Game Of Thrones: 10 Things The Show Did Better Than The Books
2. Ned's Last Great Deed
This needs a mention because Martin has said how much he likes it, and it's another a simple change too. Just one word, in fact.
As Ned is being dragged through the square for his public admission of guilt before his beheading, he spots Arya standing on the statue of Baelor.
As Yoren of the Night's Watch approaches, Ned simply says "Baelor" and with that Yoren spots Arya and is able to rescue her and smuggle her away to safety. It's Ned's last act to save his daughter and thwart the Lannisters. In the book Yoren meets Arya by coincidence, and Ned doesn't realise she's in the crowd.
People might argue against the change for diminishing some of the tragedy, but the scene is tragic enough and helps eliminate the coincidental element.
It also shows more of Ned's character, putting his children's safety first, and leaves things on a bittersweet note, knowing that he was able to save at least one daughter before he dies.