I must admit that I was not a huge fan while still watching season 1, so many people to keep count of that it was too much and I couldn't place them. It helped to look up a family tree though (I have not read the books). I also think it moved much to fast in time. And what also kept me from 'liking it' was the comparing it to Game of Thrones... And it will never be that....
....BUT season 2 has changed my view. Now it stays 'in present time' which gives the characters time to come into their own, and that has improved it a whole lot, so I don't really understand if people are dissatisfied with this season (as opposed to season one), as this has been the most interesting season of the two - in my opinion. I think it's much easier to follow now, with the huge cast, than season one and I am loving all the dragon presence - they are so well made you just feel that they are real. Now I am just annoyed that there are only 8 episodes....
Just watched episode 8... Omg! And now I have to wait at least a year for the next season!!! I can't handle it.... I will now have to watch season 1 again. Which is something I have never done before - not even GOT have I watched more than once. This show is really amazing!