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Wheel of Time TV Show Is At Amazon

Discussion in 'Television' started by Use the Falchion, Jun 13, 2018.

  1. DailyPlunge

    DailyPlunge Coramoor

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    I've watched the first 3 episodes twice. I have to admit as someone who read the book the first episode was kind of a blur the first time I watched it. Having seen it twice I feel like the first episode is really kind of a mess. I really wish they had split that into two episodes or something because I worry that it might hurt the series. There's just too much to set up for everything that happens in that one episode. The most important thing for the series to work is to build those central characters and that really doesn't happen and it's at the expense of a huge action piece. The action is nice, but I feel like some people aren't going to be invested in these characters and that should have been the number one priority.

    I can live with the story changes even I I disagree with some of them. I will say that I enjoyed the next two episodes a lot more. I really like episode 3 and I hope they keep building after that. I am encouraged that the director for that episode is back for a few more and he's doing a few of the Lord of the Rings episodes so Amazon must have liked his work. The character development was better in the 3rd episode and hopefully that continues because there's plenty of time for action/reveals in the story, but ultimately they have to give the general audience a reason to care.

    So a so so start, but I'm encouraged after the 3rd episode.
     
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  2. Rogues1138

    Rogues1138 Jedi Sentinel - Army of Light
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    I haven't read the Wheel of Time books but I'm a Game of Thrones fan, this series is not GoT, so I'm not comparing it to the Game of Thrones at all. As far as the CGI it is understandable that it is costly and its a TV show so I'll forgive that. I watched the first episode and I'll watch the second today as I am a fantasy fan. I'll continue watching, maybe it will grow on me. I wish I had read the books, I might have been slightly more motivated. Hoping for a Dragonriders of Pern TV show...
     
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  3. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    That's because it is. They were planning 2-hour pilot but were not allowed. We already know of some deleted scenes (Egwene in sacred pool with dyes in the water). They also wanted 10 episodes.

    O.K. The fourth episode ended with a blast - literally.

    I am like that they are giving Logain more time to shine and they are already portraying him as a decent person (will be important later, for non readers). We are also seeing more of Aes Sedai and their powers as well as their warders. I really liked all their interactions. Yes, warders are fun. Lan and Nynaeve had a moment, he gave her a precious gift. So her later reaction, I can see it. BAMF Nynaeve will no longer know piece when Aes Sedai take her in their clutches.

    I liked Egwene and Perrin's stay with the Travelling People. Perrin has a good reason to be attracted to pacifism (also will be important later). I don't know how I feel about them trying to hide who Dragon Reborn is so hard. I feel that something of the foreshadowing is lost in the process. Still, I like getting to know Thom more, he is not a simple gleeman (repeat after me, will be important later). But he is feeding into Rand's already existing mistrust of Aes Sedai. That will be fun in Tar Valon.

    Frankly, I was nervous about this second outing after the first three episodes, but the episode blew me away. The non-readers should start seeing the world grow as well as various factions within Aes Sedai.

    I wish we didn't have to wait.
     
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  4. Use the Falchion

    Use the Falchion Jedi Contrarian

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    That's a deleted scene?! SHAME ON YOU AMAZON! SHAME ON YOU!!

    Overall, I definitely think the quality of the episodes is increasing, or at least finding it's footing. More Nynaeve (spoilers! She's not dead!) is always better, and my silly theory about her above is alluded to here. Granted, I don't think that's the direction the show is going, but again, I wouldn't be mad if they went that way. Nynaeve and Lan's moments here are far sweeter (to me) than the ones in the books, as they're far more akin to star-crossed lovers there, torn between their duties and their love. I think the show will go in that direction, but it's nice seeing it not jump in with that dynamic. There are hints of Nynaeve's jealousy towards Moiraine within this episode, but they're moderately subtle, and don't overshadow everything else.

    Top five moments, not in order:
    "I see you"
    Nynaeve vs Liandrin
    The prayers
    UNFURL THAT BRAID
    The spear, the daughter, and the world

    Overall, I'm liking the show and I've had several of my non-book reading friends start the first episode and they're enjoying it so far. The show I think is doing most of what it needs to be doing. Several aspects still feel too small in scope to me (probably due to cast size constraints), particularly in this episode, but I'm hoping later seasons/episodes will solve this problem. Still, I think this show is a great watch for fans of Star Wars, and I'm looking forward to next week's episode.

    I mean, he's not wrong for mistrusting them...only for mistrusting Moiraine. Because she's awesome.
    (Also, this aspect really doesn't help with the Rand-Anakin comparisons!)
     
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  5. DailyPlunge

    DailyPlunge Coramoor

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    The 4th episode was amazing. I'm hoping people weren't too turned off by the first episode and stuck with it. Kind of interesting that the 4th episode leaned the least on the source material, but was still a fantastic chapter in the TV series. Good example how live action adaptations don't have to be slaves to the source material and can still be great.
     
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  6. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    Yes, it should have been in the pilot. Nynaeve washes the rocks in the sacred pool when Moiraine approaches her, she washes the dyes from the deleted scene. And I bet there is a ton of other stuff they filmed and couldn't use that we didn't see in the trailers. I hope Amazon trusts the show runners more in the future. We'll see, they are already filming season 2.
    --- Double Post Merged, Nov 26, 2021, Original Post Date: Nov 26, 2021 ---
    The writers are Lanaeve shippers and I am here for it. :D The chemistry between Zoe Robins and Daniel Hanney is on point and they can both be charming when a scene calls for it. The chemistry among the actors in general is one of the show's strong points.
     
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  7. Use the Falchion

    Use the Falchion Jedi Contrarian

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    I watched the first two episodes with my sister over the holiday weekend, and she actually enjoyed it! She treated it more like a (post-apocalyptic) period drama, which helped her get past some of the more fantastical stuff. She like superhero stuff, but action scenes are boring to her. I'm not sure she liked it enough to watch it on her own, but she did seem to enjoy watching it with me. We had a good time making fun of Rand and Egwene's jackets.
    Our mutual friend who is far geekier though, watched the episode on her own. She started it during the break and just finished it today. She likes the show and is upset about having to wait a week until the next episode...only one episode in...ah, dear sweet summer child... Anyways, I just wanted to share some good WoT news.
     
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  8. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    She is not wrong. It is post-apocalyptic (Breaking of the World) and it is period drama (Jordan described it as Renaissance without gunpowder). :D

    I love seeing non-readers reacting to the show as well as their theories and guesses. That keeps me entertained while I wait for the next episode. I HATE IT TOO. I hate it, but I know it's better both for us and for the show. The discussion will last longer and the show might find more viewers. For example, episode 4 sold the show to many who were uncertain about it. Brandon Sanderson likes episode 6 the most and episode 7 is Rosamund Pike's favorite, so we have things to look forward to.
     
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  9. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    I have a theory for episode 5. Recording it here for posterity.

    Stepin (Kerene's Warder) will either kill himself or die of grief (broken heart, anyone?) and that is why Lan is beating his chest and screaming in the trailer. That is the only thing that makes sense in the context of the show.

    What do you think?
     
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  10. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    I told you so. :D
     
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  11. DailyPlunge

    DailyPlunge Coramoor

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    This is why I don't watch the next episode trailers. I'd probably enjoy this episode more as someone hasn't read the books. Stepin's entire arc seems to exist for a future turn in the story that seems to be coming quicker than I anticipated. I do wonder if some people who haven't read the books and who are really loving this story are going to suffer massive whiplash as this thing unfolds. I understand what the showrunner is trying to set up, but I worry he's gone overboard going in this direction.

    That said I teared up seeing Loial. It's not a perfect recreation of the character, but they got the soul of it correct so I hope we see a lot more of him going forward. Amazon really hurt this season by not giving it a couple of more episodes. The month jump hurts a lot of character development that could have been useful.
     
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  12. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    Stepin's situation is definitely foreshadowing, but I don't think it will pay of for at least several seasons. I personally liked it a lot, the Warders' funeral made me cry as a baby. I loved the idea of one mourner expressing grief of the entire community.

    Loial gave me pause, but then like a Jedi/Budist I said 'let all things come and then let all things go' and let it go. I imagined him completely differently, the voice was spot-on. However I agree that the soul of character was there.

    Rafe asked for 2-hour pilot and 10 episodes, Amazon said no, so BOOOOO, Amazon. On the other hand, they gave us the show, so...
     
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  13. Addi Ras

    Addi Ras MASTER TEA MAKER
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    Right so I’m completely new to The Wheel of Time ( Obviously I have heard of the books & I know who The Dragon Reborn is but I do like how they are keeping who it is ambiguous at the moment ) but that’s as far as my knowledge goes.
    & I have to say I’m absolutely loving this series so far I’m up to Episode 4 & will be watching Episodes 5.
    Oh & I really really like the relationship between the Aes Sedai & there Wardens particular Moiraine & Lin ( Out of interest do the Red Ali Sedai have wardens)
     
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  14. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    No. Reds hate men. While they hunt anyone who misuses the One Power, they are specialized in hunting men who can channel. If you noticed in episode 4 Liandrin said to Nynaeve that all WOMEN are welcome in the Reds' tent. You could say that the Battle Ajah - Green - is their opposite, they really, really like men. :D

    I am glad we got another! I am glad you are enjoying the show. Prepare tissues for Episode 5 (or the show just made me a crybaby).
     
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  15. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    Siuan Sanche waits for only one woman. And it's not you.

    Lol, I love when Moraine's sass comes out.

    But, this might be the first episode to piss me off. They just got back together again and you separate Matt?!

    Other than that, solid episode. Tar Valon is toxic, in the books seemed dangerous after certain events (spoilers), but never toxic. The city itself is gorgeous, I love it, and the Ways seem to be interesting too. I will return after I re-watch.
     
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  16. Use the Falchion

    Use the Falchion Jedi Contrarian

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    I was really curious about this choice. I mean on one hand it is classic Matt, trying to avoid the dangerous stuff whenever possible because he really doesn't like that part of his life. I think for later book stuff it works too. It's great to have this rift between Mat and Rand formed early (and Egwene too, considering how much Book!Egwene seems to loathe Matt as a person), but it was still surprising. I don't think a major part of me really even believes they went through on the bluff.

    However, if this was a massive fake-out, that would play into the other side of Matt, where Mat senses something the others don't and decides to handle it on his lonesome.

    I may have added an additional lewd line after Moiraine said that...

    IMO, Tar Valon was always toxic in the same way the Jedi Temple on Coruscant was toxic - it was a seat of power for those who shouldn't necessarily HAVE a seat of power. That power created an self-importance that those who no longer travel beyond can't see, and thus it's toxic by its sheer existence, not just in its atmosphere. That being said, I never liked the place, even in the books. The training of future Aes Sedai was just brutal and needlessly hierarchal. (I blame Jordan for this.)

    In the episode itself, I LOVED the directing. This may have not been my favorite episode overall, but it's certainly up there. Things felt dynamic yet natural, imposing yet perfect for the world. It was great! And Egwene's body language when Suian called Nynaeve the strongest channeler was hilarious. Also, Nynaeve just giving no hoots about how she speaks to anyone within the White Tower was hilarious. Never change, Nynaeve. Suian's actress did a phenomenal job, as you can see her deliberating how exactly to approach the Two Rivers Wisdom. I honestly thought she was going to start talking to Nynaeve like the Wisdom did to her and give her a reality check that way.

    Rand and Moiraine's balcony moment was also very nice.

    About the Dragon Reborn
    I do think this episode does throw out some interesting possibilities. On the one hand, Rand is clearly still going to be it, given that he saw the evil from the Dagger being removed - something no one else commented on - and given that he's the only one of the four to NOT have something about TDR related to him:
    Matt may be believed to be a Male Channeler in-world, and has a supremely strong will.
    Nynaeve is the strongest Female Channeler the Tower has seen in a thousand years.
    Perrin has glowy-eye stuff going on and a relationship with wolves that confuses everyone.
    Egwene is determined, resourceful, and has much potential in the One Power - her admiration of the Aes Sedai would make her a strong ally as a Dragon.
    Meanwhile Rand has sort of just been there. He's had several coincidental things happen around him, but that can be explained due to being a Taveren, not necessarily TDR. Yet. The weirdest thing about him so far is that he may be an Aiel, something we know very little about. (Not that they've explored what a Taveren is much either.)
    But Episode 6 introduced the topic of The Dragon Reborn being five separate people at once. I LOVE this idea, even if the show doesn't lean into it.

    Overall, I'm really curious to see how this will all go down. WoT and Hawkeye have their finales during the same week, so I'll probably spend my Christmas Eve morning watching them back-to-back.

    They also haven't explained what exactly The Eye of the World is in the show itself, so they better do that in the next episode! And one of my favorite characters is rumored to appear in the next episode, and I'm very curious about how she'll be portrayed, and what she'll do.
     
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  17. Addi Ras

    Addi Ras MASTER TEA MAKER
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    So I’m still absolutely loving the show & though Moiraine is still my favourite character Nynaeve Is definitely growing on me.

    a question for book readers I’m serious considering getting into the books but I’m unsure if I should get book 1 now or wait until the end of the season before making my purchase so any advice would be most welcome.
     
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  18. Use the Falchion

    Use the Falchion Jedi Contrarian

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    My recommendation is waiting for Season 1 to end, so you have a better idea of what changed and some possible reasons why. It'll also prevent some potential Season 1 spoilers depending on what you may or may not know at this time. (Particularly who the Dragon Reborn is or what people make up the Dragon Reborn, but there are other characters whose deals are more explained in the books at this point than the show.)
     
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  19. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    I agree with @Use the Falchion here. Finish the show first, it's only two more episodes.

    The rumor (unconfirmed) is that Matt won't be in the last two episodes. That would suck if true, because I don't see narrative sense and I really liked the actor who will be replaced in the second season. On the other hand, I can't wait for the next episode, it's Rosamund Pike's favorite.
     
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  20. DailyPlunge

    DailyPlunge Coramoor

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    I think I might enjoy this series more if I haven't read the books. We're 6 episodes in now and this version so far is told so differently that it's difficult to watch knowing where it's going. There's really not that many major changes in the story, it's the POV of how it's being told. I think I'm a 6-7/10 so far, but not it looks like Mat is out for the remainder of the season. Which really sucks. For people who didn't read the books and pick this up to read it's going to interesting to see what they think.
     
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