4 Critic's Choice Nominations:  Best Drama Series, Emilia Clarke for Best Supporting Actress, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau for Best Supporting Actor, and Diana Rigg for Best Guest Performance in a Drama

:-)

Usually The Critic's Choice Awards treats GOT like a pos, so a few more nods this year was welcomed.

 I felt that this episode deserved a better grade, as it's around the same grade as the previous two episodes, which I wasn't as impressed by; but I loved this episode, and I think it was one of the better one's of the season.  I can't wait for the next episode in two weeks...gonna be crazy.

 Even more about Brienne:

When Locke and crew were going to rape Brienne, Jaime lied and told them that Brienne's father was known for having numerous Sapphire mines, tons of sapphire's, etc since it was known as Sapphire Island.  The next episode Brienne called Jaime out that it was a lie, and the Island is called Sapphire Island due to the glistening waters/shore.

That being said, when Brienne's father offered Lock and Co. 300 Golden Dragons, Locke felt insulted that the reward wasn't enough, and believed they could get their weight in sapphires; The Maester fixing Jaime's stump told Jaime that his lie to save Brienne from being raped a few episodes ago, was now costing her due to Locke's misconception.

 It couldn't have been Queenscrown....

book spoilers:  

warning:

It's the only interesting thing Bran does until he reaches the wall and Coldhands.  Plus, isn't that when Jon Snow ditches the wildlings?  Then again, they've taken so many liberties with Jon's story that they could just have him run away in during a normal night...

 Duh, I actually forgot about Saul; he'll most likely get in actually.

I can still see Dianna Rigg getting in Supporting Actress or maybe even Guest Star (she's probably in it too much for that though).  They've given her enough scenes, and she's had enough of an impact; then she has the almighty old Vet British Actress label that the Academy loves so much, and they'll probably love her being nominated along with Maggie Smith for Downton.  We'll see, it'll probably just be Dinklage again; although I don't think he's been relevant enough in this season to earn it (yet), but the Academy loves the same people every year.  

Seems like you're right about Breaking Bad, and if that's the case it'll probably go to Jesse again (I'm iffy on Mike getting nominated, but it's possible).

Hanso: I agree with all the other shows you mentioned as other contender's; will Breaking Bad be in contention this year though?  seems that the first half of the current season was represented in last years Emmy's, and this year it won't air until August.

Homeland though, I don't see many supporting actor's getting in the way; but Mad Men (the gray haired guy is usually garaunteed), and Downton can definitely get in.  Boardwalk Empire is a maybe though.

 ElBaz13: I think this has been Nikolaj Coster-Waldau's year along with Dianna Rigg's.  Charles Dance maybe, but there's only so much room.  Conleth, while excellent, hasn't appeared enough IMO.

 5 episodes left*

Still not much though, which, yes, is depressing.  

 It should be quite malicious when Bradley will most likely sleep with Dylan, as those seeds were planted in the episode; no pun intented.

 isgrimner: their trend has been to make the big climax of the season be episode 9, and the finale is some extra closure's, set-ups, and teases.  I also know the title of that episode, which further cemented it.