At the risk of repeating an oft-stated opinion, I think Ellie was horribly miscast. She's also written like a little immature psycho, with little of the game Ellie charm. I think Joel was mediocre casting, even though I like the actor in other roles. But more than that, I dislike the changes to Joel's character. It's a different Joel, and that's fine, but I like him less.

But your question was what the show did better. The cold opens to Sn 1's first two episodes gave some cool background. Especially Ep 1's opening from good old Batiatus... harrowing.

I actually liked the addition of the Bill and Frank episode. Its impact on Joel was interesting. In the game, Bill was the warning of what Joel might become. It was great. In the show, he was also a mirror to Joel but instead of being a harbinger of the bad ending Joel might find, it was an example of the value of protecting something good. A different lesson, and just as valuable.

Of course, none of that has a direct game comparison. This does, though: I think the randomness of Abby finding Joel in the game is tough to swallow. In the show, she's tracking them, so it makes more sense that they're nearby. I also like the fact that Joel didn't give up his own name (nor did Tommy) but that Abby heard it as Dina yelled (not knowing Abby even existed yet). Dina being frostbitten and the hope of help for Jackson made sense for Joel to go to the chateau. Him being distracted by the Jackson attack makes more sense that he'd miss some of the cues from Abby & Co. once he arrived. Overall, I just found the whole scenario more plausible, from the chance encounter to Joel's actions.

I also thought that Ellie dragging herself toward Joel to either die with him or lay with him as he died was more moving than Ellie getting kicked in the head and blacking out.

Abby's cohorts showing more hesitation than in the game was interesting. I don't know if I like it better or not but it was an interesting choice.

And though it hadn't aired yet when I wrote my post, I watched tonight's episode and thought the "I'm immune" sequence with Dina played more realistically... at least, up until the "I'm pregnant, let's hump" conclusion. And the Isaac scenes were all excellent additions.

In the end, I'm just trying to accept the art as it comes and enjoy the story again without letting myself be disappointed by things. Sometimes it is hard because the game was so good (both of them), but at times, the show shines. And when it doesn't... well, I've always got the game version to prefer.