I found myself quite enjoying the show tonight, even if it was with a slight pang in my heart from not being able read the story first. Of course,the richness of the story will be truncated, but all in all, I personally think that the show is doing a good job of telling a story. With that said, I wanted to start this thread to discuss ways in which we believe that the show will prove itself different from the books, and ways that will probably be similar.
Obvious differences
1.Sansa/Theon/Brienne
Obviously these characters are no where near each other in the narrative of the books, but as a TV show, I quite like linking the characters together. I was quite exited to see Brienne to ride in to the rescue tonight, and look forward to what will come next.
2. Tyrion/Varys
There roles are quite different in the books, but I suspect that these two will have a similar story line as Barristan the Bold has in the books minus some of the details about the Harpies.
3. Martels
I have to believe that this will be a huge deviation. I just don't see Doran being killed off.
4. Daenerys
I just don't see sending her to a retirement home for widowed Khal's wives being something that could take place. It seems thatis a departure from what we know about Dothraki culture.
Similarities
1. John Snow
He is indeed dead. I'm not too sure that the theory that he has warged into Ghost is out of the realm of possibilities either.
2. Melisandre
I really like the necklace of glamour being removed tonight. This seems like something that is to be expected in the books.