Episode 6: Full Spoiler Review - Wheel of Time Season 2

[@drlufly]

The acting skills displayed in this episode are out of the roof! Lots of nuanced and powerful acting. When Ryma got collared, before Nyaneve burst out, Elayne covered her mouth and looked at her with tears in her own eyes, looking powerless, sad, and yet determined at the same time. This is another level of acting --- showing contradictory, multi-layered emotions in one look!

[@syntaxed2]

I was impressed. The actors seem to grow by each episode and oh boy did they shine in this one - Havent been this impressed since some GoT years ago.Frickin awesome!!

[@nchantedone2073]

I truly was moved by Ryma’s (Yellow Ajah) performance & sacrifice to save the girls. It was heartbreaking & hard to watch Egwene being tortured like that. The Seanchan are horrible, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. I definitely was in the feels this episode. 🥺💔….. (Side bar) the way they use the One Power this season is amazing, some Ajah use it in the most unique ways!

[@paulsweeney9084]

Ryma basically reversed the healing for Breakbone Fever to wipe out the attack. It was interesting watching her mourn the warder just as the Damane mourned her control.

[@emilvibes]

Agreed.. I've been replying this articular scene..

[@milodebruin4821]

​@paulsweeney9084 glad someone else picked up that she anti-healed to fight.

[@josephlawrence6873]

I'm new to the wheel of time... but I'm really enjoying both seasons. With that said I'm both fascinated and confused by the Damane and there controler... does anyone have a theory or history of how the two function as one with the one power? I ask because I think it would make an excellent character class in the Rifts role-playing game.

[@samuelbankston5258]

Agreed. I was tryna understand why she (Ryma) wasn't leashed already but I loved that they gave us time to know her first. Her sacrifice was saddening as well as the Warder and it was top-notch.

[@tren133]

One issue with Min is that in the book, out of all the characters who has some sort of ability to see the future, whether her special skill, or foretelling, or dreaming, Min is the only one who TRULY GOT IT. She understood that if something is destined to happen, then it will happen, and doesn't try to alter that destiny because she understood doing so is useless. People like Elaida or Egwene will see the future, then either misinterpret it, or set about trying to change that future, and often it is that attempt which causes that future to come to pass in the first place. And the show kind of takes that away from Min because they now have Min also trying to change this future destiny by warning Mat even though she should know it would be useless to do so.

[@magister343]

It should be noted that Min does not see the future. She sees the Pattern. She sees how things have happened before and how they will happen again so long as the Pattern endures, but those visions are useless to predict what will happen if the Dark One wins and stops the Wheel. The only way I can think of to stop her from having visions that come true is for the Dark One to destroy the Pattern.

[@Apollo9898LP]

To be fair, we had it established in Season 1 that Min knows everything she sees, the best and the worst, all comes true. So I interpreted that moment as basically Min being so torn up that she was leading Mat into killing his best friend for entirely selfish reasons (getting her curse removed) that she broke down and warned him more as a way of saying she was sorry for the part she played. She knows she can't save him, but she also feels so guilty that she can't just watch it happen and do nothing. At least that's what I got out of it as a non-book reader just going off the show.

[@annas1197]

@@Apollo9898LPthat’s how I saw it as well. I’m loving this season I wish there were more episodes.

[@nicfisher8266]

It will still happen, the only explanation is that Mat has to do something else first before he ‘kills’ rand.

[@nicfisher8266]

Also, Amin’s character has been destroyed in the tv show

[@Sendarya]

I think Mat's current character arc is necessary to explain what happened in s1, when he didn't go into the ways. They've decided to run with the idea that he feels like he's more of a burden and a problem than a help, which is a better explanation than being a coward or a selfish jerk. "We're not better off without you" from Rand was actually quite touching, and I felt it was executed well when Mat immediately find out that Rand IS better of without him from Min. Yes, they are the furthest from the books, I do agree, but considering what they had to deal with from last season, I think they've turned it into a compelling and emotionally devastating plotline. When he finally gets to complete the arc and realize he IS needed by his friends, it is going to be so rewarding!! P.s. Great video, as always!

[@judysonnenberg6237]

One thing that jumped out at me with Rand and Mat's reunion was the lack of fear Mat showed about Rand being the Dragon Reborn. That's different from the books, but I much preferred it tbh.

[@alexanderericson8628]

I am almost sure this is what Rafe would have said as well to defend himself. Nice catch

[@bobross1829]

The Mat story is the only one I think that is still very weak. He has no story right now. I know that outside the show stuff intervened, but what really is his "point" or plot on this show? I cannot see the books applying to his character at this point as he seems completely outside what is happening to everyone else. And Min telling him what she saw kind of felt like way too early for that and a cop out so he would not go with Rand, which in turn makes no sense as if he did, that would bring him back into the show proper.

[@milodebruin4821]

​​​@@bobross1829spoilers Late book Matt goes out of his way to help his friends, even when not required. I think the show is using his current behavior to highlight his change in luck and etc. as his redemption.

[@thelizardkingdc]

Enjoyed this episode. Got stuck on Winter’s Heart so finally finished it after 20 years thanks to this show tbh. I like this season MUCH more and cant wait to finish the series. Thanks for the vids my guy.

[@wendelljones513]

I know this will be redundant... I HATE the short seasons. Eight episodes is simply NOT enough. With that said, LOVED this episode. I now understand why the "sword of truth" Book readers were unhappy with Legend of the Seeker. It was not bad TV, just not the adaptation they wanted to see. I am still glad for the adaption of Wheel of Time. Lets end on a BIG/POWERFUL note!

[@timcornah9815]

Completely agree, feels like they could really do with 10-12 episodes in a season so we get to spend more time with the characters. I think it would help the pacing and allow them to develop the side characters like the whitecloaks etc. It would have been good in the first season to get more time with the emond's fielders as well

[@damouze]

I never understood that, because for Legend of the Seeker, it was made clear, right from the start, that Terry Goodkind had insisted on the series being very different from the books.

[@wendelljones513]

@@timcornah9815 Fingers crossed we get a nice fight at the end that is NOT in the dark. Cause I want to see "sheathing the sword".

[@dunnejos8423]

I think Egwene had a moment of weakness but certainly didn't "break". Her face after she found out that the woman next to her was a blue Ajah was piiiiised. I think she'll play the part of the good little slave until there's an opportune moment.

[@HellKat666]

There was a lot of trauma here in this episode, but I noticed 2 absolutely wonderful things that happened: 1- Nynaeve and Elayne hold hands to support each other for what they will need to do and 2- the renewed resolve showing in Egwene's face before it cuts to credits, just because the woman in the cell next to her finally speaks to her, trying to give her comfort. Hard episode to watch, but oh my.

[@Mephistolomaniac]

As a fan of the books, I was really pleasantly surprised to see logain play Go in one scene. It seems that some of the people working on the show paid enough attention to the books to understand the inspiration of Stones

[@roberttrifts2737]

They have paid **complete attention** to the books; they just don't always follow them, that;'s all. They know all too well when they are not -- they choose to do it anyway. It's not ignorance -- it's a deliberate choice.

[@Mephistolomaniac]

@@roberttrifts2737 That's an assumption, though I can't disprove that either. If it's all deliberate, they do seem to invite a lot of future problems, considering the things they choose not to set up which can complicate the plot later. 14 books worth of plot are a complicated puzzle to mess with

[@Leviticus_Prime]

I think that they changed Mins plot arc simply to give her a reason to go to Falme. In the books, Min goes with Liandrin and the others because shes staying in the tower and is friends with them. In the show they didnt have that friendship but still want her to go to Falme so they changed her arc to being manipulated by the shadow and she'll like end up in Falme trying to stop Mat from killing Rand.

[@Linnir]

Ryma is such a noble and inspiring character. A true Aes Sedai. I hope she is rescued and becomes a recurring character

[@ltbraca470]

They need to save Lan's storyline. Tell his backstory at least. Guy is the John Wick of TWoT series.

[@tren133]

Best they can do right now is a training montage in episode 7

[@stephaniemilligan1067]

Great episode! My only real complaint is Lans arc. This man has a personal war against the Shadow, and they accuse him of bring a Dark friend?!? Then they somehow find Suian on her way back from Caemlyn to the Tower and they all magically end up in Cairhien. Look at a map, did they just go off road to get there? Just super lazy and in an episode were almost every scene nails it, ends up standing out like a bruise. Besides all the obvious good, WE GOT TREE SINGING!!!! Yes, those scenes are a bit hollow, but we got tree singing! Am i hyper focusing on that so i can try to get through the day without seeing Egwene in my head, youre damn right.

[@hoffix1690]

Yes it felt like Siuan has been travelling from Caemlyn to Tar Valon for a few episodes now - then just like that she is suddenly in Cairhen after Lan finds her on the road in what feels like a very short amount of time.

[@grahamcrawford4773]

Loved the lanfear dream costume with the moon imagery shifting from the dark to the light and the Shadows it cast on Rand's face. Will they embrace Sanderson's reveal?

[@neils.9846]

4 lights! Yes, that's exactly what came to my mind, after the show. Great connection to star trek

[@benalo13]

I want to say thank you for saying you dont enjoy whats happening to Lan. He, along with other males, is being horribly misrepresented!

[@blueeyedcowboy8291]

8.7 rating. The key to enjoying this series is admitting it is not going to be the books, but, will be a sped up version of "The Wheel" for a 7-9 year series that hopefully will tell the main parts of the story. So far, in season 2 each episode is better than the next. The actors are killing it this season and this episode was the best. Madden was top notch in this episode. Thing I hate is Lan's storyline. I know its a story arc thing, but why Lan?

[@antonego9581]

Lan's arc is annoying because its decent enough drama, but its just not Lan. I really like the actor playing Lan but they've just totally missed on his character, and the Warders in general. however... other than that I'm mostly really enjoying season 2. im legitimately excited for the future of the show and I think it's turned into a very good fantasy show, not quite on the level of early GoT but far better than the Witcher

[@tw7998]

​@@antonego9581definitely agree with this post. As for the Witcher I like the casting (aside from cavill leaving) it's the writing that's the issue. And yes, it's not Lan.

[@bobross1829]

There is zero chance this show will last that long. Next season will probably be it.

[@DanielCruz-qr6qu]

@@bobross1829 For most non hardcore fans the show is just slow and boring. Season 2 managed to to slow things down so much i'd be surprised if they go beyond the already announced third season as well.

[@AGrassy29]

@@DanielCruz-qr6quinsane take 😂 it’s the most watched show on prime and 7th in the world currently haha has been for several weeks.when they stick the landing this season it’s certain to be renewed for season 4. Also no clue what you’re on about with non hardcore book fans- several that I know are describing some of these episodes as rivaling GOT in the fantasy space

[@SLEEPTHIEFofficial]

Really great series. My biggest issues are the editing (sometimes feels choppy) and lack of build-up to some of the dramatic moments. For example, Lan sneaks out and suddenly Ivohn and Maksim are there confronting him intensely. It didn't feel like there was any real justification or lead up to them becoming suspicious of him. Same thing when Ryma is collared. She's fighting and suddenly on her knees and a collar is snapped on her neck real quick. It seems like there is a lack of smoothness with some of these transitions.

[@jeremiahaldan1639]

This is still my biggest issue with the show as well. Even so, it's turning into a fun ride.

[@stephencruickshank3868]

Yeah. And you would think having her warder kill her would have been worked out way in advance.

[@Alex.Almodovar]

I am not a book reader and don’t plan to be. Thanks to channels like yours I’m getting all the background of the events and characters. I absolutely loved this episode. What happened to Egwayne broke me as did the sacrifice that saved Elaine and Naineve. I cried for them. Great tv. I am officially invested in the show now.

[@NaeBlis]

Love that!

[@ghostofmarcusg]

Please read or listen to the books on audible. The show has bee good so far...the books are orders of magnitude better! Trust.

[@j.s.173]

Why not listening to the audiobooks?

[@Alex.Almodovar]

@@j.s.173 I don’t feel like investing in 14 books. Im good with whatever story the show tells. I know I know the books are always better and Amazon is butchering the source material. I’ll take my book spoilers from the KZbinr fandom and I am good with that.

[@Eman90gr]

I think that the Seanchan/wonder girls' storyline being objectively one of the most compelling things in the early books, was a contributing factor to how well adapted they were in this episode. I'm curious to see how they will handle Egwene's power spike. Dunno, a late-season timeskip would probably be weird. Anyway, funnily enough the Aes Sedai in the TV show are actually leagues more competent than the book A.S. I mean, they admit/realise the black ajah exists left and right! Lol. I loved how Ryma, a yellow, fought back. Both because of her sacrifice and the fittingly "yellow" way she took down that Sul''dam. Lastly, because I like show Alanna, I wonder if she will go about Rand the same way she does in the books... I give this episode a 7.5. Mostly because of the Falme stuff. I agree that Mat and, especially, Lan's storyline is not handled well at all.

[@milodebruin4821]

I thought Alanna was going to Alanna Rand right then.

[@RockyOutcrop]

I know it wasn’t because of my comment previously, I know. And I bet you’re as surprised as I am that it took such a short time to see a show that you gave such a high score to. And I know - you’re not easy to please - so wow! Am I right? Wow! I’m right there with you, buddy, thanks for the review, I enjoyed it like I enjoy all your content and appreciate the effort that goes into making these videos. All the best, keep up the good work. And again, wow, that 8.5 from you is a 11/10 from some other people. All the best.

[@backliteyes]

We should also remember that Moiraine is very much struggling with being stilled and I think that contributes to her being rude and dismissive towards her family. That’s actually the least I’d expect when most Aes Sedai find a way to unalive themselves after burning out.

[@stray_rae]

Not to mention her being enormously sleep deprived, which does something to you.

[@roberttrifts2737]

It's not her choosing to be deliberately rude, it's the Three Oaths at work (and Moiraine has more binding her than those). She can't lie and she won't betray Rand -- or Siuan. She is left to respond with silences that are interpreted as her being rude. Not *quite* the same thing.

[@backliteyes]

@@roberttrifts2737 I think she also doesn’t want to endanger her family by telling them the truth. It would be nice if she said “I can’t tell you, for your safety and others” or something

[@magister343]

Once Stilled, an Aes Sedai is no longer bound by the Three Oaths. The Oath Rod binds a channeler using her own channeling ability. In the books, the deposed and stilled Siuane Sanche was surprised to learn this but went on to take frequent advantage of the fact that she could lie but her former sister's assumed it was still impossible. @@roberttrifts2737

[@MrYouDougTube]

My prediction - the reason Suian brought 14 Aes Sedai to see Moiraine is to link together and break Ishy's shield/stilling.

[@lainy8742]

Good one

[@emilvibes]

I hopeeee soooo ❤

[@Mrsangeandbella]

Love your whiteboard today! (Always do, though)

[@BTQ410]

I have had the same reactions to the Lan plot line and the Mat and Min plot line. They are just weak and so totally different than the characters in the books that it is hard for me to buy them. When Lan gave up the Dragon Reborn to Alanna and company I thought no way. It was wrong. The rest I have really liked and could understand the changes. So far, your thoughts have mirrored mine. Great review.

[@Swiergotka78]

Exactly how you put it: I really don't like some adaptation choices like Lan's, Mat's and Perrin's archs but I am loving this season. I already made my peace with the show being a new turning of the wheel, I'm even OK with major changes like Min working together with Ishy and Mat staying behind again, bc they are still being true to the cores of these characters. But it bothers me when they do something totally out of character or against the lore, like Lan telling Moiraines secrets (book Lan would've died to protect them and show Lan is much diminished as a person by just singinglike a bird) or Suroth openly criticising Turak into his face in front of the whole court. Both scenes are not only major deviations from the books, they also make it totally unclear what Lan and the Seanchan are actually about. Still a 9,5/10 for me for S6.

[@drlufly]

What do you think the rescue of Egwene will play out in the show? In the books, Nyneave broke the collar of a Damane and captured her sul'dam, then collared the sul dam and asked the suldam and Min to lead them to Egweene. But In the show, they say that the collar needs to be healed and cannot be broken. So I'm very curious how they will make rescuing Egwene happen

[@mygirlcheech85]

@lu05721025 But in the kennels Renna said to Eguane... It can not be taken off. Not by you.

[@Blackcatdp2]

I just want to know how egwene break the collar of a damane and would she kill that women that try to slave her?

[@straighttalkwithkyle7947]

Just started watching the video and will edit as I go. But how great was this episode?! Edit. This was the most book centric episode we have gotten. Even though the path to get to these stories wasn't the same as the books, they got right where they needed to be.

[@the_well-known_stranger2275]

It really wasn’t great, it dangled book scenes in front of our faces and was certainly better than the rest of the episodes, but better than garbage isn’t much. It’s still wasting too much time on Liandrin and Moraine’s pointless family drama. Mat acted like Mat for about 5 minutes and then the show went back to shitting on him. The show is still feeling aimless and things are just now starting to happen. It’s going to jump to the end of book 2 with almost nothing of the main content of book 2.

[@henryenyokwa]

@@the_well-known_stranger2275 Enjoy the show, and stop being a whiny baby.

[@sowpmactavish]

This show is certainly in its infancy when it comes to discovering what it means to be a good show, but effort has to be rewarded where it bears fruit. It's classical conditioning 101. Moiraine's family background is hardly pointless. Show watchers never read New Spring or read Moiraine's internal monologue. The family drama is a crash course into what her character is all about. Also Liandrin is probably going to be Elaida now too, much to my chagrin, so you might as well flesh her out. And how'd the show go back to shitting on Mat this episode? The thing closed with him watching Rand leave because he cant bear to risk hurting him. That's a very Mat thing to do. This episode's Mat was Mat to a T.

[@angemcauslan2551]

⁠@@sowpmactavishI agree with most of this except I this Liandrin will be Alviarin not Elaida.

[@sowpmactavish]

@@angemcauslan2551 I thought fucking Leane was going to be Alviarin. She's present for all the Black Ajah-y shit. Jesus, first they race-swap her and now that. You'd think they wouldnt race-swap the characters who are actually meant to be black. That portion of Tower politics kicked off so botched. Not to mention it'd be a disgrace if they actually make Leane Black Ajah.

[@ArchlordZer0]

This show is a mess. The plotlines are all incoherent. Everything is so dark and moody. All of the characters just make dumb decisions and spontaneously start melodrama for no reason other than to make this show have drama. Yes, the books were dark, but there was a sense of hope, heroism, and fun. We get none of that in the show. They introduce new characters just to kill them off when that time could have been spent on other aspects of the book. There is just very little to enjoy in this show. Oh and I forgot that the Horn of Valere even existed, the horn that would help the Seanchan conquer the world and was the focal point of the 2nd book.

[@mikewinter]

Probably one of best episodes yet. No real wasted time or scenes. Felt emotionally connected to characters thoughout...I would actually give it a 9/10. Agree with u about Lan but I think Mat character actually has path forward that makes sense. His crack about not letting Rand get arrogant and then cheering him for being DR felt like a Mat personality, but he should have told Min....'I just won't kill him' and cracked a 'Mat' grin and gone off to meet Rand.

[@myhamismad]

OMG I made the 4 lights comment to my partner as well HAHAHA

[@michaellee9926]

This isn’t even wheel of time at this point

[@ulaikamor]

Definitely the best episode in the whole series so far. I would give it an 8.

[@kylemania_fitness]

seems to me they are trying to find a way to get everyone to falme and get a lot closer to the book after last season fiascos.

[@thinggood1435]

4 lights! I found the title interesting here. Obviously it’s Renna’s eyes that have no pity here, but it’s interesting that an episode with this title had no Perrin. But it’s a great title to use, so I get it.

[@anydaynow01]

I still think she is shielded but with Saidin so maybe that's the reason she feels like she has been stilled. But who knows what happened in this flicker!

[@jonasschmutzer4910]

Thats it 100%

[@leza4453]

Maybe, but the doorframe scene does not need her beimg able to channel

[@MrBellsa61]

Solid episode, not the best of the season, not the weakest. All the Falme scenes were fantastic! Logain being able to see and feel Rand's channelling feels like a minor change, but I still found it annoying, the vfx were some of the worst of the season and it made no sense lore wise. Overall I'm starting to see how they're weaving the plots back together after s01's debacle ending. 7/10 episode, hoping the last two are crazy!

[@EJaramillo]

I don’t like who they cast as Matt, he just doesn’t feel like Matt and he is way too old to play the part.

[@Ceej474]

This is a 9.5/10 episode for me, can't choose between this, ep 5 or ep 3. Some highlights are when Lanfear says "Ishy dear", the reunion between Rand and Mat was just heaven, Rand bargaining with Lanfear about Egwene, everything involving Egwene, when Egwene woke up in her cell still asking for Rand after he visited her in her dream omg I bawled. I don't actually mind the Lan stuff this episode feels like it's moving in the right direction finally- and I think Lan is going to help Rand in his meeting with the Amyrlin next episode. I also love Min and Mat, I genuinely prefer this version of Min personally, and I think Mat is fantastic despite his lesser involvement so far. I think they will both have wonderful reception arcs that have us cheering for them. Rhyme was awesome. The reveal with Maigen at the end was heart-breaking. Lanfear is slaying- her scene with Liandrin came as shock and really showed the power dynamic. Ahh I just loved the whole thing.

[@Mclearmountain]

Another good episode.

[@YagamiZero]

I feel like the worst part of the episode besides the lan and min stuff were more technical stuff. The directing and editing in some scenes were really weird and that last scene of the Yellow Aes Sedai was really choppy and weird, the choreography was bad. The damane and Sul'dam were just standing there without doing nothing instead of shielding or incapacitated her. And now everyone is teleporting

[@tw7998]

Just finished my first watch. Wow, intense, emotional brilliant acting from the actress playing Egwene The only scene that was off was lan again. Nobody could think lan a darkfriend given his history, its ridiculous. . Fab episode, i was teary eyed at the end.

[@SpydeyDan]

Disagree about Lan. No one in the audience could suspect him of being a darkfriend, true, but within the story, the Aes Sedai know very well that darkfriends are hiding among their friends and spend years building trust. There are darkfriends among the Borderlanders sworn to fight the Shadow, and they exist at the highest level. They know Lan was hiding a prophecy of the Shadow from them, and they don't know why. It's suspicious at the very least, and the smart move in this world is to trust no one, particularly those you trust the most.

[@evanlosee8026]

I found suspicion of Lan believable. There's no reason to expect Alanna to know Lan that well, and betrayal to the Shadow by members of Lan's own family was why there is no longer a Malkier.

[@BranceCrantly]

"There are four lights!" Nailed it.

[@MarisuSedai]

I’m glad you came around to thinking this is exactly Moiraine from the books, because that’s exactly what I see. She’s selflessly devoted to the greater good and the victory of the Light, but she sucks at showing that to other people.

[@smaug1234]

none of the shows characters are exactly like their book counterparts, but that would be a lot to expect from the show. The show has done ok with her character for the most part, but the whole stilled thing is unneeded, its ok for her to just be not powerful enough to hang with Forsaken.

[@henryenyokwa]

@@smaug1234 you are sad, man.

[@jonknapp5078]

I've read all of the books and Mat was one my favorite people. I don't remember Min's viewing about Mat killing Rand . What I remember was her telling him that he was going to marry the daughter of the nine moons and then for the next several books he is trying to find out who the hell that is.

[@mateusgomide9425]

I'm a huge book fan so I've been watching the show to see how well this series would be. Season 1 is just awefull, nothing in it can be saved in my opinion. Season 2 have made a huge improvement from the previous one. It's not perfect and has A LOT of plot and script problems, but it's definetly better than season 1. Episode 6 was by far the best episode in the entire show, Egwene's actress just nailed it, I hope they keep this quality. Lan's plotline is just dumb, whoever made it must be fired lol.

[@scpatl4now]

As a non book reader, I hear people go on about how Matt is their favorite character, but so far he really hasn't done anything this season, and there aren't very many episodes left. Also, the 4 lights reference was spot on (I wonder how many people know where that comes from)

[@charlesbillington8511]

The book readers love Mat for what he is and does in later books, but in the books that correspond to what we’ve seen so far from the story he’s kind of meh, so it’s a bit unfair of the book fans to want him to already be awesome IMO

[@jonasschmutzer4910]

Its really funny you say that, because I felt exactly like you when I started reading the books. Thats not a show vs books kind of thing. Everybody who starts the books is like "why does everyone love mat so much? He doesnt really do much" up until book 4 or 5. Mat really gets to shine further into the story, and I hope they are going to translate that well onto the screen.

[@Rumalf101]

Mat is by far the best character in wot imo. These directors don’t know what they doing

[@stephencruickshank3868]

I saw that episode of Star Trek once. On A snow day. When I was like 10. And I think about it on a regular basis lol.

[@scpatl4now]

@@stephencruickshank3868 It was a very disturbing episode.

[@davidh8924]

As a black American, the breaking of Egwene by slavers hit so hard. 😢

[@tren133]

Perhaps apropos that the Seanchan are rocking the American accent. After all, it is a nation founded by old world colonialists who sail to the new world, takes it over, and builds it into an empire on the backs of slaves, then decides it is their manifest destiny to now impose their will on the entire world...

[@tren133]

@@judysonnenberg6237 The Seanchan are essentially the worst aspects of our real world superpowers (China and the US) all rolled into one.

[@Rumalf101]

She’s not black in the books, relax. Just woke directors messing everything

[@judysonnenberg6237]

@@tren133 I agree. But they also incorporate the slavery-centric economy of the South before (and arguably after) the Civil War.

[@AndyLuu72]

This is the best episode to date! I was so emotional!!! Can't wait for next week, but sad that we only have 2 episodes left.

[@andrewberenson5717]

9.0 out of 10. I think Moiraine believes she is stilled. However, I think in actuality, she is only shielded. Siuan will give Moiraine guidance as to unknotting her shield.

[@Saa_la]

Shielded with saideen I would assume, so Rand will have to untie her. Or Ishy himself would, to annoy Lanfear.

[@Phoenix-King-ozai]

Season 2 till date has been way better than season 1

[@scpatl4now]

I have a question...when Rand was channeling the One Power, there were black strands running through it. Is that "dark power" (I don't know what else to call it)

[@NaeBlis]

That's the taint on the male half of the One Power that the Dark One put on it that makes the men go crazy

[@Martin-d7m9c]

That would be the taint on Saidin

[@RonBarnhart]

I agree 100% with Nae Blis on this episode. This was the first episode for me that felt like it had some cohesion and that actually moved the story in a worthwhile direction. I am still not a fan of the adaptations - there are some I can live with even though I don't support them. But, this was literally the best episode I've seen so far. It was the first one that actually has me anticipating the next episode to come out. I'm completely on board with 8.5/10 for the rating.

[@AndrolSedai]

"There are four lights!" 😆

[@colsanders4036]

Overall the Ep (in the structure of the show) was not bad, but I actually did bot like that Nyn/Elaine felt way less competent/determined than we got in the books. It felt to me that they were presented as helpless girls in need of saving. In the books this part of their storylinw was very scary for them, but there was a hope that their determination and drive would see them through. In the show they are save (twice) by Ryma (from the street/hidinh and the sacrafice play). In the books there is not anything like this. To me, it makes tgem feel less competent, and it pushes Elaine into the background in favor of a character from the books we really only hear about, bur do not really meet.

[@fardareismai4495]

I think they're going to get that next episode, this made sense to me and served to set higher stakes, even a bit of channeling can get them captured and they can't fight head on. I am certain that they will get their resourceful arc next episode, they have no choice

[@colsanders4036]

@@fardareismai4495 It could be, but it just feels that so many choices in the show result in diminishing the women from the books. For example in S1E1 when Egwaine is told she could be the dragon reborn and must come vs the book when it her personal insistance and agency that she leave with the boys. These show choices just seem to weaken these very strong women. I get that there are some other things they are trying to do, It just feels that most of this could be done in other ways. My big problem I guess is the overemphasis of characters that were either not in the books of barely in the books to explain things at the cost of not developing book prime characters. I just believe the developmen could be done in other ways with the prime book characters.

[@dmc009]

Lan/moiraine, matt/min.. hot, garbage, pizza... SPOILER: If egwene stays damane thru ep 7.. like, has to kill innocents or something, that would be emotional payoff... .. every sec thru ep 6 I was waiting for egwene to get free... ... I hope she stays damane till ep 8 and part of a battle in the clouds.

[@damouze]

I absolutely loved this episode. I give it 8.5/10 as well. Egwene's will may have been broken, but her spirit hasn't. The moment she realizes the person next door is Aes Sedai, the expression on her face turns back to resolve (this is basically her way of saying "there are four lights"). So for now, there may be quite literally a chain of command, but I don't expect it to last. My favourite character is still Nynaeve, both in the books and in the adaptation. She is, currently at least, the most powerful female channeler after Lanfear, but she lacks control because of her block. I am now even more convinced that the vision of the future she had was of the moment she overcomes her block. She has a good friend in Elayne. Sophie Okenedo as Siuan is impressive. There is something regal about her portrayal of the character. She is the bloody queen. Basically, she rules. I'm kind of in the middle regarding Min. I was half and half expecting her to have been turned into a darkfriend by Rafe, but I am glad she wasn't. I like her portrayal in the series a lot. Moiraine being stilled concerns me, because it is a major digression from the origninal plot. I am really not sure what's in stock for her.

[@magister343]

I think it is pretty clear that they will be shifting some plot points about Siuane Sanche and Leane Sharif to involve Morraine instead/too. Nynaeve is going to have to heal her ability to channel. I'm afraid they may cut the Eelfin and Aelfin plotlines too, and have Morraine need to rely on an angreal as a result of women not being able to heal woman as effectively as man instead of due to the Snakes and Foxes draining away most of her power.

[@wotfanedit]

Straight and to the point. I agree with everything in your review and would rate the episode 8/10. You touched on the storyline aspect of Lan and Siuan's travel, but I think the biggest issue here is the time and distance aspect...there's definitely some convenient teleporting going on and it takes me out of the scene with how blatant it is. There surely was a different way to get Lan and Alanna's party together with the 14 Aes Sedai and the Amyrlin all to Cairhein in a more logical way. The entire Lan plot smells of "we couldn't afford to pay Rosamund AND Daniel to be in so many scenes together across the season, let's split them up so we cut down their hours".

[@nickbriggs8059]

Just watched ep 7 and… o…. M…. G!!!! It’s getting so so good. They have changed stuff but it lit keeps me from knowing what happening next. I’ve read the series 5 times so I know it in and out and I’m honestly glad they’ve changed things. Wasn’t a fan of some of the changes but it’s getting SO GOOD. IMO at least.

[@Zeopher]

Not collared AGAIN !! 🔥⚡ This one was the best episode. By far. I really loved it. I want all the Suldam collared and pouring some water.

[@kamenmarin2069]

Ok, I think Suan’s arc with the stilling is moved to Moiraine. We don’t need Suan at all after “you know what in the tower” (don’t want to spoil anything), she can die during the “thing”. Basically we don’t need her as character, and it makes sense something major like “Nynaeve’s discovery” to happen to major character… I don’t se Suan as major character at all…

[@Pooh0Bear8]

Constructive criticism, the last part of the video is good. You may consider mixing the last half with the first half (example: I don't like what they are doing with Lan. In this episode they continue [insert actions/behaviors]... This is a poor adaptation of the character Lan from the book) Your channel has potential, keep up the good work.

[@johns70]

Egwene scenes were very good. The rest is sub-par, except when the Forsaken gets scenes. The “stilling” of Moiraine feels like a cheap cop out to not have to deal with the additional oath of servitude she for some unfathomable reason had to swear on the Oath Rod in Season 1. Ofc they will make it “fixable”, just like Egwene can heal Death in Season 1. Bleh. But at least they get torture right…

[@MustafaAlmosawi]

I rated this episode an 8, and ep5 an 8.5 mostly because we have more Lan this episode and his entire arc this season has been utter trash. Maybe there will be some payoff, but the deep betrayal of the secrecy around the Dragon, and the stupid jumping to conclusions by Alanna and her Warders around the poem, coupled with the mid-journey interception of the Amyrlin is just awful, nonsensical storytelling. Rafe mentioned in the BTS that Lan and Moiraine’s storylines are supposed to mirror each other, but the execution has been sloppy on Lan’s end. Also the sweet cruelty of pairing Mat and Rand together only to have Min reveal the betrayal… was an act of audience cruelty in an episode already sick with it. I was never much a fan of Perrin - excepting the Scouring of the Two Rivers story line and the very late Dreamworld stuff, and Rand’s always been a choppy character, but to give us a taste of Rand and Mat awesomeness only to snatch it away. I hate Rafe and co right now, and while it’s bittersweet from an in-show perspective, I don’t fully understand the reason behind the Min changes that enable this whole scenario. If it pays off, kudos, but so far, hate it. Loved the Seanchan sequences, Suroth is petty and insecure, Renna has that alien worldview and plays it so matter-of-fact, with a devastating kind of empathy (It must be hard to grow up thinking you’re a woman only to find out you’re a damane). Ryma and Basan did so much in so few minutes on screen - I love what a well placed teeth kiss can do! The Elayne and Nynaeve bond is so touching and it will be great to watch them struggle together. Lanfear and Liandrin, actually is an under-appreciated moment, to see Lanfear completely discombobulate Liandrin so deftly was great motivated characterization and plot development. Rand’s first lesson with Logain was a bit of a miss for me. We do get a distinction that male channeling is different than women’s channeling, but that would only make sense if we had a scene where Moiraine attempts to teach him and it all goes wrong - to show that women’s connection with their portion of the One Power is very different. The scene felt rushed compared to the Nynaeve dirty water scene or Moiraine teaching Egwene to touch the source for the first time. I hate to make this type of observation, but it’s as if our male leads get second-rate character beats and plot development compared to our female leads, and for the life of me, I don’t know why that should be the case. But there it is.

[@wisshard4448]

I very much agree with your assessment of Moiraine. Rosamund's demeanor is different from book Moiraine, but the show has done a great job capturing Moiraine's focus and drive. I don't like Lan's arc either, but I think he's been consistently written and within the show, he makes perfect sense. In the books, Lan's sense of duty (his War against the Shadow) and dedication to it is central to his character, the reason for his tightly wound self-control and why he avoids relationships, but in the show he's been portrayed differently from the start. In the show, Lan is more casual, less focused and driven, and his sense of purpose dependent on Moiraine.

[@fartfacemuldoon5657]

That was a solid 10/10 for me. Heartbreaking!

[@anydaynow01]

Agreed, hard to believe there are only two episodes left, feels like there needs to be four to prevent the story from feeling rushed before the horn is blown, like the Battle of Falme should be an episode in a half at least in and of itself.

[@wyvern723]

Yeah, I definitely don't like that Moiraine not being able to channel. It's not adding much. It better not be permanent. I didn't enjoy this episode as much as the previous one. As I said, I'm tired of depowered Moiraine and the Dean Chan brutality from the Great Hunt is always so gut wrenching.

[@BadBird686]

I don't think the main message the brutality of Egwene's torture and training is stating, is how terrible the Seanchan are. That is a secondary message. This is major character development of Egwene's character. We should expect her to be very different going forward.

[@catherinemckeown2746]

So this is my prediction, Rand wants to get to Falme to save Egwene, Moraine and Lan go with him. They can't use the Ways because of Trollocs so they take Portal Stones. Maybe Verin goes too. Cant remember if she came with Siuan or not. We keep seeing them on the show. They get trapped there for months and during that time Lan teaches Rand how to sword fight. I think Lan has pieced together that Moiraine is shielded and asks Siuan to help. I think Siuan uses her knot untangling skills to undo the shield.

[@smaug1234]

I can live even with the Lan stuff this episode, at least he did something besides cry. id go all the way to 9.8, the niggles are small in this one. I don't like that the way people jump around it makes the world seem like its the size of a shopping mall, I get that they are able to just send out the orders from magical means in the show but how about printing something on the screen to show what order the events take place in. The events Lan is involved in this episode would have to take place weeks before the Moraine/Lanfear encounter with the exception of his meeting with Rand. Outside that I thought this was fantastic. This is a fantastic cast, all the acting is great. The eggy stuff was the meat of the episode and it was very much what I wanted to see from the show. Lanfear eats the screen whenever she is on it, and I give extra credit for the different looks she has for TAR vs real world, it just does so much to tell what is happening where. I also love that for ishy they kept the look the same but put in those little jumps, it adds character. I need to see where they go with the Mat stuff, nothing is really wrong for me yet but it could go either way.

[@Martin-d7m9c]

If you threw 14 jigsaws into a box, mixed up the pieces and then told someone to put them back together again, but they could only make 7 complete puzzles you would end up with the equivalent of this adaptation. Interesting pictures with some highlights but ultimately, not the full picture, wrong pieces in the wrong places and way too many pieces left out of the picture altogether

[@zenrand688]

I agree with all of your assessment - the Lan plot line feels so wrong, as does the Min/Mat plot line. At least the Min/Mat plot line might have some payoff (I sure hope so!) down the road but what they’ve done to Lan’s character is an abomination imo and I don’t see how they recover from it. He seems to have lost all agency in the story and is not at all behaving as Lan would in the books - this makes me really sad as Lan is one of my favorite characters throughout the series. The Egwene/Renna scenes were amazing - much credit to Madeleine for pulling this off in an authentic way - never over-the-top yet so emotional and convincing - just perfect. I also feel that Rand/Josha got to stretch his legs as a character/actor and is doing a great job of showing the progression of his arc. The writing is definitely a highlight for this episode and I hope it keeps building the momentum the last two or three episodes have shown.

[@carlosgomez3640]

Leas Liandrin, Moraine and warders quote and More Matt and Tom quote off the history. I like the seasson improve in quality but guionist job could be better.

[@garyodom474]

The Egwene collaring part was pretty well done by both Madeline Madden and the actress who played the Suldam. The rest of the episode was a distressing continuation of the rather complete deviation from the original Robert Jordan Wheel of Time story. Harriet really approves of all of this??

[@jenw5056]

Two of my favorite book characters are Min and Mat. They are hilarious but in this TV show however, not at all. Makes no sense those changes. 🤔🤦‍♀️

[@shawnwallace7074]

Between Ryma's capture and Egween's captivity I was thoroughly pleased with this episode. It fully captured the horror that is Seanchan society (at least in regards to channelers). The other plot lines portrayed in this episode I think will have to wait for future pay outs....But I agree the Lan plot line is by far the weakest of the show as a whole. I really like the actor, but he really needs the writers to up their game and give him something to work with.

[@gcp5898]

I feel like after this episode Mat is close to being Mat. We actually get to see the gambler, the joker, laughing and chasing women. It gives me some hope. Lanfear has been done extremely well. The fades are absolutely horrifying. Thats all the positives i have

[@charliebrett2432]

I'm not gonna lie but Min being a reluctant Dark Friend adds so much to her character. In the book most of the way throughout, she was always there for not enough reason other than for Jordan being like 'Oh here's this future event that is going to happen to someone' so I actually like this new Min. Even if they're trying to change her love interest to Mat I'm ok as Min and Mat are actually kinda similar in many ways and definitely was a friendship that Jordan should have explored in the books.

[@AmpND]

I watched the scenes with the Renna and Egwene. I just felt meh after Egwene was "broken". Min's bit in this episode didn't make sense to me so need to wait and see how that plays out. While the scene with the yellow and her warder kinda looks cool the set up doesn't make sense. Remember there is a knock at the door yet the Aes Sedai and her warder walk out onto an street AND THEN the Seanchan soldiers and damane/suldam show up. I guess the payoff was cool so why think about the setup.

[@bobc538]

I agree that both Matt and Min are not on point. Previous decisions are showing weakness. I don't like Moiraine 's character at all( show Moiraine) she's very unlikable. Although I obviously like her character in the books despite her need for secrets. This was a great episode despite a few problems. Looking forward to the last two episodes

[@samfalsetti1836]

Mat, Min, Lan, and Alanna’s plot lines are killing me. These are just terrible plot arcs and Lan, as well as Mat, are just making choices that are so far from their in book characters. Other than that the series is really hitting the arcs and characters for Rand, Moriane, wonder girls, Lanfear, Avi, etc. but those plot lines for Lan and May are just awful and painful when put on screen

[@billnolte8644]

Love the whiteboard quote this time. Fantastic! By far the best part of the episode, and it isn't even there except in your review. Just awful episode. Can I give negative numbers on the rating?

[@Square_Peg]

I disagree with you about Moraine, sure, in the books she is very driven and trying her best to guide Rand towards the last battle so he can save the world, but she never comes off as rude as she does in the show. I think they are doing a horrible job with her and ruining her as a character, but I do agree with you the stilling her was a mistake. I also agree with you about the Lan story line and the Matt/Min story line. They are horrible and I can't fathom why they did things this way. I wouldn't call this well written or outstanding, you are always way too nice to them in your ratings. I gives this a 4/10 which is very high for me and it is because of the Egwene parts. They were awful to watch, but really portray how the Seanchan treated her.

[@spiderwrangler4457]

Her sister is Anvaere, not Oliver...

[@donvineyard8654]

I like all the actors. Henney was my fan pick. And I think he has been utterly wasted as a character. Mat could be fantastic with this actor. Doesn't make much sense. Min has been trashed, and I hate it. Best episode so far, but dang it was chaos getting to this point. So much of it feels forced into a strait jacket to get to this point where it kind of resembles the book story. I hope it stays closer from now on...but I'm not holding my breath.

[@samuelbankston5258]

Aahhhh! Thank the Creator for season 2! Now if we can just pan out a teensy bit during fight scenes....

[@davidarmstrong1617]

There's something very wrong with the TV adaptation when I like Liandrin more than Leane. One is sympathetic... the other is not.

[@yetanotherhma2]

huh im curious about when book moraine went super secret with lan apart from the bond passing part. Almost everything else she shared with him? So what am I not remembering?

[@bryancorse2319]

Most of the time, I just roll my eyes at your whiteboard quotes, but this one was absolutely spot on! Love the TNG reference. Great video, as per usual. Very excited to see these final two episodes, keep up the great work!

[@cyanbloodbane1]

Still hate the wated time on Moraine and Lan. So much screen time devoted to Lan and Moraine doing basically nothing. While the boys get almost no screen time and development. I think tgey did the Egwene scenes very well. I was worried the were going to sugarcoat the seanchan brutality. I think they are telling the girls story pretty well but the boys have been tossed aside.

[@philippscholze2547]

I would score it 9.5 the acting was fantastic! I really started to like the new mat and the egwene scenes were so good... Lan really should man up! hes a shame compared to book lan..

[@jasonbates2442]

What I NEEEEEEEEEEEED to know is................. Did Lanfear kill Leandrin's son?

[@jeffreykoss270]

Good stuff. Like your rankings. You are correct....Lan is not Lan. Mat is not Mat. I do enjoy the TV set so far though. Books are the coolest 😊

[@vinodsingh-tg3gb]

The story is too slow, this way it will take more than 15-20 yrs to complete. Meanwhile the storyline is grasping but I m sure it's due to the long time n slow pace loose interest n viewers

[@tomislavcehajic9642]

This series of books and adaptation have one big problem, villians are awful, we have no Lannisters, Cleganes, Littfinger and list go on and on

[@seanypat1030]

I was not happy with s1 and was very skeptical of this one going into it.However, overall this season has really been a pleasant surprise with each passing episode. Hope they continue and finish strong.

[@patriciamiller1523]

I am re-reading the book series right now as i am watching the series. I want to comment on your Mat comments. I couldn't agree more about the changes to his character arc and how they do not relect the essence of Mat in the books.They may be trying to capture his wit, charm, luck... but i only see his pain. Perhaps this is a reflection of how his broken home in the Prime series has shaped his character but this is not the Mat that i sdore in the books.

[@micahblackwell5717]

So did they change the term "Gardner" since they have Oiger that are used as soldiers and that's what they are called. They definitely are using more terms and lore from the books.

[@alingaidin1473]

The best parts of this episode were the parts that aligned most closely with the books. Perhaps the writers should take that into consideration going forward. I give the Egwene scenes a 10/10 and the Lan scenes a 1/10. The Egwene scenes represent what this show could truly be. I dare to dream that they put as much thought and effort into developing characters who are not female channelers as they do those who are.

[@IvanT7]

Wait is Suan Sanche from the Sanchen lands? Interesting background