The Wheel of Time is released on Amazon Prime Video on November 19, 2021. It is based on Robert Jordan’s novel series of the same name. Leisurebyte got a chance of watching the first two episodes of the fantasy drama. So the review is based only on those two episodes. The series stars Rosamund Pike, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Barney Harris, Madeleine Madden, and Daniel Henney.
The synopsis for the series reads, “Moiraine, a member of the Aes Sedai, a powerful group of women who can use magic, is the protagonist of The Wheel of Time. She leads a group of five young people on a voyage throughout the world, believing that one of them is the reincarnation of the Dragon, a powerful figure who has the power to save or destroy the planet.”
The Wheel of Time Review Contains Mild Spoilers
The first two episodes of The Wheel of the Time are called Leavetaking and Shadow’s Waiting. Both the episodes are directed by Uta Briesewitz. In the first episode, we are introduced to Moiraine, an Aes Sedai (Rosamund Pike) who belongs to a group of women who possess powers and magic. Morraine and her aide al’Lan (Daniel Henney) are on the quest to find the person who is the reincarnation of the dragon.
Moiraine wants to find the Dragon before the Dark One gets to it. She doesn’t know who it is, whether it’s reborn as a girl or boy. She reaches Two Rivers with al’Lan where she meets 5 young and powerful young people. The Aes Sedai believes that one of them is the reincarnation of the Dragon. These 5 people are Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradwoski), Perrin (Marcus Rutherford), Egwene (Madeleine Madden), Mat (Barney Harris) and Nynaeve (Zoë Robins).
But Two Rivers face a deadly threat when the Dark One sends a troop of bloodthirsty beasts to kill the villagers. Will Moiraine save the villagers and find who the Dragon is among those 5? Will those 5 villagers believe her story and leave everything behind to save humanity? That’s to find out in the upcoming episodes.
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Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time has everything you expect in a fantasy drama – magic, powers, fancy setting, the good and the evil, and lots of bloodsheds. The first episode takes time to explain little about Moiraine’s search and why she’s seeking the Dragon. The second episode fails to engross you because of overstuffing.
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After the startling end to episode 1, the second one should’ve been crispier. But it’s gets lost because the makers tried to add too much to it. From the White Cloaks to the Shadow story, there’s a lot been told while we’re still trying to understand these 5 people. The villagers already have a bigger threat from episode 1 to deal with. Given the length of the novel series, it appears like the creators are attempting to include as much as possible.
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Instead of adding several elements in just the second episode, the makers should’ve shown us more of these 5 people or Moiraine. Why should we pick a side just because they’re in focus? What is the reason that will make us intrigued by these 5 villagers? The chances of that happening in the upcoming episodes are high. But that doesn’t change the fact that the second episode gets messy.
Coming to performances, Rosamund Pike as Moiraine is a sight to behold. She brings dynamism and grace on screen, naturally. Zoë Robins as Nynaeve and Josha Stradowski as Rand has also caught my interest because of how well-written their characters are. Are they going to be the good or the bad guys? We don’t know yet.
Amazon Prime’s The Wheel of Time Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, The Wheel of Time series on Amazon Prime looks rich and appealing on screen. In terms of storytelling in the first two episodes, it is not much riveting. Let’s hope it gets better in the upcoming episodes that make us forget the weak start.
The series will stream on Amazon Prime Video on November 19.
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