WOW! Wheel of Time S2 E5 REACTION & REVIEW! (Heavy Spoilers)

[@rebekkahdavi8493]

One thing I liked that I haven’t seen mentioned yet is that Moraine has finally begun to figure out how to work with Rand without getting his back up. At the end, when she’s discussing that they need Rand to go to sleep, she emphasizes that *this* time, it’s his choice. This is how she finally becomes an advisor that he trusts.

[@Kattleyah]

Good thought, but I feel this just happens too fast, just due to the fact they were barely together. Even surprised he followed her away from "Selene" and seemed to trusted her word. Hope they do expand on it a bit further tbh

[@Harldin]

The problem with Travelling is you have to know the place you are travelling from very well and you do have to know where you want to go. Lanfear was following Morraine and Rand through country she did not know, had no real idea where she was going to travel to.

[@abj136]

Dain saved Perrin too when Valda came by and asked what’s in there? Dain said don’t worry there’s no wolves there. Dain knew from earlier Perrin was scared of something, and protected him.

[@philc2729]

I was completely blown away by the episode, even at the 30min mark. I was looking at the clock and wondering if they can keep up energy level. In fact, it even got better as the show went on. So much lore, little bits of exposition, necessary for future development. Couldn't be happier with this adaptation. Cheers to the writers for an excellent compelling story.

[@Rhiandell]

I also want to say, as much as I absolutely love your unravelled videos, these are great too. I love seeing your excitement! It's so contagious! ❤️

[@UnravelingthePattern]

Thank you so much!!

[@OrdinaryVisionaries]

Absolutely!

[@smaug1234]

She killed the horse to sell that they were gone on horseback, its actually quite smart imo, shows that Moraine is in it to win it, but also that in typical Aes Sedai fashion she is tricky. Two birds stoned at once :)

[@questionsroxelane3643]

That was exactly my understanding!

[@phantiasmic]

Killing the horse also set up the encounter with the man riding up, otherwise that would not have happened so it really drove home 2 key points. 1) Moraine will do whatever it takes, even touch choices and 2) Lanfear is the most dangerous... big time.

[@smaug1234]

3 birds stoned at once :)@@phantiasmic

[@smol6193]

I feel like the show is starting to be what we all(some of us) expected it to be from the start. EDIT: Since I have committed an unforgivable crime including people who hates the show as well on my ever impactful youtube comment, I would still like to apologize to the earnest show haters. Hope they find it in them to forgive me.

[@theorcaswereright]

I started watching the show then started reading the books and I have to say, it really feels like a story that takes its time to set things up. But once things are in place the payoffs are incredible.

[@realitia]

I agree. Episode 5 was incredible. I've read the book series twice, and I'm appreciating the adaptation for what it is: an awesome adaptation. I feel like the show/production team, etc. are really starting to find their groove in the second season. I was also on the edge of my seat for much of the episode! Especially as one who's read the books, I appreciate the way the show is surprising me with its changes to the characters/storyline.

[@svendragon8139]

Hahaha no

[@smol6193]

@@marr737 I have no idea why you are this salty about a youtube comment lol. Some people agree with me. So I am speaking for them as well. We dont need your validation and opinions to enjoy a show. You can cry somewhere else about your issues.

[@HeronMarkHero]

@@smol6193 well is it all or some? cause you're not speaking for me either. and i gotta wonder who's salty, look at your response to an eight word comment.

[@naorivas]

O'Keefe is the perfect Lanfear. Verin's bird stare is perfect. I still want to see her head-in-the-clouds brown sister stereotype act, though!

[@jaysemitchells497]

God I'm so glad this was an episode I can fully love, no caveats besides minor ones. Thrilling, made me feel so many things, got me excited for things to come. The Ishamael / Lanfear scene in the world of dreams was straight out of my imagination.

[@jutmagt2587]

What I love the most in this episode is that they finally seem to have a path towards the season finale for all the main characters. That is the main reason why book 2 is one of my favorites, because it is the only book in the series (?) where you feel like you know where the story is headed; and I also think that they have struggled with that in the adaptation to this point. Also loving that Fain finally is back, the surprisingly nice portrayal of Dain Bornhald, Verin feeling more like Verin, Perrin having his most interesting episode in the series already from his first scene, that there's a reason that Galdrian is now queen, proper motivation for the bad guys from the Lanfear/Ishamael and Moiraine scenes and a lot of other stuff. I for some reason am looking so much forward to the Great Game and the wedding going forward, because Rand doing Rand things in Cairhien this season has been even more noteworthy for the nobles than in the books. I hope this can escalate just as good. I didn't really enjoy Lanfear hunting main characters as it seems a little bit too overpowered as of now. It may be ok for this episode but can be concerning going forward if all the forsaken are this strong.

[@mEmory______]

The presentations of the "Great Lord" as some as yet unknown outside entity that even the terrifying and powerful Forsaken obey gave me chills. The reference to the Dark One as a yet unknown character made me really excited for how they will portray him

[@livechilllife]

I will never miss an unraveled video even if it is a year late !

[@questionsroxelane3643]

Absolutely!!! And they help analyse and speculate what might be coming not only later this season but also in the Grand Scheme of the entire show!!! Watching them before a rewatch of the episode itself is a delight coz there are always details we miss, and Lauren helps us pick them faster and more thoroughly!

[@EjderOfMah]

Hello, thanks for your job! Regarding Unraveling the pattern videos, can't say about the audience in general, but I was planning to watch them after the end of the season, to kinda summarize the experience for me and revisit it without rewatching all episodes. I just wanted to say, don't think that they are unwanted and just keep doing what you do best!

[@Rattatoskr]

After watching the episode and being as excited as ever I was hoping for a reaction video of you. To watch your video and find you as excited as I'm made my day. After being disappointed about the start of the show you single handely pulled me back into the world of WoT with your HQ content. Keep up the great work!

[@bohtell5047]

Lews Therin and Rand are the same soul, so every time that soul is spun out, The Dragon is reborn. Funny thing, the Wheel of Time is actually a story being told in the forth age about the third age.

[@SkylaGrimes]

I'm only at 03:52, but I just wanted to let you know that I love and I watch all of your videos! Even if the unraveling videos come "late", they still give so much amazing information, presented in an easy-to-watch way. To anyone who isn't going back to those videos: definitely do!! They are worth your time.

[@twofrenchbears]

In the books , it’s as if it’s the second turn of the wheel because Rand is the first reincarnation of the Dragon. In the series, they gave the impression that there were several turns already. So The term Dragon reborn is mainly to reinforce the idea of ​​the eternal return in the wheel of time. And easily explaining to viewers the motivations of certain dark friends like Dana from E3S1 who wants to stop the wheel because she is tired of all these turns of the wheels. “The wheel keeps turning and the people keep hurting… The dragon has a chance to change all that Break the wheel make it stop.” And it seems Ishamael has the same motivation. He thinks is the chosen among the forsaken because he’s the only true believer. “I believe the only way to stop the suffering Is stop the wheel itself” He says to Lanfear. Just our humble opinion on this Dragon Reborn idea. ;) KEEP ON THE GOOD WORK. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL.

[@abj136]

The books are clear that there have been hundreds of turns before the book.

[@twofrenchbears]

@@abj136 oh we forgot about that ;)

[@markweedon5678]

The books and the show are also clear that even myths are long forgotten by the time that age comes again. Lews Therin is the Dragon. But it does feel good that this is the "strongest" arguing point for me at this time. 😅😂 I do agree that they are trying to reinforce the reincarnation theme and I'm ok with them calling Lews the dragon reborn too now. On the cold opening where I first heard that... I was not so cool about it, but the show still hadn't had a chance to deliver all the goods it's now starting to deliver. Now "the empress, may she live forever".... eps 6-8 had better keep up the tempo! Lol😅😂

[@athomenotavailable]

The Dragon Reborn^infinity;

[@DawsonCowals]

Agreed. Best episode yet. All the setup is starting to pay off. So many things are working better even than the books in some ways. Some scenes that were a little clunky in the books have actually come across better and clearer in the TV show. If this is how hype Episode 5 gets us I can't even imagine the last 3 episodes knowing what has to still happen and what might unfold that we aren't sure of yet. Did you catch Moiraine trying to say something else when Barthanes asked who Rand was and she kind of stumbled over having to actually say, "Rand." Hmmm... shielded and unable to lie because she's still tied to the Three Oaths then? How insane was that opening chase with Lanfear going total crazy cruel, exploding heads and sewing the stablemaster's mouth shut?!

[@Mrsangeandbella]

Yes! I loved that introduction of Rand to Anvaere.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

I love your deep dive videos, and appreciate the detail they provide to both book readers and new fans alike. But these reactions are fun too, especially while we are all in the post watch excitement phase! Episode 5 was so good, can't wait for next week! 😁

[@wotfanedit]

It's taken the long and hard way to get there, but 13 episodes in this is starting to "feel" like the Wheel of Time. And no coincidence I think, it's because this episode had plotlines that were close to TGH in ways that matter: the girls delivered to the Seanchan and Egwene collared, Perrin freeing an Aielman in a cage and battling Whitecloaks, TAR meetings of Forsaken, Barthanes being set up for the party to come. And the new material was not boring Lan meditation either. Rand and Moiraine chase was good, Verin and the tower stuff was good. The second reason why this episode felt better is because it contained SO MANY exterior location shots. EVERYBODY was on the move outdoors, hardly any boring "shot reverse shot dialogs". It felt KINETIC. This is what the show should always have been.

[@grafffuller3265]

I couldn't agree with you more. Thank you for being a voice of reason in the way that you view the adaptation of The Wheel of Time. Of course the books are amazing, but you are right, Rafe and his team is doing the Prisoner of Azkaban type of adaptation (which MOST people believe is the best adaptation, while the others were more accurate to the books...but plodding). I know that you are not doing this, but I wanted you to know my ranking of WoT S2 so far: 5, 3, 4, 2, 1 - saying this doesn't mean that Ep. 1 was bad, but compared to the rest, it (for me) has been the weakest...which I think is GREAT TV. Thank you for all that you do in the community. Love your videos (all of them, that I've seen...obviously).

[@sambrockelsby522]

Your unraveled videos are really great Loren! My wife and I are both big WOT fans and love watching them together when they come out. Can't wait for ep 5

[@s0rd3z]

This episode was awesome. I agree with all of your critiques and share them, but it's still small stuff really in this episode compared to others. This episode just revealed so much and felt more WoT than anything we have gotten so far. I'm a little baffled as to why it took this long, explaining TAR is a thing, some terminology etc. but I'm so happy with this episode. I just can't applaud this episode enough even though there was NO Mat! (my fave character I share a name with lol) Fave scene, when Ishy ask Lanfear if she will betray him and she smiles and just says "Obviously".... I freaking died man. Sooooooo good!

[@athomenotavailable]

I think one possibility for how the TP heals her wounds as well as restore her clothes, is that it might be able to reverse the effects of time, if not time itself? That would be how her blood flowed back to her as well. I thought Verin's suggestion that Sheriam was compelled was a red herring to distract non-readers from guessing Sheriam is black. Liandrin didn't know Elayne had tagged along, so that record must have been written down afterwards. So Liandrin could have quickly nipped back to Sheriam's room after knocking out the girls to write it down herself or ask Sheriam to do it for her and Sheriam's guilty conscience made her handwriting slip up. But that seems awfully rushed.

[@gokbay3057]

Yeah I think the compelling thing is a distraction as well. My thought was that Liandrin had written it (but had informed Sheriam of it somehow) and Sheriam's "oh I have forgotten" thing was a lie. But I suppose it does make more sense that Sheriam was told about it and really did write it on her own.

[@theorcaswereright]

I'm effectively a non-book reader (I'm watching the show and then reading the book for that corresponding season) and I suspected Sheriam being Black Ajah from the beginning. The show is doing a great job of weaving in hints as to who's in the Black by the brightness of their clothes. Sheriam has always been shown in a very dark Blue (almost Black) dress.

[@ericrichter50]

MAJOR BOOK SPOILER!! - Verin might have mentioned compulsion so she didn't "betray the Great Lord" by overtly pointing out that Sheriam was lying...even if there was in fact compulsion being used. I love that before this episode we thought we could guess who's who amongst the Blah Ajah based on the books but now we have to question everything!

[@Rhiandell]

So excited to see this video! I just finished the episode and wondered what to do with myself before the reactions start dropping. 😂

[@jeremyvanneman8112]

Once again, thanks for this review! Two episodes I was really curious about (even before the premiere) were episodes 5 and 6. This episode was written by someone with very little experience in the industry outside of 13 Reasons Why - which is a very well written show. The next episode is written by Rammy Park, who wrote the Wheel of Time origins shorts for season 1 - who is also a relative newcomer to the industry. She was also involved in the writing for the first 5 episodes (which I think is why we're starting to get so many book terms that had previously gone unmentioned). I think the general response to these two episodes and the finale is going to determine if I give season 2 a chance.

[@michaelhayden5995]

Glad you're jumping right to the episode 5 unraveled video. I really enjoy those videos because of the detail and quality, but I would imagine that's difficult to do with the first three episodes being dropped at once.

[@carynw2625]

Agreed

[@artanastacio1569]

Haha, we like seeing you in front of the camera. It's universal: people are so upset about Moiraine killing a horse.

[@danhenley9495]

Thus is truly a new turning of the wheel. There is no need to parrot the books. We still have those to read.

[@fardareismaigrandma6825]

I loved that we got so much more of the Old Tongue spoken!

[@samfalsetti1836]

Best episode of the series. Any issues I had with this one were so small it is not worth mentioning. This episode was a full on banger and what I wanted this series to be from the beginning. Lanfear, Moriane, Rand, Cairhien, seanchan, liandrin, Elyias, Avi and Dain all killed it. Plus we got Velda back

[@glenn.thought]

The last scene with lanfear. I felt that she should be wearing white. Wasn't she noted for being always in white? And Semirhage in black? I also noted something awkward with the music transition where Aviendha was about to kill the whitecloack and lastly, the explosions from the weaves when the Seanchan were trying to get the golden girls. Some fell a bit flat, I think.

[@phantiasmic]

I think the Seanchan trying to get the girls was likely the "Weakest" part of this episode and not in a very bad way either. Kinda minor to me, though if I recall it's quite quick even in the books. Not enough time to show a long chase through the woods when they just get away anyway. (my 2 cents anyway)

[@ryankwon8785]

I found it funny when Ishamael gave Suroth the WTF stoic face when she challenged the Seanchan High Lord Turak. It is like Ishamael telling Suroth in his mind, "We are about to make an impression for the High Lord by gifting him the Horn of Valere and you start the whole conversation by challenging and insulting the High Lord in his face?" Lanfear's funny comment about a horse kind of reminds me how she might have missed the fast One Power vehicles (Cars + Planes) the Age of Legends had. Regarding the Forsaken, I believe they had a bit of a challenge adjusting to the medieval era-like lifestyle of the Third Age compared to the futuristic and technological "utopia" of the Age of Legends. However, Ishamael got used to the Third Age because he was around long enough. I liked the scene where Ishamael talks with Lanfear in the dream world regarding why the Dark One woke Ishamael first and gave him the choice to wake up the Forsaken if he wanted to. Considering the Forsaken were useful in the Age of Legends, the Dark One might have a hard time considering if they are all truly useful in serving his agenda in the Third Age, a world alien and primitive for his Chosen. Plus, Lanfear did comment that the rest of the Forsaken, aside from Ishamael and her, are considered idiots and too bloodthirsty to be released early into the Third Age. It is strange how the only other female Forsaken Lanfear mentioned were Moghedien (insane) and Graendel (vane idiot) while the rest she called boys (who could not come up with a plan in the Third Age even if they were under compulsion).

[@pennylaspina880]

People probably like your In person videos because you can't hide your excitement , it's quite enjoyable. Plus they get to see the mysterious man behind the videos lol.

[@Jrdn357]

Honestly the Ishamael/Lanfear dream sequence was the best scene in the entire fucking show, and one of the best scenes I've ever seen in media. I was uncontrollably shaking after seeing it for the first time. The writing and direction of that scene was absolutely steller, and OH MY GOD THE ACTING!! The actors had so much chemistry, they truly made me believe they'd known each other for 3000 years. I love how they weren't all intense and angry, but carefree, joking around like they're the only people in the world who understand each other. And there were so many references to the other Forsaken, who they also talked about like childhood friends, and the Age of Legends. I love how Lanfear referred to Asmodean, Demandred, and Sammael as "the boys" as if they weren't the most terrifying, powerful channelers in existance. It was perfect. Everything that made the Forsaken POV chapters (which were some of my favourites in the books) great was brought to life here and I couldn't love it more. I can't imagine how they could've done it better.

[@RiseeRee]

The show not only takes characters that aren’t likable in the books and makes them likable, but they also make them hot 🥵🔥 I’m not upset with Lanfear not Traveling, because it’s possible she didn’t learn the area well enough. Or if she did, maybe being un-alived reset that 😂

[@allanjones1321]

Horse still made sense to me - she had a trail to follow. Yes, she could travel, but where to if she doesn't know where they have gone.

[@RiseeRee]

@@allanjones1321 That too!

[@faithwerksdesigns6197]

Did you happen to hear the cages when Perin went to help Avienda? Listen closely, it's the violin sound for the main theme song.

[@jenniferbolles993]

I'm happy to see your reactions while waiting for your next Unraveling video. You are my Favorite WOT content creator! We can be patient. 😊 Thank you!

[@john61912]

Love the quick reaction video you've done here! Completely understand your delaying of the previous 2 episodes its so understandable. You go above and beyond with your editing and detail for your unravelled videos and theres no-one like you in the WoT YT space. Looking forward to more reaction video's!!

[@fullmetalathlete]

I couldnt agree more about the amount of pure lore and world building dropped in this episode. Just hit after hit after hit ofnsttaight WoT terminology and it felt soooo good to hear these words being mentioned. I think its a big reason this is clearly the best episode of the series to date.

[@rantalmore]

I was also thinking “a horse?” But it’s not like she can skim randomly in search of him or travel around till she finds him lol and the one power doesn’t grant many other methods of travel by itself

[@Harldin]

Travelling requires you know the area you are travelling from very well, in this case Lanfear would have needed to stay at that place for an hour or so, but of course you need a destination.

[@gokbay3057]

She did scoff at the horse herself as well. But well, while could well have skimmed/traveled to Tar Valon I think she thought she had the chance to catch them on the way by following them directly like this rather than just waiting at their ostensible destination (especially with how Moiraine doubled back to Cairhien with Rand while letting the Stablemistress and the three horses go ahead).

[@rantalmore]

@@gokbay3057 maybe yea but she’d just be standing there in the road. Not that she couldn’t do anything from that position lol but still

[@darrenschiminski7060]

With Lews Therin being referred to as "The Dragon Reborn" I really think it's Rafe's way of subtly hinting that the show is a sequel to the books and not an adaptation. They aren't changing anything from the books because this is simply another turning of the wheel, that is very similar to the turning from the books.

[@arsonaleleth4877]

This entrie episode, my jaws were just dropping like wow moiraines reactions, leandrain layers ❤

[@Kim-gy9pl]

I totally agree about the Empress may she live forever! I say it every time I talk about her for goodness sake. You'd think they could too 😂

[@phnome123]

My wife said "There was not a lot happening". I saw the setups, the foreshadowing. Loved it.

[@marenmunck]

Love your Unravelling videos, will always be giving them a thumbs up, thanks for all the work you put in! Wow, being a WoT nerd now sure is a different experience from back in 1997 when I started reading them.

[@timzeiske7712]

dude i love your unraveling videos why would any WoT fan not watch them :D

[@seethemblow]

I'm on a re-read of the Books, currently on Book 3, and I noticed they rarely add the "may she live forever" part when mentioning the empress (compared to how it's mentioned every single time in the later books). My hope for the show it that they will start doing it consistently once Tuon (may she live forever) takes the stage.

[@pedrowebnet]

last week i was kinda bummed with the episode and i remember commenting i was holding out hope for the show, and man... im so glad i did !!!! THIS IS THE WHEEL OF TIME !!! it makes genuienly excited for the future of this franchise, man!!! we are finally having the payoff of that moiraine line " they make the aes sedai look like tavern magicians" CAUSE THAT DECAPITATING SCENE??? LANFEAR JUST MAKING A CIRCLE WITH HER HANDS???!! PEAK FANTASY! also i will be heading personally to amazon headquartes with a truck full of gasoline if they change natasha for literally anyone else, she is PERFECTION!!

[@Fairmar57]

Never feel that you have to explain yourself, I enjoy your reviews. Whether they be short or long, I have read all the books but the way you explain things I believe someone has not read the books even in the short form, but get the jest of the episode. Kudos to you and keep up the good work.

[@Arezoo298195]

Wonderful episode. Can’t wait to see your unravel of it.

[@hathor46]

This was the first episode in season 2 that really gave me the warm fuzzy feelings that I was longing for. I gave it a 9/10 because there was no Mat.

[@welshwoman5535]

Great review I love your excitement! I thought it was amazing and was holding my breath throughout. It was the best episode in my opinion just non stop and so much book lore. I really think the season is going to end on a high unlike the last one. I’m hoping we will get lots of Mat in the next few episodes where I’m sure Donal will shine portraying him

[@USCMM09]

It was sooooo good! ***possible book 4 spoilers and speculation on the next episode.*** I have a theory that we'll see some Wise Ones in TAR this next episode and we'll start to learn that Eggy is a dreamer. I hope I'm right. I think they'll use TAR as an escape for Egwene while she is damane and she'll bump into some Wise Ones who explain things to her and beckon her to come to the threefold land to train. Maybe we'll even get a scene where Egwene is spying on the Rand/Lanfear exchange and realizes he is alive.

[@thesemonies5797]

Where exactly would Lanfear have Traveled to? She didn't know where they were going so she had to track them. Otherwise she would have been Traveling to random places until she found them.

[@gokbay3057]

Yeah and even if she went with the Tar Valon thing that guy in the stable said and traveled/skimmed there she would have been there way earlier than Rand and Moiraine. I think she was planning on catching them on the way instead of just waiting for them at their destination (and of course that ostensible destination could have been a distraction, like it was in the episode).

[@fredrikdahlberg6947]

I'm looking forward to every single one of your videos Lauren, good sir. You are without a doubt my favourite content creator 🙏 Thank you for your work and devotion. Truly.

[@prestonyardley3255]

Love your videos and rest assured that unraveling the pattern videos are my favorite bits on your channel.

[@AKinkySasquatch]

I like this episode. What i really liked was Lanfear's all black outfit at the end of the episode. Natasha is gorgeoussssss

[@gokbay3057]

It was pretty funny to me but I'll reserve full judgement until I see it clearly. Natasha really is quite attractive however and her acting is a great fit for Lanfear as well. Thought what I am truly waiting for is her wearing pure white sometime. (Well, I suppose in the scene with Ishy that was kind of the case but I want her to have a fancy white dress, not just a big dress shirt.)

[@tarisedai9573]

Your videos are amazing and I share spoiler free ones with my friends all the time!

[@wicked2880]

I love your videos and your excitement for the story. So much fun, I just wanted to say that I actually liked the fact that Moiraine would do ANYTHING to fulfill her mission even if it means killing that poor horse. Scarily impressive.

[@slybags5776]

I’m enjoying season 2 despite the book deviations in season 1 which they are correcting to a large extent. Only continued gripe is the boys are still getting short changed and we need to see Rand in particular start showing his power and inadvertently demonstrate the prophecies to announce him as the dragon. Feels at the moment like the Wheel of Time from the Aes Sedai perspective mainly.

[@zenrand688]

I’ve been waiting since S1 E1 for Aviendha and the wait was more than worth it - that was an awesome action scene with Perrin and I can’t wait for more of her.

[@LindaDias-y9i]

And also super curious for the unraveling of the TAR scene with Ishy and Lanfear... I counted 6 seals there (but didn't bother to rewind and make sure... ) now just a thought, could it be just 6 forsaken behind the seals? Then it could be equal male and female (Lanfear, Moghi and Gr plus the boys) and the spikes are 6 for the forsaken plus 2 for... dark one and...? Didn't ToC also when they released the posters say something like "we couldn't show the 7th poster because that would be..."? But they did say 8 sculptures/statues in that garden... and Stepin had 8 little figures... I am confused 🤪

[@taevasedai4338]

I can’t believe they have a dog name Lady in the show. I squealed! That’s our dog’s name also. I agree with you that this episode is 🔥. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.

[@alexayers8904]

Love your vids! This episode for me get a bit too exposition-dumpish. But in many ways, it also feels like what should be a standard episode of the show. I grew to like Suroth (okay, I do tend to like bad guys). Didn’t particularly like the sneak peak with her but I chalk it down to the American accent, a very calm one for a very angry character. I love that Moiraine killed the horse. It was bizarre but it confirms to me that Lanfear can’t resurrect the dead. This at least tells me that perhaps the Forsaken cannot die, but that’s it. But the consistently best parts of the episodes were the Ishy scenes. He felt like Devil going into this season, but now with Lanfear, they feel more like the Greek Gods, meddling in human affairs (I know that they’re humans from the past, but they rightfully feel a bit out of place/time).

[@drtyprior]

As an American, I find it so funny that she sounds so childish when surrounded by posh English and other foreign accents. Do we all sound so ridiculously immature? :P

[@Jamesfoster48]

Totally and utterly agree with you buddy!! This episode and series is absolutely fantastic 👌

[@mcina001]

This was my fav episode so far by far, probably for a lot of the reasons you list-lots of natural lore drops, great adaptation decisions, and fast pace. And they focused on key characters, both heroes and villains. It felt the most like Wheel of Time of all of them, Forsaken shenanigans and all. If episodes 6, 7, and 8 are anywhere close to this level, I will be ecstatic.

[@MD-jn5yf]

I get your complaints about the show not explaining enough so far but I think it might work out for the best in the long run. I think part of why the show can trust the viewers now with more lore terms without it feeling like an exposition dump is how much time it took to setup and show the concepts before they’re explained. Dreams being important to the lore was setup in season 1 and has come up repeatedly since. Liandrin’s plot all season leads to the payoff of the black ajah with Aes Sedai dark friends. The books often did this too like with the whole climax of book 1 making more sense the second time around. This approach makes the explanations and lore rewards this episode feel more like a payoff to a mystery than an exposition dump. I hope the show continues to trust the audience and I hope more gets explained going ahead. It's a complex world and there's so little show!

[@darkhoundslobber2028]

^this is the best comment. This episode would've been confusing and overwhelming for new viewers without all of the setup done in season 1 and earlier in season 2. I like what they are doing - show first, then tell (or elaborate) when it makes sense for those types of conversations to happen. It builds trust with the audience and gives them time to love the world and characters before mixing in more of the WoT weirdness (magic/metaphysics stuff, old tongue terms, unique creatures/species, etc.) that we book-knowledgeable fans love and cherish so much.

[@UnravelingthePattern]

Well said!

[@UnravelingthePattern]

Great points! I'm so used to reading literally pages of exposition from RJ 😅. I think you're absolutely right that the show is doing it well for the most part!

[@MusicalCircus]

Yes!!! Verin and Sheriam! I was like “ did she lie… or didn’t she. Did she? I don’t know!!” Lol. Perfect. I’m loving the “behind the scenes” of Verin. That added stuff is better for sure. I like that most of the changes are believable.

[@whiplash231]

As soon as Lanfear casually exploded the dudes head then went matrix on the horse handlers mouth I knew the show had made it. This season is amazing!

[@dmann579]

Thank you so much for all your videos! As a long time fan of the series (I have all the first editions too!), I’ve very much enjoyed the Prime show. Your videos are a wonderful tribute to both. And, I agree, this episode missed the opportunity to correctly cite the Empress (May She Live Forever) but otherwise, absolutely loved it!

[@Ceej474]

I’m glad to see someone else as visibly excited as I am having just watched this episode. They absolutely nailed this as far as I’m concerned. I was a little worried after last episode and I don’t want to see Lan mope ever again but THIS is the WoT and all the elements were so well executed. I’m literally flapping around like an over-excited puppy until I can watch it again with my partner later

[@markweedon5678]

Elyas's specific comment on Perrin's wife not being his pack... darkfriend after all?!?! 🤔

[@paulkalaj3204]

In the Book Turak leads the return Suroth is under Turak, Turak is killed by Rand in Open Combat.

[@alphaqgentley897]

Is rand considered a Blademaster after killing turak

[@paulkalaj3204]

MY opinion Robert Jordan, might have said Yes and No, but by killing Turak, Rand has placed before everyone that if you fight him you best be all in, This is the point where rand learns to fight and defend himself from all threats after this he starts killing Dark Hounds and most trained Aes Sadai's cannot do this. In the book he was trained by his father who is a blade master, who taught Rand the proper mind set, and was a perfect shot with a bow. I think the Void was a way for rand to connect, RJ did not explain everything all at once and allowed you to make your own conclusions.@@alphaqgentley897

[@gokbay3057]

@@alphaqgentley897 Yeah, I am quite sure that it is mentioned how one way to become a blademaster is to defeat another one. Hence Rand killing Turak qualifies.

[@malcolmgordon2988]

If they can keep this quality for the rest of the series AND stick the landing, I think a lot people will be very happy!

[@wezul]

Totally agreed! I think I held my breath for half the episode, it was so intense. And I'm finding the characters not only more likeable than they were in the books, but more memorable too. I feel like we've already gotten more character building for Dain in this one episode than we got in all of the books. There are a ton of characters from the books who I can only remember for something they did, but know nothing about who they are or even what they look like. I love how the show is making me feel things for characters I mostly ignored in the books! I do wish the actor playing Suroth had just shaved her head, because yeah, her head looks ENORMOUS with that bald cap. I do also feel like Moiraine had a lot of convenient knowledge about Lanfear that she shouldn't really have, but I don't know how we'd otherwise exposit that info to the audience in a way that feels natural. Oh well.

[@robertborgman]

Episode 5 is by far my favourite episode sofar, the ammount of lore and worldbuilding going on is soo cool! It's teally expanding the world more and more, and now I'm so excited for Bain&Chiaf to show up! Oh, and more Mat stuff! Crossing my fingers for episode 6. And I would love to get news for a greenlit season 4. Let's go amazon exacs, get your thumbs out of your arses!😅

[@KristenNicoleYT]

Can confirm that the Unraveling videos are really great!! I don’t mind the wait but I wish those videos got the views they deserve!

[@rachelhulett]

I love your videos. So many people are so negative about the show but I love the show and I don’t know all the thing things that are wrong. When people down talk it, it makes it harder to enjoy. I love that you are so neutral and positive!

[@DianaW3431]

This was a wonderful episode! Finally a lot of the setup from the first episodes is paying off.

[@bcfortenberry]

Just dropping by to see where they’ve gone with the story. Comment for the algorithm. Thanks for your coverage!

[@SwamiRabbi]

I agree with everything you said. The episode was great and I had the same hang-ups about the horse. I think Lanfear took the horse because she didn't know where she was going so she couldn't travel. Also Moraine didn't have to kill that darn horse, couldn't she just grab the riens and pull him along like they do in every single western ever made? :) Awesome episode though and great review by you, keep up the awesome work.

[@eligoldman9200]

Alright you sold me on your unraveled videos. That and I fucking love your beard.

[@RS2KR]

I have not read any of the books. But I have to say they have gone leaps and bounds this season when compared to season 1. Looking forward to the rest of the episodes.

[@laradevaal8045]

I love the tension between Lanfear and Moiraine, it makes me excited for what's coming.

[@PsyrenXY]

Lews Therin IS the Dragon Reborn too though. He was reborn from a previous one, who was reborn from a previous one, who... Ishamael / Moridin makes it pretty clear that he's been up against the Dragon for countless Turnings that we never see. It's not wrong.

[@UnravelingthePattern]

Yes, I understand that. But they don't call him the Dragon Reborn in the books.

[@PsyrenXY]

@UnravelingthePattern I'm not sure they call him Dragon in the books either, except in prophecies (e.g. "And him they named Dragon.") But since we can't read any of the prophecies or pick up anyone's internal monologues in this version, the characters do have to refer to him out loud. I understand where the annoyance is coming from (Rand and Lews having different titles might make things smoother for newcomers) - but again, it's not wrong, so I see it as being pretty minor

[@ethanpoints8735]

This episode felt like the 1st bold step back toward realignment with the book plots. They are not full on there yet but things are coming more and more in focus andvits feeling less and less freaky awkward. I was telling my wife I hope they show the forsaken plotting and then, boom next scene is Lanfear and Ishamael in Tel' aran' Rhiod.

[@jimthedogdad]

Take your time- either way, your videos are excellent. I’ll watch both!

[@holdyourfire74]

My nitpicks were pretty much the same. The horse seemed so unnecessary especially with Lanfear being able to immediately get another horse. The skaa and the True Power was so cool. I’m really loving the visuals surrounding the power this season. Poor Egwene, but this is the beginning of one of her most awesome character arcs! Plus, for the love of the Creator, someone please give Perrin the axe!

[@jamesblackwell7752]

Work always gets in the way. Thanks for your videos .

[@trusttruthandlove]

Going to rewatch the episode and deep dive into your channel so I understand everything you just said lol So excited that unraveling episode 5 is coming soon. This was the best episode so far

[@amygalluzzo4650]

Love your videos and enthusiasm! Awesome episode too this week! Just a little thing: Seanchan High Blood shave both sides of the head, leaving a crest. Only the Seanchan Imperial Family fully shave their head.

[@rainbowsprinklez]

I'm rewatching... I thought horses wouldn't survive The Ways?

[@jimthedogdad]

Also. Lanfear, holy crud, I was terrified. Totally unpredictable.

[@ChadChiasson]

I really love your videos and really excited to see you are also a board gamer! Very impressed to see you have Small World.

[@brainp471]

great connection between Lanfear and homelander! Love hearing your enthusiasm!

[@ZDuke423]

I agree with you on one point: the best character in this episode was indeed the dog. 😑 1:52

[@johnnyp6202]

I did not like the previous episode. But this was my favorite episode of the series but quite a large margin. It really really felt like the books and there is a lot of foreshadowing that we will basically get Falme in tact. My personal theory is that Callandor is in the fortress they showed which will allow them to at the end of the season basically be almost exactly where we are at the end of Book 3. They still do dumb things like omitting "may she live forever". TV viewers would love that. Will definitely be watching this one multiple times. You could make the argument that book Lanfear is not really evil, certainly not overtly evil, sometimes even arguably good. But TV Lanfear is scary AF. One minor nitpick, I wish the scenes between the forsaken in tel'aran'rhoid actually had the age of legends as the background. It would add a lot to the world building I think

[@gokbay3057]

Oh I agree, "Empress, may she live forever" could have become popular, something like some famous Game of Thrones lines like "Sweet summer child", "Winter is coming" etc.

[@johnnyp6202]

@@gokbay3057 It is known.

[@guynamicindustries6293]

I really appreciate you content and the quality of your content, as a non-book reader.