Though Game of Thrones grew into a pop culture phenomenon, many fans think it still lives in the shadows of the books on which the series is based. George R. R. Martin has released five novels in his so-called Song of Ice and Fire series, and while Game of Thrones has been praised as an epic adaptation, few think it has surpassed its source material.
But with the format of television and some terrific actors bringing the characters to life, there are some things fans will admit the show improved on. While fans on Reddit have plenty negative to say about the show, these are some Game of Thrones aspects they were impressed by.
Depiction Of Oberyn
Most of the truly popular characters on Game of Thrones were introduced in the first season, but there were a few memorable characters who were later additions. One such character was Oberyn Martell, who appeared in only one season yet stole the whole show in that time.
One Redditor pointed out that the books went too far in making Oberyn appear like the ultimate badass whereas the show made him more low-key in that aspect. However, they insisted the main reason the character works so much better is because "Pedro Pascal's performance killed it."
Robert Baratheon
Robert Baratheon is another character who managed to make a big impact despite only appearing in a handful of episodes on the show's first season. Mark Addy gave a terrific and layered performance as the former heroic warrior who has become an ineffective king.
Redditor Lochmon admitted they did not care much about Robert as a character in the book but the show made him more interesting. They also praised Addy's performance as "one of the first things to convince me the show was in good hands."
Theon Killing Rodrik Cassel
There are certain scenes from the books that fans picture in their heads only for the show to change it drastically and become something better. Rodrik Cassel was a supporting character who was a loyal member of House Stark. He was killed in the books when Ramsay Bolton betrayed the Northmen and took Winterfell.
In the show, Cassel also dies when Winterfell is taken, but it is at the hands of Theon Greyjoy in a messy and drawn-out execution that cements Theon's impotency. Jeanpuetz claimed the moment made for "one of my favorite show scenes."
Tyrion Getting His Champion
While many fans of the book complain that the show rushed the storylines too much, one instance in which the show took a longer approach was when Tyrion Lannister finds a champion to defend him in his trial by combat.
While Oberyn Martell simply volunteers himself in the book, the show lets the reveal hang for an entire episode. Tyrion tries and fails to find allies only to be visited by Oberyn. Redditor tgun06 found it "a great way to play it out for television", especially with the show taking a speech from Oberyn that occurred earlier in the books and placing it in this pivotal scene.
Cersei Lannister
In both the books and the shows, Cersei Lannister is established as one of the greatest villains in the series. But though the audiences in both versions are supposed to hate her, it is interesting the different levels of hate the show and books can achieve.
Redditor Eor75 found Cersei in the books to simply be an awful person who was also fairly incompetent. However, they found that the show benefited from Lena Heady's terrific performance which gave "her a charisma I never imagined."
Tyrion And Sansa's Wedding
Among the many tragic weddings in Game of Thrones, the one between Tyrion and Sansa is one of the least deadly, but that doesn't stop it from being a severely uncomfortable affair. However, some found it another example of the show wisely spending more time on something than the books.
Mr_Wolf57 found the wedding to be oddly rushed in the books whereas the show was interested in "conveying the awkwardness of the whole event." It succeeded in making the audience squirm at the unbearable tension.
Tywin And Arya
With so many characters on the show, it is not surprising that some never met each other. However, while the books are responsible for establishing many of the most memorable pairings, the duo of Arya and Tywin was a show invention.
In the books, Arya is made cupbearer to Roose Bolton while at Harrenhal, but the books changed it to Tywin Lannister who she is forced to serve. Their conversations made for some of the most memorable scenes in season 2 and reebee7 called the change "one of those things that bums me out it isn't in the books."
Ned And Jaime's Fight
Game of Thrones pushed the boundaries of the kind of cinematic moments that could be achieved on television. But even with the massive battles, they often could not reach the scale described in the books. However, one rare action moment from the show was a significant improvement in the minds of fans.
After establishing an antagonistic relationship between Ned Stark and Jaime Lannister early on, the two skilled warriors faced off in the streets of King's Landing. Youmeyoumeyoume found it much better than the book confrontation in which they "couldn't believe that Ned just falls off his horse."
Character Ages
It was very impactful to see some of the younger characters like Arya and Sansa literally growing up in the course of the show, but some fans might be surprised to learn that these characters were even younger in the books.
The show wisely aged up nearly all of the characters which many fans appreciated. Redditor spiffyclip preferred the more mature Jon Snow rather than "a boy that cries when he gets told he's not ready for the Wall" as he was in the books.
Developing Peripheral Characters
The format of Martin's books has each chapter being told through the perspective of certain characters. This is an effective storytelling method and gives great insight into these characters. Of course, with such a large roster of characters, not everyone gets their own point of view.
BasmanianDevil insisted the show's biggest strength was being able to show things that "could not be visible through the book." This included the relationship between side characters like Varys and Littlefinger as well as more in-depth looks at heroes like Robb Stark and villains like Joffrey Baratheon.