When books are adapted for film or television, book fans are often left lamenting changes and cut content. While this is certainly the case for much of Game of Thrones, which was based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire book series, there were some things that the show did better; especially in the earlier seasons.
From actors taking characters to new heights with incredible performances to scenes between characters who were not given a point of view in the books, these changes were an integral part of Game of Thrones' success. Some even received praise from the author himself.
1 The Soundtrack
Although it might seem unfair to compare the music from a show to a few written-down songs within a book series, it would be impossible to overlook Game of Thrones' incredible soundtrack, and the impact it had on viewers' experiences.
From the iconic theme song, and intense scores punctuating action scenes, to tragic underlying themes for specific characters and houses, the music team absolutely killed it. Moreover, even though the story and writing failed in later seasons in the minds of many fans, the soundtracks hit as hard as ever.
2 Arya And Tywin
In the books, it is Roose Bolton who Arya Stark serves as a cupbearer for at Harrenhal, but the showrunners made the excellent choice to swap Lord Bolton out for the equally formidable Tywin Lannister. This small change made a huge difference.
In his scenes with Arya, a different and warmer side to Tywin is shown, in which he takes on an almost fatherly or grandfatherly figure with her. The two of them also share some excellent dialogue, from which some of the show's best quotes emerge. Furthermore, show fans still got to see plenty of Roose Bolton as he was given more screen time further down the line.
3 Osha The Wildling
As an actor or actress, there is likely no praise higher than that of the author of the source material that is being adapted. For Natalia Tena, who played Osha in Game of Thrones, this was a reality with George R.R. Martin claiming that her performance had inspired him to give Osha a bigger role in future books.
Of course, the showrunners also had a role in Osha's character being more fleshed out as she was given more screen time and involved in plots that book Osha took no part in. Even so, Tena deserves a lot of credit here.
4 Varys And Littlefinger's Little Chats
Deadly schemes and plots are central to Game of Thrones, and central to most schemes and plots are Varys or Littlefinger. However, as neither of them are POV characters in the books, any private conversations they have together happen behind the scenes.
Thankfully, the show delivered, and their little chats proved to be some of the most entertaining scenes throughout the earlier seasons of the show before they were unfortunately separated. As skilled deceivers and masters of information, they both had a certain level of respect for one another, though this did not stop them from dueling with words and wit.
5 Bronn
Bronn was already a great character in the books; a sarcastic sellsword with a black sense of humor, who alongside his partner in crime Tyrion, provided readers with plenty of witty back and forths. However, when Tyrion is put on trial, that is basically it for Bronn in the currently released books.
In the show, however, Jerome Flynn's portrayal of the sellsword was enough to win him more screen time, even into the later seasons where he accompanied Jaime Lannister to Dorne and the Riverlands, something he does not do in the books. Bronn's contribution to the comedic relief in the show was one of the few shining lights of the end of the series.
6 The Robert And Cersei Scene
As Cersei Lannister only became a POV character in the later books long after her husband King Robert Baratheon was dead, book fans never got the chance to witness their failed marriage in private. Thankfully, the show rights this wrong.
Episode 5 of the first season of Game of Thrones features a fantastic scene between the two in which they are seemingly frank and honest with each other for the first time. It is an incredibly mature scene from two characters who are normally known for their less desirable traits. In it, they discuss the love Cersei once managed for Robert, and the love he still holds for Lyanna Stark.
7 More Robb Stark
It might come as a surprise to show only fans that Robb Stark was not a POV character in the books, which in itself is one of George R.R. Martin's few regrets about his work. Instead, Robb's story was mainly told through the eyes of his mother Catelyn, who wasn't always with him, meaning some scenes depicted in the show were only heard about in the books.
The show's decision to give the Young Wolf more screen time, coupled with Richard Madden's endearing portrayal, resulted in Robb Stark becoming a fan-favorite character until he made the unfortunate mistake of attending a wedding. His greater role is one of the very few things that Game of Thrones does better than the books.