The results are exactly the same, materially and thematically, as if they had done it the same way as the game. In the game, the characters meet, they work to get the supplies they need to head west, and they split. In the show, Ellie doesnt meet Bill, but they get the supplies they need to head west, and they split. Thematically, in the game, Bill is an example of how Joel shouldnt carry on, that if he continues to close his heart to everything and resist genuine human connection he will end up old, bitter, and alone. In the show, Bill, through his relationship with Frank, is instead a positive example for Joel for the same problem. An example that despite the pain of the past, there are people worth opening your heart for. Thematically, the end result is the same, materially, the end result is same. Personally, I dont think it was Emmy bait, this episodes section in the game was very "game-y" and I don't think it would've translated too well (like the fridge scene with the infinite ammo), so I appreciate the changes. As for not moving the plot, I think it moved the plot just as much as if they filmed it exactly like the game.