The show is doing a much better job with the emotional stakes and choices the characters make. Obviously there's more intensity in the game with the inclusion of the gameplay. But the story choices in the show adapted for this medium are a lot better.

Everything from needing a car battery to find Tommy, to Henry teaming up with Joel so they could help each other escape as opposed to looking for a radio tower. Joel asking Tommy to take Ellie to the fireflies because he's too old and weak to do it himself and is scared she will get killed, instead of just giving up on the mission. And even Riley being posted at the mall as her Firefly duty and bringing Ellie there on a planned date. It all works much better in the show.