The best thing the game of thrones provides is making you actually feel the pain of its characters. I was equally as much out of breath as Arya when ned was going to be beheaded. I felt as helpless and hopeless. And during the last Sunday's episode's climax, I was as much dreaded and surprized when it started to dawn on me as to what acutally is going on. I dont think many shows/movies can actually make you feel like this.
And yes, you think there is no point in when ned dies, but the show keeps surprising you.