Totally understand the mixed Thom reactions, given the departures from the books. While indeed there was no gleeman's cloak, I was totally sold with that little colorful patchwork glimpse as he moved his coat to sit down and play. I am also into the raspy (calls to mind the other T(h)om: Waits) vocals, but think it'll be a divisive choice.

1 minute ago, Meskell said:

I don’t know why beyond a vibe but I really felt that Laila didn’t go to Egwenes initiation because Egwene and Perrin had been intimate in the past. 

Laila was given so little screen time (and what, 2 lines?) that all the characterization felt spurious. I too felt like that's what they were implying at first, though part of me also thinks they were going for recent miscarriage vibes (the wistful Bel Tine lantern look plus the hand on her belly when Perrin first goes to her in the forge). Who knows what's on the cutting room floor there.