In the opening scene of the second season of "The Wheel of Time," we witness a young girl bravely touching the Flame of Tar Valon. However, her daring act is swiftly interrupted by the menacing presence of approaching Trollocs. She hurriedly seeks refuge inside a nearby house, only to unexpectedly encounter Ishmael. He brings up the fact that society has branded him as a monster and proceeds to inquire whether she shares that perspective. Her response is a resolute "no," leading to Ishmael granting her the unusual privilege of petting one of the Trollocs.
The narrative then shifts its focus to Moiraine, who is grappling with the devastating loss of her ability to channel The One Power. A considerable amount of time has passed since the intense confrontation between Rand, Moiraine, and Ishmael amidst the ruins of Fal Dara. Shortly thereafter, a visitor arrives, and Lan promptly informs Moiraine of the guest's presence. It becomes evident that the once unbreakable bond between Moiraine and Lan is now strained since they were severed from their connection to The One Power.
Within the White Tower, Nynaeve and Egwene are immersed in their rigorous training to become Aes Sedai. While Egwene wholeheartedly dedicates herself to mastering the arts of channeling, Nynaeve staunchly remains resolute in her refusal to harness The One Power. Her conviction stems from her belief that no single individual should wield such immense power unchecked.
Meanwhile, Liandrin vigilantly watches over the two novices, carefully plotting to advance her own ambitions amidst the current circumstances. Her ulterior motives drive her actions, shrouding her true intentions. Concurrently, Perrin engages in a heartfelt conversation with Liolal, his growing concern exacerbated by his belief that Rand may have met his demise. His anxieties center on the well-being of his friends, particularly Mat.
In a climactic twist from the first season, Padan Fain brazenly pilfered the Horn of Valere from the possession of Perrin and Liolal. As a consequence of this audacious theft, Perrin and Liolal resolve to embark on a joint odyssey in pursuit of Padan Fain, with the singular aim of reclaiming the Horn of Valere. Along this arduous journey, it becomes evident that Perrin harbors an intense and deeply-rooted resentment towards Fain, stemming from their shared history of travels to the Two Rivers.
In the past, Perrin, together with his late wife and the villagers, offered refuge and assistance to Padan Fain whenever he needed it. In a deeply unsettling turn of events, Fain repaid their kindness by leading a horde of Trollocs to the village, resulting in the tragic deaths of many villagers, including Perrin's beloved wife. In the wake of these harrowing events, Perrin's heart burns with unrelenting fury, and he is resolute in his determination to seek vengeance.
As the narrative transitions to Moiraine, we discover that a traveler possesses a quindiar adorned with a poem. In exchange for both items, the traveler requests payment from Moiraine. However, she surprises him by only purchasing the poem, leaving him taken aback. Shortly thereafter, Moiraine is observed urging Lan to part ways with her. Despite her insistence, Lan stands his ground, displaying equal determination in his refusal to leave her side.
Within the confines of the White Tower, Liandrin forcefully wields The One Power, compelling Nynaeve to follow suit. Pressured to utilize The One Power for her own defense, Nynaeve succumbs to Liandrin's insistence. In a moment of calculated manipulation, Liandrin expresses her aspirations for Nynaeve to achieve great power, subtly sowing the seeds of her own hidden agenda.
The narrative perspective then shifts to Lan, who confronts Moiraine, seeking clarification about her recent actions of distancing herself from him. Meanwhile, we witness Liandrin's ruthless tactics as she detains Mat. Her cruelty continues as she deliberately withholds the part of a letter from Perrin to Nynaeve and Egwene where Perrin mentions Mat.
As Lan endeavors to mend their relationship within Moiraine's quarters, he discovers her conspicuous absence. Upon spotting Moiraine on horseback, a menacing Fade launches an attack on her. She sustains injuries during the skirmish, but Lan intervenes, coming to her aid. Despite Lan's valiant counteroffensive, he suffers injuries and finds himself overpowered by the relentless assault of the Fade. In a sudden twist, both Lan and Moiraine receive unexpected assistance from Verin and Adeleas, bringing the episode to a dramatic conclusion.
The premiere episode establishes the setting and atmosphere while primarily serving as a reintroduction to the familiar characters. Although the premiere may not provide the most thrilling plot developments, it takes the opportunity to catch up with each main character and delve into their respective journeys. In doing so, it successfully highlights the elements that made Season 1 a commendable adaptation.
Ultimately, the premiere, although it may advance the story at a measured pace, offers an immersive experience that captivates the audience and sets the stage for what's to come.
