The Wheel of Time has returned to Prime Video! With the first 3 episodes released on March 13, these episodes delve deeper into the complex world of the series, introducing new characters and evolving relationships. Judging by these episodes, it's going to be an incredible season.
It's great to see the deepening character arcs and the growth of key figures like Rand, Egwene, and Nynaeve, which add emotional depth and complexity to the story. New characters are seamlessly introduced, adding fresh intrigue to the unfolding drama. The visual effects are another highlight, with stunning depictions of magical battles and fantastical landscapes that truly bring the world to life.
In episode 1, the tension in Tar Valon rises as Liandrin is summoned to the Hall of the Tower to answer for her actions. She accuses Siuan of failing to control the Dragon Reborn, while Siuan counters by revealing Liandrin as a member of the Black Ajah and presenting Nynaeve as a witness. Liandrin attacks, and a bloody confrontation ensues with several Sitters being killed and Liandrin escaping with her allies. Meanwhile, Verin and her companions, Adeleas and Nyomi, try to protect powerful artifacts at the Thirteenth Depository, but Nyomi betrays them, stealing the artifacts and joining the Black Ajah in the streets. Alanna and her warders confront the Black Ajah, resulting in a fight where some of the Black Ajah are killed, but Liandrin and others manage to escape. Moiraine later saves Siuan from being captured by Joiya and Amico.
Back at the White Tower, Moiraine informs the group that they’ll be leaving for Tear to fulfill a prophecy, but Lanfear suggests they work together to convince Rand to go. Siuan orders the girls to return to their duties, but Egwene, mistrusting Siuan, demands to take her Accepted test immediately. During her test, Egwene envisions herself as Amyrlin and passes, but she defies Siuan and leaves the Tower to rejoin Rand. The group shares a final evening in Tar Valon, reminiscing and connecting with each other before Mat notices an odd movement in his playing card. That night, a mysterious figure stabs Nynaeve, while Rand and Egwene are attacked by multiple mirror images of Rand. The group fights off the attackers, with Moiraine healing Nynaeve's wounds. The next day, Moiraine and Lan confront Lanfear, who is revealed to have caused the mirror images and the chaos, but not the gray man who attacked Nynaeve.
In the final moments, the group parts ways with Perrin heading back to the Two Rivers with Loial and others, while Rand, Egwene, Moiraine, Lan, and Aviendha prepare to leave. However, Rand makes a surprising decision to go to the Aiel Waste instead of Tear. The episode ends with Moghedien torturing a man to turn him into a gray man, revealing she has a mission for him.
Episode 2 opens with a flashback to twenty years earlier, showing Morgase’s ruthless rise to the throne of Andor with the help of her Aes Sedai advisor, Elaida. In the present, Morgase arrives at the White Tower with her entourage, including her children, Galad and Gawyn, and Lord Gaebril. Morgase is determined to take Elayne back to Andor, as her safety is at risk. Elayne is reunited with her family and learns of the political tensions in Andor, leading to her decision to stay at the Tower and pursue her goal of becoming the first Aes Sedai queen of Andor. Morgase reluctantly agrees, but threatens war if Elayne is harmed.
At the White Tower, tensions rise as Siuan, Leane, and Verin discuss the looming threat of Elaida. Min warns of a potential battle within the Tower, and Siuan assigns Nynaeve and Elayne to track down the Black Ajah. Siuan also convinces Mat to hand over the Horn of Valere for safekeeping. Meanwhile, Elayne confronts her mother, telling her she will stay at the Tower, and Morgase reluctantly gives her consent. As Morgase prepares to leave, she announces that Elaida will remain at the Tower to help with the growing unrest, while the princes will stay behind for warder training.
Meanwhile, Rand, Egwene, Moiraine, Lan, and Aviendha journey across the Spine of the World to the Aiel Waste. Along the way, Rand trains with Lan, and Aviendha teaches them about Aiel prophecies. That night, both Rand and Egwene have strange dreams, with Rand encountering Lanfear and Egwene having disturbing visions involving Renna. As they reach the Aiel Waste, they are confronted by a group of Aiel, including the woman from Egwene’s dream, who speaks of a prophecy about Rand. Meanwhile, Perrin and his group arrive in the Two Rivers, where they encounter White Cloaks looking for him. Perrin is torn between his desire to turn himself in and the growing threats facing his hometown.
Episode 3 begins with Lord Gaebril, revealed to be the Forsaken Rahvin, meeting with Lanfear and Sammael. They discuss the threat posed by Moghedien, and Rahvin agrees to consider Lanfear’s proposal while plotting with Graendal and Semirhage. Meanwhile, at the White Tower, Nynaeve and Elayne are tasked with questioning the Black Ajah captives, Joiya and Amico, about their plans. After some investigation, they realize that Liandrin is likely headed to Tanchico, not Tear or Saldaea as initially thought. The two women also uncover a disturbing connection to the Seanchan and a plot involving a male a’dam. Their suspicions grow, and they decide to leave the Tower, suspecting it is too dangerous.
Elsewhere in the Tower, Elaida is visibly unwell and struggles with tremors, prompting Min to assist her. Elaida attempts to manipulate the Sitters into sending Aes Sedai to capture Rand, but her proposal is rejected. Min and Mat have a tense encounter due to past betrayals, while Nynaeve and Mat clash over their differing decisions. After a heated argument, Mat demonstrates his skill with a quarterstaff by defeating Galad and Gawyn in a duel. As tensions rise, Nynaeve, Elayne, and Mat board a ship to Tanchico, with Min secretly following them.
In the Aiel Waste, Rand, Egwene, and the others encounter slain Tuatha’an and suspect the involvement of the Shaido clan. Egwene learns more about Dreamwalking, and Rand experiences unsettling dreams with Lanfear, who hints at a way to defeat the Dark One using powerful sa’angreal. Meanwhile, in the Two Rivers, Perrin grapples with his grief and a growing sense of responsibility. He is approached by Lord Luc, a Hunter for the Horn, who informs him that Natti Cauthon and her daughters have been kidnapped by Whitecloaks. Perrin resolves to rescue them, gaining the support of the Two Rivers villagers and a mysterious woman named Faile. Meanwhile, in Tanchico, Liandrin and the Black Ajah plot to collar the Dragon Reborn using the male a’dam, while Moghedien secretly overhears their plan.
The first three episodes set a compelling tone for the season, blending character development with intricate plotlines. New episodes are scheduled for release every Thursday. I look forward to seeing what the rest of this season has in store.
