Finally, the story gained some momentum. But the jumps between the different storyline threads felt a bit jarring.
Nynaeve being her bitchy self felt annoying. To the point that by the time the last scene came in, I almost started to hate her character.
But the show actually pulled a fast one, and it seems she's now trapped in the dream. However, the feeling that she'll still come back never goes away. After the wavy episode, she does indeed manage to come back.
Egwene saying - You have no idea what I'm capable of - to an Aes Sedai felt funny and needlessly girl bossy.
Having some trouble understanding what's going on with Rand, though. Selene seems to have some ulterior motive, which I'm waiting to get clear soon.
Lastly, Mat continues to be stupid, but somehow, his description by the Aes Sedai doesn't match the current actor.
This is the good stuff!
So far they've structured the episodes perfectly. Aside from consistent visual excellence, there's brilliant rising tension woven into beautiful storytelling. It's that intoxicating blend that keeps the audience coming back for more.
Symbolism is a cornerstone in this series, and this episode is rich with it. Particularly noteworthy is The triple Goddess archetype represented - in the arches (past/present/future), and the guardian Aes Sedai Leane(Maiden)/Liandrin(Mother)/Sheriam(Crone), absolutely delicious entertainment!
Amazing A grade performances all around, but Zoë Robbins gets the A+ for masterful use of physicality. Her facial expressions and body control are key to the character - Nynaeve al'Meara's sparse words are usually carefully constructed, but the young wisdom's true strength lies in action, she speaks volumes without having to use her voice. Which makes it all the more exciting to see Zoë's control in the expression of Nynaeve's physical lack of control.
Art, this show is art, and I love it!
Apparently moiraine didn’t lose her powers in the book. And so her leaving lan behind is a departure from it. I wonder if the actors had some kind of issues with each other and that’s the reason for this.
such poor lighting, or unnecessary night scenes, this episode was especially too dark to enjoy.
When you consider Season 2 supposedly is trying to weave two books worth of content into 8 episodes, it's doing a sterling job so far. Some of the deviations remain baffling, Perrin's wife annoys me every time they're mentioned and one unpleasant deviation moment infuriated me (in this episode, those who know, will know).
But in other places, the changes work. The moment with Errol in episode 2 hints at Rand learning sword technique from him, instead of Lan (which I am sad about losing, but hopefully they'll reconnect later).
For book readers:
I saw a suggestion that Liandrin's 'extra' focus is angling her as assuming Elaida's role in the story and you know what? Since we haven't had Elaida at all in this, I can see that now.
Similarly, I wonder what the purpose of Moiraine's stilling is. Are they going to avoid doing the thing with her? And have her take Suian's role from later on? We haven't had Gareth Byrne yet either, so I wonder if they're planning to ditch that aspect too...
Still having my issues with this show. Nynaeve seems to be the main character, while Rand only speaks two or three sentences during one episode. I can understand that many things were shortend, but some parts still feel rushed. Even or because I know the books, I'm sometimes confused about the motivation of the characters. Liandrin and the plot around her are totally different to the books and the ending with Mat and Min was quite confusing to me. But overhaul the second season is still much better then the first one. Still super annoying are the super dark fighting scenes.
One of the worst episode, all spent following one of the worst character of the serie (nynaeve) and her annoying bitchy attitude. All storylines were predictable from two miles apart.
Quite an intense episode concentrating on Nynaeve's trial of the Arches, with rather a surprising outcome. In the first three trials she is expected to turn her back on her village and friends to find the way out, and in the subsequent vision she decides to leave the Tower and reconnects with Lan, they start a family and live quite a peaceful life with Mat and Perrin in the Two Rivers, until the trollock attack, which turns out to be the ultimate test. The Aes Sedai believe Nynaeve to be dead, and Liandrin has some pricks of conscience for encouraging Nynaeve to take the test too early for her. Egwene confronts her about Nynaeve and then plans to do everything she can to rescue her friend, though Elayne talks her out of it. She is really supportive of Egwene and a great friend to have about. Nynaeve comes back when the girls are holding vigil near the Arches. I really like the Tar Valon plot points.
Liandrin releases Mat, claiming that she does it out of grief for the lost sister (though she doesn't mention Nynaeve) and encourages him to go console Egwene, calling him a coward. Mat doesn't really go to the crying Egwene, even though he watches her for some time. Instead, he decides to do some prison break with Min, though it turns out Min has been working with Liandrin all the time and the whole escape was a part of Aes Seadai's plot.
The false Dragon recognises Rand and promises him to reveal the secret how to control the power in exchange for wine, which Selene helps him to get (and introduces him to the high society at the same time), though the only thing he learns from the false Dragon is that the power cannot be controlled. The same night, he sets his and Selene's house on fire with the One Power.
Perrin and others get captured by the Seanchan, but he is rescued by Elyas on their way to the capital. I still don't know why the Seanchan are working with Ishamael but it makes them look super evil.
The sudden loss of Nynaeve was so unexpected and hit me rather hard. I didn’t really realized it but she did grow on me so much. I really thought she had plot armor?! She will be dearly missed.
This one will sting and stay with me for a while.
I do not miss Rand tho and wished he wouldmve stayed dead instead.
I haven't read the books . I feel like Selene's ex was Logain
Shout by OhItsStefanBlockedParent2023-09-02T05:30:01Z
It's not accurate to the books in the sense that it follows the events word for word, but it feels like the WoT I read. It managed to tell a different story that still managed to capture the spirit of the books.
Really pleased it managed to find it's footing, I really hope it sticks the landing.