Something I rarely talk about: locations.
Game of Thrones makes every locale feel original and distinct. It's not until I saw the inside of Qarth and longed to see the rest that it hit me. Kings Landing and Harrenhall couldn't be more similar in ideals but farther away in distinction. Each Renly Brother has a camp that feels close enough that they can visit but distinct enough that the brothers personalities shone.
The Wall and things beyond it feel eerie and other worldly. Winterfell feels so isolated. The Iron Island is...well...hard. Everything is cold and bleak to reflect the people.
The guys in control of set Design are just as good as the guys writing the stories.
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Realo won gold at the Sex Olympics with a BROKEN FRIGGIN NECK.-Voltch