User blog comment:The Dragon Demands/Slapping Joffrey compilation (set to "Sweet Dreams are Made of These")/@comment-5014364-20120607153508/@comment-210608-20120607160619

I agree that the back story helps explain the character's actions somewhat and therefore makes him easier to understand and sympathise with in both versions of the story.

I think the strangely heroic moment of him rescuing Gendry from imminent death and seeing through Arya's facade to elevate her definitely made him more likable than he is in the books for me though.