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The Wheel of Time: The Dragon Reborn (2021)
Improvements across the board
So much was improved in this episode from the last 3. Granted I enjoyed the the previous episodes as I went into the series wanting to enjoy the story I've loved for years. Yes I had my reservations for a few things here and there but episode 4 really brought everything good from the previous three into one solid episode. What's interesting is this is the one that strays most from the books yet somehow the changes just worked for the most part. Many elements were actually improved from the books. Ila the tinker, Logain's portrayal, Nynaeve and Lan's scenes, and the warder bond/lifestyle are a few things that stood out for me. The battle sequence at the end was awesome and reaffirms my total approval of how the show is handling channeling. Seeing the warders proactively react to their bonded Aes Sedai's channeling was cool.
Nynaeve continues to be the best character as she was for me when I read the books. Without spoiling, she's great in this one.
Can't wait for the next!
Ps. I should mention for those who may not know, there are animated shorts that go along with each episode that are amazing in their own rights. To access them, go into the app (desktop if you can), click onto the latest episode, pause, click on "X-ray" at the top and view the bonus content. Super convoluted and does not work for some but there it is.
The Wheel of Time: A Place of Safety (2021)
A place of safety for some, but not all
Perrin's connection with the wolves is one of my favorite aspects in the books. I will hold my judgment for now until I know for sure how it will be handled but so far, given the restraints of budgets and television logistics, I think the introduction has been done very well. Hopefully we get to see more of them in future episodes. On that note, I can't help but continue to feel saddened for Perrin as almost every scene he has relates to his tragedy in the pilot in a realistic way. A testament to the strength of the writers of the tv adaption as the changes made to Perrin's backstory are still being felt two episodes on. In a good way. My watch party all feel the same.
Nynaeve is as ruthless as ever as she should be! Zoe is doing an amazing job thus far with her portrayal of the no non-sense wisdom of the Two Rivers. Nynaeve and Lan's chemistry is also evident from the start as the latter begins to show intrigue and unspoken admiration for the former.
Rand and Mat really do feel like childhood friends thanks to the grounded, semi-modern dialogue that has proven to be a great choice. Relatable straight talk in favour of flowery prose which helps what little dialogue there is feel very relatable. The books are the same for the most part so I'm happy they continued with that trend.
The story in Breen Springs is an amalgamation of the Four Kings and Baerlon threads in the book and once again, I can't really complain. Sets up the darkfriends as the human component of evil which I thought was done very well thanks to the great performance by the actor who portrayed Dana, the double-dealing, empathetic and entirely too skinny Inn-keeper.
Thom's decidedly darker approach was great. Felt and sounded like Thom while leaning further towards his og gangster side hinted at in the books. Thom's scenes with Mat, Rand's witty response to Dana's insinuation that he and Mat might be more than just friends, the introduction of Tinkers, Perrin's overprotectiveness, and our first look at an Aiel all make this another excellent episode.
The Wheel of Time: Shadow's Waiting (2021)
Well paced and a peak into a vaster world
This episode sees our cast hunted down and forced into the lands beyond the small town of Two Rivers/ Emond's field. Their world is getting bigger and so is ours. Better paced than the pilot and with much needed breathing room for our characters to show us who they are. Matt shines as a standout character which is not to say the others are any weaker. Every single protagonist holds their own, channeling the heart of their storied characters into tangible, believable people. From Perrin's truly heartbreaking melancholy, to Rand's whirlwind of emotions, Egwene's penchant to grow her knowledge, Moiraine's continued strong ambiguity, and Lan's growing worry towards his Aes Sedai's declining health. Everyone does what they have to do and it's extremely heartwarming to see these characters truly come to life because of that strong commitment to see it done properly.
Shadar Logoth was amazingly crafted as was the Two Rivers in the pilot episode before it. Tight editing, stripped back sound design, and subtle horror cues make this experience truly terrifying and sets the right precedence for any future horrors that await us.
Perrin's dream, Mat's singing of Manetheren, the bats, everything Valda, and funny dialogue are a few things that make this episode another great The Wheel of Time entry. Fans and newcomers to the series should have plenty to chew on before watching the next episode!
The Wheel of Time: Leavetaking (2021)
Wonderful start to a beloved story
The first episode to the wheel of time does a great job setting up the foundation for what's to come in the *adapted series*. That's right, the adaption. I think a lot of people forget that part. It isn't supposed to be a one-to-one representation of the books but rather a respectful translation of the books to fit the medium of television. As a result, many changes had to be made to streamline the story so that it can fit the 8 episodes ordered by amazon.
For any who've read the books, 8 episodes is not a lot to faithfully render each book let alone two in one season. Which is why a quicker pace is necessary along with some trimming of the fat. Although it can be a bit jarring at first for those accustomed to the characters and pace of the books, the first episode accomplished what it had to do by telling the heart of the story and introducing the spirit of the characters many of us love.
Great dialogue, amazing casting choices, a progressive approach to male/female friendships, an epic/unique soundtrack by lorne balfe, great battle scenes. Moiraine!!! So much of it is great. That said, it is not without it dips here and there.
Without a doubt we are watching The Wheel of Time, through and through and I for one can not wait to see what else they have in store for us. And maybe look forward to a surprise or two as a book reader.
For any stalwart book fans, perhaps seeing this as a "flicker" might help with your coping...