Rafe Judkins (Creators) & Robert Jordan (Novels)

CAST

Rosamund Pike
Daniel Henney
Madeleine Madden
Zoë Robins
Josh Stradowski
Marcus Rutherford
Dónal Finn
Ceara Coveney

Review

There were elements of season one – changes – that I didn’t mind at all, but in this three-episode season premiere these changes seemed a bit pointless, at least so far. I’m mostly referring to Moiraine’s loss, which now looks like a lazy way to create drama in her life. We knew she was strong and determined, could be cold and calculating so having her go through all that loss to showcase sides of her we already knew were there does not seem necessary. Unless it puts Lan in the path of being someone else’s Warder, I don’t see its use yet.

The white tower scenes are the saving grace of this premiere for me, they’re the most intriguing whether it is what Nynaeve and Edgwene have going on or even the basement prisoner storyline. I particularly enjoy how the arches scenes played out, I love some of the implications it gives. Liandrin has been given more depth but somehow more rot.

Having read The Great Hunt so close to the release – I hate doing that -, the changes are more apparent to me but Rand’s storyline seems the most jarring yet, it’s somewhat more interesting than the book. At least, it does a better job of burying the leads regarding the people around him. Perrin is more verbose this season and I love it, it’s also great how they’ve visualized his abilities. Speaking of visuals, the action scenes and VFX are great.

Season 2 premiere now streaming on Prime Video

👉 Full season review

If you’re interested here’s my review of book one, the first season of the show, and book two: