I could be wrong, but I don't remember there being any evidence to suggest that each cycle is very similar to some arbitrary degree. And in absence of that evidence, I'd say pretty much anything can be different, even a 2 person ka-tet instead of 4. Butterfly effect and all...

I'm ok with the cycle thing in THEORY, but I didn't like that it didn't really seem to take a stance on what the cycles actually meant - if it was Roland's nature to just repeat forever, or if he was iterating to something final, or what. Yes, I would have preferred a much cooler/cleaner ending, but if this cycle thing was done better I would've given it a 9/10. As it was, it left me with a 7/10. And a 7/10 is not good enough for epic/magnum opus (or whatever you call it)/best series ever caliber books - from what I was led to believe - from such an extraordinarily accomplished author.

2 things I was NOT ok with and thing were a complete travesty:
1) The death of the Man in Black. WTF. Need I say more?
2) The whole BS thing with the Crimson King battle??? OMG that was painful. I don't think I need to say any more on this front either.

These two things were particularly upsetting because of their supposed importances in the mythos as well as how much buildup there was over the course of the series.

(also the whole Mordred thing was terrible and could've been completely removed)

I hated the cycle ending. After all that he starts again? I mean I get that "ka" is a wheel that keeps on rolling but it still blew my mind. Also, I could've done without Mordred, only because his ending was so anticlimantic and had nothing to do with anything significant.

+1 about wanting more Cort! Also, I want to see Eddie's naked gunfight during his drawing with Andolini! It's been so long since I've read some of the books, it's time for a re-visit.

As long as Jake dies in the end I'll be very hopeful for the next iterations.

Apparently my favorite book isn't making the cut if Eddie and Susannah aren't cast in the movie. Whores! I want my lobstrosities! I wonder whether or not Roland will be missing a couple of fingers from his right hand in the movie.