Just removing Loial though, you are losing the entire world-building aspect of the Ogier. It may not make the most sense in the greater theme of the books, but it's definitely unique and interesting.

Well articulated. Just speaking to the emotion I'm feeling from your words, I'm also sad it's not the show I was hoping it would be. There are still moments that I get to enjoy though. I've definitely transitioned to not expecting as much from it, and that has helped me. And ultimately, the books are perfection, even in their imperfect form.

Sheeple.

I'd have to go back and watch the compulsion scene again, but I thought Moggy implied something like "Serve me in perpetuity." and then undid the hypnosis part of the compulsion, leaving the deeper need to obey.

I'll try my best to phrase these few questions/comments with the knowledge the books provide as well as the changes the show introduces, but everything is so mixed up now it's hard to know: - Is it possible Elaida's headaches and foresight talent were provided by her trip through the red doorway? Is it related to the bracelet she wears? - When Matt mentions the screams while inside the doorway, it made me think the voices in his head are actually caused by his interactions with the dagger. Which would align with the memory loss he experiences in the books when he is fully healed from the effects of the dagger. - Was Lanfear not able to heal the cut Lan gives her? It kind of looked like that but I could have just blinked and missed it. Edit: - Oh and I was wondering about why Nynaeve was just waiting outside with the collar. That must have been her compulsion at work. A fly caught in a web.

There were many terrible plot choices for this episode, but seeing Perrin dual-wield axe and hammer was awesome!

It's interesting because it might explain where Rand's madness comes from. Maybe part of the reason he is so fixated on having a Lews Therin persona in his head is because he experienced Ishamael calling him by that name over infinite lives/deaths.

I've heard samples of the books read by Kramer and Reading, but ever since I purchased Pike's narration of The Eye of The World I've been hooked on listening to her version. She has an incredible range, considering how many characters she has to play. You can tell she puts a lot of effort and focus into reading these books. I think some of her voice acting is a little inconsistent throughout the books, but it's not very noticeable at all.

I absolutely agree on going along with it. Like I said, my first impressions based off one head shot from both actors isn't a good litmus test for how they'll actually present themselves in the show. It was just odd to see what I thought opposite casting choices would be. I even think Featherston looks like Rand, which further added to my confusion that he would be playing Gawyn. @king of nowhereagreed on Lanfeare. She's not my type when it comes to most beautiful woman and the age gap between herself and the actor that plays Rand is constantly obvious, but she does commit to the role.

I'm so confused. When I first saw the front page post I thought immediately that Luke Featherston was Galad. He looks like a tall/dark/mysterious model-type. And Callum Kerr looks very comedic in this shot, so I figured, must be Gawyn. But it's the opposite?? Looks can be deceiving though, and I haven't seen previous work from either of them. Obviously both are really good looking dudes. What do you all think of this new round of casting choices?