Sansa with Loras (who was a Kingsguard in the books) so maybe a new wrinkle here to keep me guessing.

Often it seems screen time and interactions are done for the service of the audience to remember the players and see the threads developing. I was sad that Mormont didn't get to say his last words to Sam, could have made an excellent transition to Astapor.

Oh, and getting to see inside the Great Sept of Baelor was another treat. Loved the history tidbits that may be lost on non fans (even though the notion of "burning the remains" comment was odd as Targaryens are cremated upon death).

When the story begins in the books he is 14, in the show he is 17.  So right now in the show he is roughly 18-19 range.  Big part of this across the board is that our 21st conception of maturity and medieval one were different.  Also, having a 15 year old have sex in a show would be touchy legal ground for HBO.  

Jon is 14 in the books, but all of the characters have been aged up a few years, so he's probably supposed to be 18-20.

I think that works well. If you see someone who looks brutal and ugly, you just assume that they're evil, even if it's absolutely not the case: just look at Sandor Clegane (semi-spoiler from Storm of Swords/Feast for Crows). So it helps their misdirection if he's attractive and nice-looking.

I love this show.

The only complaint I have is having to wait 1 week between episodes.

Well Sandor Clegane is no choir boy. Sure, he's not as bad as his brother Gregor but I'd hardly classify him as a good guy.

One of the best episodes yet IMO, really hate the one week wait each time. :/

Might just need to wait untill each episode is released and watch them back to back like I with season 2.

khalesi shows us once again why you dont ever want to mess with this chick.


And lol there goes the knight's watch, ant no point attacking the wall now.

Considering his upbringing and the sorts of people he has had to associate with, I think he's turned out fine, especially looking at his interactions with Arya.