I think it's likely Anvaere will turn out to be the darkfriend, and not her son. First I want to say this: when Lindsay Duncan and Rosamund Pike are on screen together, we're getting a master class in acting. You know how the whole fandom fell in love with Kate Fleetwood and her portrayal of Liandrin (including me!)? This season it's Lindsay Duncan. Anyways, Anvaere is always asking questions of Moiraine -- where were you, what were you doing, what are you writing there -- while Barthaneus (sp) is wagging his tail with joy that his favorite aunt is back! So my money is on Anvaere. OHH - and glad to see you're back with WoT videos again.
Lindsay Duncan is excellent! It is a treat to have her this season. And Kate Fleetwood continues to blow me away. The acting across the board is top notch.
I think maybe both are Dark Friends. Anveare to save her home and family reputation, but Barthenos to catch a Queen to please his Mom because, let’s face it, Barthenos is not necessarily a great catch for a Queen. Barthenos doesn’t really bring anything to the marriage and typically Queens marry to add to the kingdom either an alliance of two great kingdoms, protection from a competitor, but Barthenos is a momma’s boy from a fallen house with few expectations. He brings nothing to the alliance. I think neither realizes the other is a Dark Friend.
Of course we now know the answer to this, but without giving spoilers - I considered that possibility for a moment, of them switching and Anvaere being the darkfriend in the show. But I genuinely don't think this would be as compelling, or as good storytelling/television. What's more interesting - an unlikeable character being revealed to be a villain, or a likeable (puppy wagging his tail) character being shown to be a villain, while we are forced to admit that the unlikeable character is still good, even if perhaps not "nice"?
Spot on Rebecca, this episode felt like WoT. I don’t have much else to add other than I’m really happy with the show and hope it gets more people to read the books. Having such a great show, means that I now need it to finish completely. I’ll be devastated if it gets cancelled.
This show is definitely getting better with fans having a new favourite episode every week. I had to think a moment when you gave warnings to those who haven't read book 2 Rebecca, the WoT fanbase is bigger than it was even last TV season! It used to be just us book fans, but now it's so much more.
I totally agree that the 1st season of any tv show is when they will be finding their footing and will probably be weaker then further seasons. Covid related issues & delays definitely didnt help with that. So far im really enjoying this show & your videos too. ❤
Love your thoughts and insight Rebecca! I love the perspective you bring. The major criticisms some book readers have of the adaptation is actually what I believe to be the biggest strength of the show. The way they're weaving in all these scenes and concepts of the show in a condensed and really interesting way while still hitting major character and story beats is really impressive. I don't evny the writers - they have such a tough job.
That is spot on they want to save money, Good actors bring them in later and if need be get them out faster. The Marketing is unique since the fan base exists without spending more money. Awesome ideas
This episode had me at the edge of my seat all the way through. I hate Valda with a burning passion (kudos to the actor). Aviendha had me hooked from the get-go and that fight choreography was gorgeous. My only nitpick is the lighting in that particular scene, a lot of fantasy shows lately make those night scenes too dark, so it can be a bit difficult to properly take in all the details. I'm also loving Egwene this season, it's nice to see her properly fleshed out and growing as a channeler. In regards to what you said about Barthanes and Anvaere (spoilers, people): purely in my opinion and from a casting standpoint, I think it would make more sense for Anvaere to be the Darkfriend. Lindsay Duncan has previously shown her ability to portray ambition, vengefulness, and manipulation while still feeling human and relatable in HBO's Rome as Servillia. I could see those Servillia vibes being utilized to great effect here. Liandrin's little smile at the mention of Nyneave's name was an excellent catch! I didn't pick up on that on the first viewing, but now that you mention it... As usual, Liandrin's scenes demand multiple viewings for one to really take in all the subtleties. I watched season 1 about four times specifically for Liandrin, just wanting to take in everything she's putting out there :D Also, we've moved from persimmons to white asparagus now? My friend and I kept rewinding that s1 scene when Liandrin goes "the persimmons are in season. hmmm" and laughing our asses off, it's become our running joke. She's gonna have a field day when she gets to this episode. Lanfear unleashed - this is where the fun begins...
I totally agree with you on all of this! So much subtlety to a lot of characters, Liandrin is up at the top of that list. I saw a joke that Liandrin needs her own produce line, In Season Persimmons, and Alibi Asparagus 🤣 Anveare as well and I’m so curious what will end up happening with her. I agree about the lighting for night scenes. There are more of them so it’s more of an issue. I have noticed there can be a big difference on different screens so I try to make sure of that, but still not ideal.
I note in my own podcast that because Perrin released Aviendha and then got her to spare Dain, they both owe him a life. She accepts that (after all, she honors her toh) but Dain might well not. It is an important hinge on the proposition that the Children of the Light do in fact have honor and duty to the Right of Things or if that is simply what was once their organizing principle honored now when it serves their more usual pursuit of control of societies.
Very different show and overall vibe, but - when nearly a dozen people told me to watch Schitt's Creek, I finally caved and watched the first season. And... did not like it at all. Because it had been so highly recommended by people who know me well, I kept watching. By the last season finale, I was crying my eyeballs out. Same with Lost Girl - almost abandoned after first season, then was devastated when it actually ended. First seasons are so rarely the best ones, that was such a spot-on observation.
Well, we know Bain and Chiad are making an appearance so it was disappointing that we didn't see Gaul, at least for now. I mean, I get it, they need to show the spear sisterhood, so they might as well have it be Bain and Chiad and they might still bring in Gaul later as their common husband.
OK, there are eight replicas of the Seals in Ishamael's mind palace. Those two released plus the four Lanfear mentions mean there are two others yet to find out. My guess is Asmodean and Mesaana, though Asmodean might not be necessary. Ep 6 tells on that eventuality's need.
Lanfear only mentions by name Moggy and Graendal. And seems to imply that the 4 others are men (the "boys"). So I think both Mesaana & Semi are cut. Semirhage's role seem to be split between Ishy and Lanfear so far. Personally, I expect Asmodean & Demanded for sure, I think Ravhin & Sammael might be combined, so I don't know who the 4th cld b, unless it's a kind of big combination.
@@questionsroxelane3643 Rahvin and Sammael are 'the boys', unless Rafe is making stuff up again. That insult for them actually makes sense in Jordan's understanding because they really do bollix up their combats with Rand. And the Forsaken really do need someone running the Black Ajah from within the White Tower, the better to fracture it before the ahem, insurrection and the incursion afterward. That is best Mesaana. As for the last one, the question to me is will Logain travel with Rand and be his tutor en route? If so, then Asmodean is dispensible. Do we want to include Shara, then perhaps we do need Demandred after all. Personally, I'm looking forward to that scene where Asmodean opens the side door and exclaims 'You!" as his last word
Oh, another comment. Did anyone else notice how easy it is to just "knock out" two girls? Ryma's warder just kinda pushed them into a wall and boom they're out cold! AND - if the girls were already drawing attention to themselves by their clothes, imagine what everone thought when they are being carried away on the shoulders of that warder. Attention indeed.
I assumed he followed them until they were somewhere (at the back door) he could get them inside unseen. And of course a yellow could heal their skull fractures.
I'm guessing they're combinging Dain Bornhald and child Byar. After this encounter, Dain is probably going to be prejudiced against Perrin though, hopefully unlike child Byar, he'll grow and learn just like the Dain in the books.
I think we might see another character later this season who could be Byar or a combo. I know Dain will end up hating Perrin if he thinks he kills his father but I still think there’s hope for him to be more reasonable than Byar, and have a good arc.
OK, I'll do my best to keep out spoilers, but the structure of the characters here now precludes Gaul at all. Padan Fain is not the character that would make Gaul's most famous act in the series necessary and might well preclude an entire adventure for Perrin, which is very sad for me as it was fundamental for Perrin's ultimate character and position in the triarchy of Rand/Mat/Perrin. If Gaul is to be introduced then it must be in season three as he is now irrelevant to season two.
How can you mention the sealing of the lips without talking about vaporizing the dude’s head? Also, liandrin only frees nyneave, not all of the wonder girls.
It’s a matter of time and I included the shot of the dude’s head at another point when I mentioned her brutality but at that point I was talking about her casual cruelty, which I felt sealing the lips better illustrated.
Getting better but they still need toi ramp back the Mary Sue element and ramp up masculinity. It wasn't that men were in a kind of barbaric Barbie land, but that they had agency wherever the Power was not directly regnant, which was just about everywhere but the White Tower. So long as the males are portrayed as planks, this show has a ways to go to attain full greatness. I note that Mat's portrayal in Ep6 helps mute this objection. Rand also steps up and so does Lan. It helps. But that is not the case yet in Ep 5.
I love watching your discussion videos after watching each episode. Looking forward to your video on Episode 206.
Can’t wait to talk about 206, it just gets better!
The campfire scene with Aviendha was a lot of fun for me. Great glimpse into who the Aiel are as a people.
They did a lot with a little there. Her smile.
Aiel humor 😊
I think it's likely Anvaere will turn out to be the darkfriend, and not her son. First I want to say this: when Lindsay Duncan and Rosamund Pike are on screen together, we're getting a master class in acting. You know how the whole fandom fell in love with Kate Fleetwood and her portrayal of Liandrin (including me!)? This season it's Lindsay Duncan. Anyways, Anvaere is always asking questions of Moiraine -- where were you, what were you doing, what are you writing there -- while Barthaneus (sp) is wagging his tail with joy that his favorite aunt is back! So my money is on Anvaere. OHH - and glad to see you're back with WoT videos again.
Lindsay Duncan is excellent! It is a treat to have her this season. And Kate Fleetwood continues to blow me away. The acting across the board is top notch.
True.
I think maybe both are Dark Friends. Anveare to save her home and family reputation, but Barthenos to catch a Queen to please his Mom because, let’s face it, Barthenos is not necessarily a great catch for a Queen. Barthenos doesn’t really bring anything to the marriage and typically Queens marry to add to the kingdom either an alliance of two great kingdoms, protection from a competitor, but Barthenos is a momma’s boy from a fallen house with few expectations. He brings nothing to the alliance. I think neither realizes the other is a Dark Friend.
Of course we now know the answer to this, but without giving spoilers - I considered that possibility for a moment, of them switching and Anvaere being the darkfriend in the show. But I genuinely don't think this would be as compelling, or as good storytelling/television. What's more interesting - an unlikeable character being revealed to be a villain, or a likeable (puppy wagging his tail) character being shown to be a villain, while we are forced to admit that the unlikeable character is still good, even if perhaps not "nice"?
Spot on Rebecca, this episode felt like WoT. I don’t have much else to add other than I’m really happy with the show and hope it gets more people to read the books. Having such a great show, means that I now need it to finish completely. I’ll be devastated if it gets cancelled.
I know what you mean, it keeps getting better and better and now I absolutely need it all!
This show is definitely getting better with fans having a new favourite episode every week. I had to think a moment when you gave warnings to those who haven't read book 2 Rebecca, the WoT fanbase is bigger than it was even last TV season! It used to be just us book fans, but now it's so much more.
I totally agree that the 1st season of any tv show is when they will be finding their footing and will probably be weaker then further seasons. Covid related issues & delays definitely didnt help with that. So far im really enjoying this show & your videos too. ❤
I kind of thought them naming the nephew Barthanes was a bit of a red herring, so that we could be blindsided by the sister.
Love your thoughts and insight Rebecca! I love the perspective you bring.
The major criticisms some book readers have of the adaptation is actually what I believe to be the biggest strength of the show. The way they're weaving in all these scenes and concepts of the show in a condensed and really interesting way while still hitting major character and story beats is really impressive. I don't evny the writers - they have such a tough job.
I am looking forward to commentary about S2E6!
I have so much to say!
@@ReadingthePattern It is pretty good!
Can't wait for your discussion of the rest of season two
I love this episode and couldn't turn away.
It amuses me how much my book reviewer "friends" love the "browns", as that is what they are!
I will forever think of them as the Brown Ajah Detective Agency now
That is spot on they want to save money, Good actors bring them in later and if need be get them out faster.
The Marketing is unique since the fan base exists without spending more money.
Awesome ideas
This episode had me at the edge of my seat all the way through. I hate Valda with a burning passion (kudos to the actor). Aviendha had me hooked from the get-go and that fight choreography was gorgeous. My only nitpick is the lighting in that particular scene, a lot of fantasy shows lately make those night scenes too dark, so it can be a bit difficult to properly take in all the details.
I'm also loving Egwene this season, it's nice to see her properly fleshed out and growing as a channeler.
In regards to what you said about Barthanes and Anvaere (spoilers, people): purely in my opinion and from a casting standpoint, I think it would make more sense for Anvaere to be the Darkfriend. Lindsay Duncan has previously shown her ability to portray ambition, vengefulness, and manipulation while still feeling human and relatable in HBO's Rome as Servillia. I could see those Servillia vibes being utilized to great effect here.
Liandrin's little smile at the mention of Nyneave's name was an excellent catch! I didn't pick up on that on the first viewing, but now that you mention it... As usual, Liandrin's scenes demand multiple viewings for one to really take in all the subtleties. I watched season 1 about four times specifically for Liandrin, just wanting to take in everything she's putting out there :D Also, we've moved from persimmons to white asparagus now? My friend and I kept rewinding that s1 scene when Liandrin goes "the persimmons are in season. hmmm" and laughing our asses off, it's become our running joke. She's gonna have a field day when she gets to this episode.
Lanfear unleashed - this is where the fun begins...
I totally agree with you on all of this! So much subtlety to a lot of characters, Liandrin is up at the top of that list. I saw a joke that Liandrin needs her own produce line, In Season Persimmons, and Alibi Asparagus 🤣
Anveare as well and I’m so curious what will end up happening with her.
I agree about the lighting for night scenes. There are more of them so it’s more of an issue. I have noticed there can be a big difference on different screens so I try to make sure of that, but still not ideal.
I note in my own podcast that because Perrin released Aviendha and then got her to spare Dain, they both owe him a life. She accepts that (after all, she honors her toh) but Dain might well not. It is an important hinge on the proposition that the Children of the Light do in fact have honor and duty to the Right of Things or if that is simply what was once their organizing principle honored now when it serves their more usual pursuit of control of societies.
I am really curious to see how Dain handles Perrin sparing his life
Love your content Rebecca hope your holiday season is going well. Cant wait to see more videos they are my favorite WOT!
Very different show and overall vibe, but - when nearly a dozen people told me to watch Schitt's Creek, I finally caved and watched the first season. And... did not like it at all. Because it had been so highly recommended by people who know me well, I kept watching. By the last season finale, I was crying my eyeballs out. Same with Lost Girl - almost abandoned after first season, then was devastated when it actually ended. First seasons are so rarely the best ones, that was such a spot-on observation.
Honestly if a show peaks in the first season, it’s a problem
Well, we know Bain and Chiad are making an appearance so it was disappointing that we didn't see Gaul, at least for now. I mean, I get it, they need to show the spear sisterhood, so they might as well have it be Bain and Chiad and they might still bring in Gaul later as their common husband.
Yeah I think Gaul could come in next season. Some have suggested he be Aviendha’s brother who would help her meet some of her toh.
It's also worth noting that Lanfear (unreliable narrator?) says the one who actually canonically was the Mistress of TAR is insane.
Moggy always BELIEVED to be the Master of TAR, yet, Lanfear was actually better. For instance, I bet she wldn't have been caught by Nyn's trick...
OK, there are eight replicas of the Seals in Ishamael's mind palace. Those two released plus the four Lanfear mentions mean there are two others yet to find out. My guess is Asmodean and Mesaana, though Asmodean might not be necessary. Ep 6 tells on that eventuality's need.
Lanfear only mentions by name Moggy and Graendal. And seems to imply that the 4 others are men (the "boys"). So I think both Mesaana & Semi are cut. Semirhage's role seem to be split between Ishy and Lanfear so far.
Personally, I expect Asmodean & Demanded for sure, I think Ravhin & Sammael might be combined, so I don't know who the 4th cld b, unless it's a kind of big combination.
@@questionsroxelane3643 Rahvin and Sammael are 'the boys', unless Rafe is making stuff up again. That insult for them actually makes sense in Jordan's understanding because they really do bollix up their combats with Rand. And the Forsaken really do need someone running the Black Ajah from within the White Tower, the better to fracture it before the ahem, insurrection and the incursion afterward. That is best Mesaana. As for the last one, the question to me is will Logain travel with Rand and be his tutor en route? If so, then Asmodean is dispensible. Do we want to include Shara, then perhaps we do need Demandred after all. Personally, I'm looking forward to that scene where Asmodean opens the side door and exclaims 'You!" as his last word
Thanks for another enciteful video.
Oh, another comment. Did anyone else notice how easy it is to just "knock out" two girls? Ryma's warder just kinda pushed them into a wall and boom they're out cold! AND - if the girls were already drawing attention to themselves by their clothes, imagine what everone thought when they are being carried away on the shoulders of that warder. Attention indeed.
I noticed those were their second head injuries in one episode 😬
Elaine did experience a serious one in TDR.
Wanders are supposed to be dangerous and it shows how naive the two ladies are.
I assumed he followed them until they were somewhere (at the back door) he could get them inside unseen. And of course a yellow could heal their skull fractures.
As they say, concussions should have repercussions
I'm guessing they're combinging Dain Bornhald and child Byar. After this encounter, Dain is probably going to be prejudiced against Perrin though, hopefully unlike child Byar, he'll grow and learn just like the Dain in the books.
I think we might see another character later this season who could be Byar or a combo. I know Dain will end up hating Perrin if he thinks he kills his father but I still think there’s hope for him to be more reasonable than Byar, and have a good arc.
Gaul needs to appear cos Perrin needs a bro.
Where is Rebecca ? Been a while. Hope she's okay
Hope your doing well!
OK, I'll do my best to keep out spoilers, but the structure of the characters here now precludes Gaul at all. Padan Fain is not the character that would make Gaul's most famous act in the series necessary and might well preclude an entire adventure for Perrin, which is very sad for me as it was fundamental for Perrin's ultimate character and position in the triarchy of Rand/Mat/Perrin. If Gaul is to be introduced then it must be in season three as he is now irrelevant to season two.
I agree if Gaul will come in it will be in season 3
How can you mention the sealing of the lips without talking about vaporizing the dude’s head?
Also, liandrin only frees nyneave, not all of the wonder girls.
It’s a matter of time and I included the shot of the dude’s head at another point when I mentioned her brutality but at that point I was talking about her casual cruelty, which I felt sealing the lips better illustrated.
Getting better but they still need toi ramp back the Mary Sue element and ramp up masculinity. It wasn't that men were in a kind of barbaric Barbie land, but that they had agency wherever the Power was not directly regnant, which was just about everywhere but the White Tower. So long as the males are portrayed as planks, this show has a ways to go to attain full greatness. I note that Mat's portrayal in Ep6 helps mute this objection. Rand also steps up and so does Lan. It helps. But that is not the case yet in Ep 5.
Looks like each boy has a girlfriend this time. Mat+Min, Perrin+Aviendha, Rand+Elaine. Better then 3 for 1? No falcon, or bald little girl though.