Yes. The show was slow but was probably developing plot lines for future episodes. Lots of new characters and still many unanswered questions.
Actually, one of the questions was answered in last night's episode......if you've been reading & keeping up with the books.
And who was new in the season opener? The only new character I can recall was Cersei & Jaime & Tyrion's uncle; the show didn't refer to his name, but in the book it's Kevan Lannister (Tywin's brother).
All the other characters were regulars (Cersei, Jaime, Tyrion, Varys, Sansa, Petyr, Brienne, Podrick, Margery, Loras, Danerys, Missendei, Grey Worm, Barristan, Jon Snow, Stannis Baratheon, Melisandre, Mance.....) unless I'm missing something.