54 minutes ago, Agitel said:

On the Laila-is-a-darkfriend theory, it would explain her being tense and upset ahead of Bel Tine.

Yes, had not considered this before people on here suggested it, but upon reflection it definitely seems plausible.

47 minutes ago, notpropaganda73 said:

there hasn't been any talk of the Void or heron marked blades. 

I imagine that's because they're trying to maintain the "Who is the Dragon Reborn?" mystery and that would give too much away. I wouldn't worry too much, I'm sure it will come!

8 hours ago, Deadsy said:

 

  

9 hours ago, Mnemosyne said:

- The scene between Moiraine and Valda really bothered me. The way Moiraine reacted was very out of character, for any Aes Sedai let alone Moiraine. I get that they're trying to play up how sinister the Whitecloaks are, but it was way over the top.

 

What would have been in character?

Less meek. They could still have played the scene mostly the same way, even to the point of having her deferential, which was obviously required for the ruse. But I just don't see her staying so quiet while being manhandled -- it would even have been in character as a "lady" to say something.

But I will say that overall I'm thrilled with Pike's portrayal of Moiraine and generally I don't mind that they've made her somewhat more emotional, since she still has that ruthless streak... "steel covered in velvet" as I think it's described in the books at one point.

43 minutes ago, Wordjerk said:

Spoiler

I was confused by the choice to make Rand so against Moraine's insistence that they leave the Two Rivers, but thought maybe that was to set up his eventual mistrust of Aes Sedai. Then that totally changed in the third episode, so I don't know what to think.

 

First thoughts:

- The pacing was excellent; I was worried that maybe it's just because I know the story, but my partner who has never read the books agreed that the pacing was good.

- The channelling CGI seems really badly integrated. Sad to see that reviewers were correct about that. But I did like the visual concept and Rosamund Pike nails the hand motions etc.

- Bathtub scene... weeeiiiiird vibes!

- The scene between Moiraine and Valda really bothered me. The way Moiraine reacted was very out of character, for any Aes Sedai let alone Moiraine. I get that they're trying to play up how sinister the Whitecloaks are, but it was way over the top.

- Shadar Logoth was seriously impressive!

 - Moiraine lasted an awfully long time before succumbing to her very serious wound ?

- Adored the scene between Nynaeve and Lan; it made Nynaeve my favourite TV character thus far. Much more subtlety than Book Nynaeve.

- I like how they introduce the idea that a Darkfriend can be anyone, even someone who is likeable. That is important to establish in preparation for Book 2. But the supposed "motive" of this Darkfriend makes zero sense, even taking into consideration what we learn about WoT cosmology by the end of the series. Is there something I'm missing?

- Title sequence is really disappointing. I couldn't believe how cheap it looked, though I like the overall concept.

- My partner, during E2 (referring to Rand): "Well obviously it's him, right?" So much for Amazon's big "Who is the Dragon Reborn?" mystery...

- Perrin's wife.... yikes ? They spend so much time trying to rectify sexist issues from the books, only to fridge her?!

5 minutes ago, Beidomon said:

We can live with that kind of stuff as long as it is neither gratuitous nor sexual in nature. I thought I recalled Rafe making some comment about “pillow friends out the wazzoo” and I’d sure like to know what he means by that. If they’re going down the GOT avenue, then I don’t want to get my kids started on this. Tough call. Any more input would be appreciated. 

I took that to mean there would be plenty of LGBT characters, not anything to do with sex scenes.

2 hours ago, Skipp said:

While yes the costumes are cleaner and more vibrant, GoT has a very serious issue of everyone wearing Black/Brown and the camera has a cold filter seemingly at all times, it is clearly a stylistic choice.

And in the same review, the writer talks about how refreshing it is that WoT is not another "grimdark" series... well the costumes are part of that change in vibe.

1 hour ago, Daenelia said:

Did anyone see this article yet, in the Guardian?

 

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/nov/17/the-wheel-of-time-is-far-from-great-for-women-amazon-prime-rosamund-pike

 

Just thought I'd share it.

Yeah, this article seriously annoyed me. Just nitpicking every instance of "bosom" from the series without any sense of the overall impression you get from the female characters and their arcs (they absolutely were my role models as a teenage girl!).

I understand the writer's criticism of gender essentialism (especially regarding the differences in how women and men channel), but to be fair to Jordan, lots of feminists of the time were firmly on that bandwagon as well.

The article also states "there is so much fantastic, well-written, strongly plotted fantasy out there that would have been a richer seam to mine" to which I say, great, let's mine it! It doesn't mean we can't also have a WoT show!

15 hours ago, Ralph said:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/fantasy/wheel-of-time-review-amazon/&ved=2ahUKEwj07dDk1aD0AhVJ-qQKHb4VC2gQr_oDKAB6BAh1EAE&usg=AOvVaw1EevU3uynCYCpkkBUzR_tG

"Whether either will actually reach the global heights of Thrones remains to be seen, but it does The Wheel of Time a disservice to only look at it in terms of George RR Martin’s Westerosi world. Not only because Jordan’s series is actually older than Martin’s, and inspired much of what would become Game of Thrones (check the dates), but also because this is an accomplished, gripping story in its own right that lovingly adapts – and updates – the book series."

FINALLY a review that acknowledges this!

1 hour ago, TheMountain said:

Hating on Bezos is quite in fashion right now. 

I think the buzz about Bezos wanting "his GoT" is the worst thing that could have happened to the show from a marketing perspective.

8 minutes ago, DaddyFinn said:

There's a lot of bad and lazy reviews out there. I wouldn't waste time worrying about those.

But I need something to obsess over for the next 48-72 hours ?

35 minutes ago, swollymammoth said:

Personally, there's been lots of talk about the breakneck pace of the show, and this has me torn. On the one hand, the pace of events in EotW is certainly breakneck, but RJ takes his time in presenting them. This creates a story that is at once fast and slow which I think is difficult in a TV show where you can't mess with the audience's perception of time like you can in a book. 

This was always my biggest concern with any WoT TV/film adaptation. Ironically I find myself hoping they've cut enough to make it feel less rushed.

Also, you could argue that the opening drama and early parts of the journey are experienced at a breakneck pace by the characters themselves... the true test for the show will be whether they are able to slow it down enough in later episodes and seasons to leave room for character development.

1 hour ago, CaddySedai said:

Its a review of a person who knows nothing about the series. 

1 hour ago, Deadsy said:

It has to be liked by people who know nothing about the series. But the article is trash.

Even within the context of the show, it's inaccurate. From what I've read, in the show the braid clearly happens in the context of a coming-of-age ritual... and other Two Rivers women in the trailer have their hair braided (such as Marin al'Vere).

5 minutes ago, DojoToad said:

So it is still just a possibility - no actual confirmation yet?

No official confirmation as far as I know. Others may know differently?

1 hour ago, mogi68 said:

I regret giving them a click. One of the laziest written things I've read all year!

1 hour ago, CaddySedai said:

Another Critic being Critical for the sake of Criticality ?

Agreed. Reflexively, "fashionably" derisive. And inaccurate:

If, for instance, you’re the sort of clever girl who can “listen to the wind” – no, not a reference to the conjugal bed – then you’re allowed to wear your hair in a plait.

Rafe has mentioned in interviews that one of the challenges has been finding ways to portray characters' inner thoughts/feelings. I think this scene (my best guess – a funeral from New Spring or for the Aes Sedai burned at the stake by Whitecloaks) is a way of visually emphasizing that aspect of the bond.

20 minutes ago, Borderlander said:

But the best time for me to watch it alone and nerd out with my bread and cheese is still Friday afternoon!

Bread and cheese (with a pickle and an apple) is my ultimate snack for reading/watching fantasy. I'm all about the classic adventure saddlebag fare...

On 11/10/2021 at 11:31 PM, Deadsy said:

Here is a review of the first 3 episodes from Tor:

I’ve Seen the First Three Episodes of The Wheel of Time: Here’s Why You’re Going to Love It | Tor.com

Interesting, this has been taken down now... maybe too many spoilers?

I took Friday off work but now it seems there's a possibility it might air in my time zone on Thursday night... in which case Friday will be re-watch day! ?

On 11/11/2021 at 1:29 PM, Skipp said:

I was able to listen to the track on the youtube link by using a VPN to Australia, it was a treat.  The Moiraine track is very interesting.  Very discordant, possibly to make you uneasy about Moiraine.

Yes, the dissonance is an interesting choice... as you suggest, maybe it's part of an attempt to move away from "good vs. evil" towards more of a morally grey zone.

The track is also oddly frantic, whereas I associate Moiraine with serenity. But it does give off a "dangerous, urgent quest" vibe.

I love how this opens up the possibilities for exploration... like having a live encyclopedia.

4 hours ago, Elgee said:

Welcome to Dragonmount! Hope you're finding your way around here ok?

 I am, thanks for asking! ?

I'm new to Dragonmount, a longtime (re)reader of the books and I wanted a community to experience the TV show with. I live in Canada, although I spent my childhood in the US and my teenage years in the UK.

I picked up the Wheel of Time on the recommendation of a friend, circa 2002. Back then, Moiraine was a huge role model for me because of her strength and poise (a teenage girl at the time, I felt like I needed to learn both). Now my favourite character is Egwene, because I think she has such a beautiful character arc. She grows so much, while staying utterly true to herself. There's also a special place in my heart for Mat and his quarterstaff.

The books are still my go-to (along with Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea trilogy) when I'm going through a stressful time and need to feel grounded. Re-reading them feels like visiting old and very good friends.

Looking forward to getting to know all of you!