Wheel of Time on Amazon Prime

[NobodyHere]

Yeah I read the book about 10 years ago and other than getting chased out of the village and the cursed dagger I barely remember any of it.

[GrantDawg]

Look, this is just me. I don't want to over sell it to people who aren't me. I get people have differing opinions and things they want. This is all my opinion:
I don't think I have ever been as excited for a series as I am now. I was a ASOFAI reader, and then loved the series until they got past the books anyway. This is something else.
I can't tell you how hyped I am after that episode. Where the GOT writers mostly screwed up the story when they left or changed the book material, I feel like Rafe in this series is actually improving the story as he diverges. I am on the edge of my seat to what is going to happen next, and that is not suppose to happen in a book adaptation.

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[larrymcg421]

I've only seen up to the 2nd episode, but the scene where they get split up was amazing. Everything I expected it to be.

[Edward64]

Ep 4 is the best one so far.

Lots of good action. Learn more about the "Bene Gesserit" and the warders. And the showdown in the cave was cool.

[GrantDawg]

Nyneave is my queen.

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[GrantDawg]

Yes. This ACTUALLY happened.#TheWheelOfTime #TwitterOfTime #Avengers #Nynaeve #WoTShowSpoilers pic.twitter.com/ijq3q0sso0

— TheMemeReborn (@TheMemeReborn) November 27, 2021

[RainMaker]

Only 3 episodes in but I am really enjoying it. Halfway through episode 1 I was thinking, this isn't for me, then it really took off.

The pacing is great and I think they've done a great job at explaining a really complicated story to the audience. Outside of a few scenes, I think the special effects have been terrific for a TV show. Even digging the kind of western vibe you get (reminds me a bit of Firefly, not sure if the books were that way).

My only complaint is the cast doesn't seem very strong. Rosamund Pike is so much better than everyone else that I kind of feel sorry for the others. The actor who plays Mat is terrific too and was surprised he hasn't been in more. No one else has been that impressive and I wonder if that's where they had budget constraints. Still early though.

[thesloppy]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

My only complaint is the cast doesn't seem very strong. Rosamund Pike is so much better than everyone else that I kind of feel sorry for the others. The actor who plays Mat is terrific too and was surprised he hasn't been in more. No one else has been that impressive and I wonder if that's where they had budget constraints. Still early though.

Yeah, whether it's the characters or the actors, or by design, I couldn't really say, but the 4 young candidates/protagonists are definitely the least compelling part of the show at this point.

[spleen1015]

Blood and bloody ashes!

Big stuff happening in episode 5 and it was amazing!

[GrantDawg]

WOT was the number one streamed show in the world last week! Pretty nice.
Poor Stepin.

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[Edward64]

Good Ep 5 last night. Ep 4 was a tad better because of all the action but really enjoying learning more about the Bene Gesserit and warders (and the Ogier). Looking forward to more.

[ISiddiqui]

You're getting your fantasy series mixed up. These are the Aes Sedai.

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[Edward64]

I know that. Figured Jordan stole the idea from Herbert.

[RainMaker]

I thought episode 5 was a little slow, but perhaps that's because the previous few episodes have been so hectic. I believe Sanderson (or someone else from the books who was involved in helping the show) said that episode 6 is their favorite. So I'm pretty excited for Friday.

So used to streaming shows in their entirety that I'm not used to this weekly release schedule. Have to go back to Game of Thrones for a show that I would watch each episode on release day.

[tyketime]

I started & stopped the 1st book several times many years ago, and then just set it aside. I'm definitely enjoying the series so far. I also agree that Rosamund is clearly a superior actress that commands attention when she is onscreen.

Spoiler

I though that pained look on her face at the end of ep5 was incredible!

I'm not ashamed to admit that I also turned on Closed Captioning as I knew we would be delving into many names of people/places/creatures, etc. It has helped immensely and I recommend it.

[RainMaker]

Same. Closed captioning is a must to keep track of names and maybe because I'm getting old.

[NobodyHere]

Originally Posted by RainMaker

Same. Closed captioning is a must to keep track of names and maybe because I'm getting old.

I also find myself yelling at the characters to "speak louder" in order to understand them so maybe I'm getting old too (or maybe I need to change the position of my center speaker).

[Edward64]

I had a busted eardrum when younger. I also blame it on the TV speakers (don't have a soundbar yet). And also blame the accent. So yeah, I always have cc on.

[GrantDawg]

My wife generally forces me to hqve captions. It does help catch things you might miss. Like, did you notice the whistling when Mat and Rand got to the inn in Tar Valon? Was there someone who we know who likes to whistle?

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[Izulde]

I always have subtitles on. What's interesting is that in the process of playing Christmas music videos for students periodically, they requested lyrics versions. Gives me hope that subtitles will become more and more mainstream.

[thesloppy]

I use subtitles most of the time these days as well...I think it has negatively impacted my viewing a little, in that I keep my focus on the bottom of the screen & the subtitles cover up some of the dressing/action on occasion, but it's worth the cost to understand things that much better.

[ISiddiqui]

I will note that at the very least, WoT doesn't have the seriously reduced dialogue/center channel and very loud effects. I have never been tempted to turn on the closed captions, because even though there are many a name, if I need to know I'm sure the various reddit threads on the episodes will note them for me .

I tend to not use captions if I can help it, because like thesloppy I find it focuses my eyes on the bottom of the screen.

[GrantDawg]

Brandon Sanderson did a fantastic interview on YouTube talking about his role in the new show, and his thoughts on the changes from book to show. It was really enlightening. He says the next episode is his favorite, which he has stated before.

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[GrantDawg]

So many changes from the book, but man I love it. I have the vaguest idea of what might happen but it is just guesses at this point.

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[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Brandon Sanderson did a fantastic interview on YouTube talking about his role in the new show, and his thoughts on the changes from book to show. It was really enlightening. He says the next episode is his favorite, which he has stated before.

Saw that. Can't wait for the episode to release. Does it come out at midnight or later in the day on Friday? Wonder if I might be able to catch it tonight.

[Edward64]

Another solid episode tonight. Not the best, think Ep 4 with the fighting was better. But enjoyed learning more about the "Bene Gesserit" witches.

I may have to pick up the last 2-3 books that Sanderson wrote.

[GrantDawg]

They come out at 7pm EST every week.

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[NobodyHere]

So why exactly was Morraine exiled from the lesbian club?

[GrantDawg]

By appearance, because she refused to tell the Amyrlin Seat what she was doing while away from the Tower. In actuality, it is because the head of her ajah wanted her to stay in the Tower, and she had to leave to continue the secret goals of her and the Amyrlin.

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[Atocep]

I enjoyed the first 4 episodes overall, although I thought they were kind of hit and miss. 4 was outstanding though. I watched 5 last night and thought it was a terrible episode. Poor editing, poor pacing, and even the acting didn't seem very believable in certain parts (probably the editing). Each previous episode I'd have given a 7 or 8, but that one was maybe a 5. The whole episode just felt off to me.

[Edward64]

Fair episode. Fantastic first 10 min or so, and nice glimpse into the warder personal life.

Found out s1 has 8 episodes. Season 2 has been given a go. And possibly up to 8 seasons.

[GrantDawg]

That fight in the snow was such great fan service to the book readers. To me, it was an excellent episode and I am going to be so sad when the season ends next week.

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[Charles M Neal]

I'm planning to watch it this weekend, I heard a lot of things about it

[Edward64]

We watched a couple episodes of Shannara while waiting for Thu.

The actresses (and guess, actors) are definitely easier on the eyes in Shannara but what a world of difference in acting, storyline, special effects, narrative etc. Don't think we'll be finishing that series.

[NobodyHere]

So from watching tonight's episode I learned that:
I liked the actor playing the Dark One
Battles need better lighting budgets
Do not stand in the shorelines on the Western Coast

[Edward64]

Battles need better lighting budgets

My guess is, like one of the Predator sequels which was too dark in 80% of the fight scenes, it was to hide the lack of/poor/underbudgeted special effects.

Do not stand in the shorelines on the Western Coast

That is true.

BTW - what book did s1 end on? Trying to gauge how much is really left.

[spleen1015]

That was pretty much their take on the end of B1.

[Edward64]

Oh good, so many more seasons to come.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by Edward64

BTW - what book did s1 end on? Trying to gauge how much is really left.

The Eye of The World was quite different in the book than the show, but most agree the final battle was a confusing mess in the book. The Eye was not a seal to the Bore in the book, but this change is a big improvement. Moraine is also not stilled(?) in the book. Rand definitely does not strike out on his own.

[CarterNMA]

Though I generally like the series, there a some major failings.

Spoiler

Episodes 1 and 8 are absolute shit. I despise what they have done with Mat. He's the best character and I don't have a good feeling that he'll be portrayed as the bad-ass he became in the books. Moiraine stilled? And 5 untrained or barely trained channelers taking out 10,000 Trollocs and ~500 Fades? It's not a great show and though I think COVID is partly to blame, the showrunners fell flat on their faces.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by CarterNMA

Though I generally like the series, there a some major failings.

Spoiler

Episodes 1 and 8 are absolute shit. I despise what they have done with Mat. He's the best character and I don't have a good feeling that he'll be portrayed as the bad-ass he became in the books. Moiraine stilled? And 5 untrained or barely trained channelers taking out 10,000 Trollocs and ~500 Fades? It's not a great show and though I think COVID is partly to blame, the showrunners fell flat on their faces.

Spoiler

I disagree, or at least to an extent. The first episode was fine, if a little rushed. It was supposed to be a two hour episode that got cut down by Amazon, so they did what they could. As for 8, it was a much better ending than the EOTW in the books, imo. Remember, Nyneave is more powerful than any Aes Sedai in centuries in the books, but in the show they have made her even stronger. I think they are evening the power between men and women, so she is almost Rand-level. When they formed a circle with her and Egwene, the Lady Amalisa took in more power than she could control. It was every bit enough to destroy the Trollocs (like Rand did in the books with no training btw), but the price was her life and two others and nearly Nyneave. I really don't see a problem with that. On Moiraine, the show is giving her a story arc because she is barely in the next book. Is she really stilled? It looked to me like he actually tied off a shield. Even if she is stilled, we know that someone eventually finds a way to cure that. It is also possible they are setting that up.
And Mat...the actor left them in the lurch. They are having to change his character arc, but do you remember Mat in the first 4 books? Mostly a useless lump, constantly sick. Would that be better?
The show was always going to be a departure from the books. I'm actually glad it is, because it adds a "what happens next" that wouldn't exist if it were too faithful. If I want the book story, I can just reread the books for the umpteenth time.

I love where the show is going. So many surprises and twists even for the book fans. My wife and daughter who haven't read the books love it, which having non-book readers enjoy the series is vital for its existences.

[bronconick]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

The Eye of The World was quite different in the book than the show, but most agree the final battle was a confusing mess in the book. The Eye was not a seal to the Bore in the book, but this change is a big improvement. Moraine is also not stilled(?) in the book. Rand definitely does not strike out on his own.

I think Moiraine got shielded like Logain did (it looks similar), and since Ishy is much more powerful, she probably needs multiple Aes Sedai to help break it, and she's "exiled" by the Amyrlin right now.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by bronconick

I think Moiraine got shielded like Logain did (it looks similar), and since Ishy is much more powerful, she probably needs multiple Aes Sedai to help break it, and she's "exiled" by the Amyrlin right now.

I think that is what is going to happen as well. The only thing that throws me off is the Brandon Sanderson said she was stilled during the live watch he did. I think he misspoke, though. Visually, it was shielding not stilling.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Spoiler

I disagree, or at least to an extent. The first episode was fine, if a little rushed. It was supposed to be a two hour episode that got cut down by Amazon, so they did what they could. As for 8, it was a much better ending than the EOTW in the books, imo. Remember, Nyneave is more powerful than any Aes Sedai in centuries in the books, but in the show they have made her even stronger. I think they are evening the power between men and women, so she is almost Rand-level. When they formed a circle with her and Egwene, the Lady Amalisa took in more power than she could control. It was every bit enough to destroy the Trollocs (like Rand did in the books with no training btw), but the price was her life and two others and nearly Nyneave. I really don't see a problem with that. On Moiraine, the show is giving her a story arc because she is barely in the next book. Is she really stilled? It looked to me like he actually tied off a shield. Even if she is stilled, we know that someone eventually finds a way to cure that. It is also possible they are setting that up.
And Mat...the actor left them in the lurch. They are having to change his character arc, but do you remember Mat in the first 4 books? Mostly a useless lump, constantly sick. Would that be better?
The show was always going to be a departure from the books. I'm actually glad it is, because it adds a "what happens next" that wouldn't exist if it were too faithful. If I want the book story, I can just reread the books for the umpteenth time.

I love where the show is going. So many surprises and twists even for the book fans. My wife and daughter who haven't read the books love it, which having non-book readers enjoy the series is vital for its existences.

Yeah re: Mat

Spoiler

Idk if the actor left them in a lurch or was just bad so they decided to recast, but I have heard that recasting is probably why they had him stay back when the party left for the Eye, and it makes sense they wouldn't want any deep storyline/character development with him once they knew he'd be a new actor next season.

Also as a non book reader I don't think I'm thrilled with the idea they had the fight with the big bad, and they're just introducing a new big bad threat we had no foreshadowing for. Happy there's a larger world than just that continent and excited to see where it goes (and having a human-ish threat instead of some omnipotent representation of evil makes it easier to have real stakes), but if you knew this the whole time you probably should have built that up as a boss battle, not as a final boss battle per se.

[spleen1015]

Regarding Mat

Spoiler

I read that the actor didn't return to filming after they shutdown for COVID. They had episodes 7 & 8 left to film. So, leaving him behind in that moment kind of made some sense.

[GrantDawg]

Re: Mat. Non-spoiler, yes. The actor never came back after the Covid break and they had to reshoot some stuff and write him out of the rest of the season. It is sad that it happened, but I have a pretty good feel of what they are going to end up doing with his character. It will make sense.

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[GrantDawg]

Also Bishop. Your concern about the "big bad". The situation is close to how the first book ended. The new bad guys were introduced in the second book, but they are blending several books into one full story. There are going to be many different bad people with differing agendas, and they will be dealing with them all concurrently most of the time.

[BishopMVP]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Also Bishop. Your concern about the "big bad". The situation is close to how the first book ended. The new bad guys were introduced in the second book, but they are blending several books into one full story. There are going to be many different bad people with differing agendas, and they will be dealing with them all concurrently most of the time.

Sure, and I'm excited for that, but narratively it doesn't make sense to kill The Big Bad then just introduce another one we've never had any foreshadowing about. And I get that it was mostly done a fan service like a post-credits Marvel scene, but it just felt a little cheap -

Spoiler

you had the confrontation vs The Dark One, Moraine was stilled/shielded & Rand splits off which wasn't in the book, let those monumental events breathe and close on them IMO.

[GrantDawg]

Are you sure the Big Bad is dead? Is that really what happened?
I don't want to get to spoiler-y, but not everything is always as it seems.
Edit: btw, the people that showed up at the end were mentioned earlier in the season. The head of the Blue Ajah told Moraine she was going to the west coast to see why ships were disappearing. Here is the answer to that.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by BishopMVP

Sure, and I'm excited for that, but narratively it doesn't make sense to kill The Big Bad then just introduce another one we've never had any foreshadowing about. And I get that it was mostly done a fan service like a post-credits Marvel scene, but it just felt a little cheap -

Spoiler

you had the confrontation vs The Dark One, Moraine was stilled/shielded & Rand splits off which wasn't in the book, let those monumental events breathe and close on them IMO.

I feel like the show could have used a couple more episodes this season. Like you said, a lot happens and it never gets a chance to breathe.