I think she’s going to “die” this season anyway. So all that’s moot.

Probably at least 2 years.

(A) I don’t believe that’s a direct quote; (B) her actual line is something more like: “gray skin, blackened fingers”; (C) Lanfear names it a “gray man”

The “slog” had more to do with waiting for the next book only to have many of the plot lines go unresolved. Now that all the books are out, it’s really an unfair label.

I have long argued that this show would be best served by making the audience believe that Rand turning to the Dark is a real possibility. To that end, an emotional connection to Lanfear keeps the tension ratcheting up until the very end. So to that end, I think it is a very smart choice. It also gives a second compelling reason to keep the Tower of Ghenji in. The audience will tire of the Rand/Lanfear dynamic. If you ice her for a season and change, then bring her back right as things are getting hairy for Rand…

But Rand can change her!! Remember, she’s manipulating him into thinking this wasn’t really her fault. She’s just been misunderstood. And she’s been actively helping him, telling him she loves him, how she wants to reform and break her dark oaths and kill the Dark One. That’s a siren song for some men, especially if the sex is good.

No one is saying that he is. But look, if you are setting out to make a show with “more queer representation,” then the appropriate way to do that is to use characters for which there is some textual support for the change. Whether you agree with the interpretations or not, there is a textual hook for making Siuan and Moiraine a couple and for making Avi gay or bisexual. This is far better than just making Perrin gay, for example. I really think this show is a great example of inclusivity done right.

Tomayto/Tomahto

Rafe explained why.

So what? What possible difference does Aviendha’s sexuality make to the story?

We don't know that. And again, character progression has to be sped up in the show.

The text is very vague on that point. But at the end of the day, it doesn't matter. Having him kill the orderly was a smart and easy way to show the influence saidin is having, precisely because it is so out of character for him.

No question that they did Lan dirty with that. It was two seasons ago though. Time to move on. The course correction from S1 to S2 was significant.

The more important question is why you think this is contrary to Canon? Do you not think Rand killed people while wandering alone during tDR? It's a function of saidin's influence. These are "show don't tell" breadcrumbs people will be able to follow later.

You really haven't been paying attention. Nynaeve has done nothing for a season and a half. To the point where people are starting to complain that she's being ignored. Rand, meanwhile, is clearly the main character and just returned from Rhuidean at dawn. The only character at this point who has received a "woman power glow up" is Egwene. And even there, it's mostly just fast forwarding her power development.

I have to agree here. There's a big difference between making a character gay and making a character gay - such that gayness is that person's only interesting characteristic. The former is great and reflective of real life. The latter sucks and reeks of preachiness.

Rand is getting trained with the sword this season.

Sorry. I just don’t see it.

Negative. They were not topless. That's a deal breaker.

I liked Sanderson's idea of having him kill Master Luhan.

It’s more profitable than RoP, which gives me some hope. And if Sony is truly the holdup, that means there’s an opportunity to shop the title around, which is also good. Hopefully someone will bite.

And he is unveiled.

I think you are underestimating what is being set up by that scene. You're overlooking one of the most impactful story beats of the entire series.

I’m close to locking this thread down. Enough with the personal attacks.

Yes. There was a significant amount of outrage. No Tom Bombadil. Faramir was a completely different character. No scouring of the Shire. Saruman’s death at Orthanc. The Peter Jackson trilogy is substantially different from the books.