So glad you're doing this. As one of those who read the books 20+ years ago, I'm aware of many of the changes we're seeing, but not always able to put my finger precisely on how it has changed, and it's wonderful to be reminded by someone who clearly has sincere affection for the source material. I really appreciate your ability not only to note the changes, but to make fair judgements regarding whether they make sense in telling the story in this format. It's frustrating, but we really do have to reserve judgement on most of them until we see where they take things over the course of the first two seasons, really. So far I do sense enough respect for the source material that I am hopeful. Thanks, and please keep doing these, it's heartwarming.
Thanks for the kind support! I have huge affect for the Wheel of Time, but I do understand that a show is going to change things. I was dubious after episode 1, but this episode gave me a lot of hope. I can't wait for 5 🤓
I know the dagger is clean, but that doesn't mean he couldn't just wipe it, keep it clean, keep it sharp...I don't think he did it either, because that would be stupid, but that logic is starting to fall apart because the showrunners seem quite stupid.
@@Bookborn Well it's apparent they're completely getting rid of Rand n mat learning instruments, but also there's the moment with Rand way up on the mast, and all the stuff from the age of legends we see on the river.
I do be sad that we’ll no see Domon, and likely no Egeanin too. Without Egeanin, I expect that there will be almost no lore in the series regarding the Seanchan, so they’ll end up being just some foreign army 😢
I really thought that's where we were going with EP 4 for them too. No Bayle Domon do be disappointing, but it do be a possibility he mayhap appear later.
Thom teaching the boys how to play the flute and juggle was a great part of the books. I still can't get into this show. I do like how positive you are able to be about this show.
I actually really liked this episode! I think I just completely gave up on Thom after episode 3. He was so different, I just knew they weren't going to keep that stuff. It's a bummer.
@@Bookborn I want to like this show, I'm trying hard to not let the changes hold me back, but things like Logain being able to see the light of Saidar or them not having a full circle of 13 women shielding him. Also gentleing him now means he won't see Rand in Caemlyn, I won't go into spoilers but that event sets him on the path that he walks down the rest of the books. I do like the acting, I just think the writers are changing too much.
I really appreciate your videos on this because you’re objective about your review and comparisons without just bashing the show! As a non book reader, the nynenive scene made me think she was the dragon reborn so that was a big mislead but that would have been insane if she was as a misdirect. Nonetheless powerful scenes and I definitely cried and got emotional throughout that ending!
Yeah, I'm sort of annoyed how negative everyone is being. Give the show a chance! I will admit some changes are disappointing, but i REALLY liked this episode and am excited where it's going. And all my friends who haven't read the book are liking the show, which makes me even happier. I won't make any comments about the Dragon Reborn...don't want to spoil lol
This was definitely my favorite so far. I really don’t think we’re supposed to think mat killed those people. I think it was a super quick red herring to make us think the worst before the fade came onscreen. Also, I LOVED Nyneave’s anger during the healing. Crushed it. And the tuatha’an scenes were great, the characterization of Logain and depth they gave him so we have a bit more to go on for his character’s future. It’s all awesome.
I really think 8 episodes are not enough to do the eye of the world justice. I'm fine with compressing multiple dark friend encounters and such things, but it's clear we're being rushed and won't get to see much of Min, Elias, Elayne or Caemlyn, and many other things I won't spoil. Inventing new scenes for world building is great but there's a trade off, and show watchers may not realise what they're missing. The show also glosses over nuances like how aes sedai don't go around looking like power rangers. Thanks for making these vids to help me be optimistic about the writing.
Yeah, the costuming doesn't make a ton of sense to me, but I think it does make the show more visually appealing. That's a tough trade off, because in this case, I do feel like it hurts worldbuilding a bit. I heard a rumor it was supposed to be ten episodes but Amazon cut it to 8?I wonder why. Maybe because it's a trial run. Maybe we will get more episodes in the future seasons...if it gets approved.
They are compressing at least some of The Great Hunt in there too. Not a fan of many of the differences The Cauthons and Aybarras are my least favorite changes.
I think it keeps getting better. I do like how they are showing Nynaeves power and Matts sickness being explained as the madness. Its not just throwing off new viewers but the book readers as well. But Moraine explained it well when talking to Logain. The Dragon has so much power none of what we see from Nynaeve or Logain or any of the channelers will compare. I like what they are doing with this.
Agreed, tons of changes but I absolutely loved this episode! Got me really excited for the show as a whole. Moraine and Nynaeve are two of my favourite characters in the books so I am glad they are my absolute favourite in the show so far!
Really happy I found your channel, I’ve only read The Eye of the World so far, but I love the series and intend to finish it in the next few months! Your reviews help me keep so much new information straight :)
I have not read the books but I am a avid book reader so I know how coveted favorite books can be . I can enjoy this show as a fist time experience to this world and I love the show . I am grateful this is my first view . I think book readers are harsher on the show than they should be. It will not look like the picture you created in your head . It won’t . Mourn that idea and enjoy it for what it is . I have seen so many people talk very harshly about this show and even compare it to Game of thrones . This is not game of thrones and I don’t think the show runners are trying to do that . Some chapters have to be adapted to screen differently . And my own opinion, I prefer seeing the show over reading the book just how people describe the differences . I like watching her videos because she is not like most of the other reviewers. It’s not a negative review but honest and it is ok to point out the differences without completely slamming the show . And she does not do that . I will keep watching !
Thanks for the support! I have also been SUPER bummed about how fans are reacting. I don't think they are giving the show a fair chance. Honestly, a lot of the differences (especially in this episode) have been very positive, imo.
I think it's a great series adaptation. Our first taste! Maybe one day we'll have like 14-16 movies, and they can be like 3 hours each and super accurate then xD
We can all agree that adapting this series was a huge challenge and they're doing a relatively good job. Some parts of the fan base are really losing their minds over this though , I'm finding this channel is a bit of a safe haven and I appreciate it.
Yes, come be positive with me! Obviously there are changes I'm not pleased with, but I'm really happy that each episode has been better than the last. I'm excited to see where they are taking it
Part of the toxic fan base here. (I guess???) Wish I could turn my brain off from what I've read in the book because without that, I think the series would be much more enjoyable. That being said, they have made so many changes from the book series all in the name of diversity and translating it from book to video and they are only going to continue doing more in the future. I do enjoy it if I don't think about the books but will all the changes it's hard for fans of the books to get into it. I know some of the population can be toxic, but hopefully you understand that some of that comes from their love of the source material. Cheers and good day!
@@nicholascowling7052 I admit I had forgotten the degree to which gender played a role in the books. The story is set in a world where gender fluidity and committed homosexuals do not exist (unless they showed up after book 6 where I stopped reading). Like it or not that's the world we live in today and it's entirely possible that the right time to do a "faithful" adaptation passed sometime in the 90s.
@@saltzytheslick Thanks for the thoughtful response. I know plenty of fans are still enjoying the series. Hope it continues to be entertaining. Cheers!
I like the Lan and Nynaeve scenes. Adds to their chemistry that I think the book actually left out. There was no build up in The Eye of the World. Just all of a sudden they're having this conversation of "I will hate the man you choose, because he is not me"
Oh totally. I actually quite like all those added scenes, they were needed. Funnily enough my friend who hasn’t read the books was like “I feel like the Lan/Nynaeve romance is rushed” and I was like OH MAN you’d hate it in the book 😂
I'm enjoying the show and I'm going to keep watching but I really wish they stuck to the book more and included more of what happened in the books. If that meant only finishing half of the first book in the first season for example, so be it. For example, Rand sees logain for the first time as he's being taken to Tar Valon to be gentled. I felt that was an important scene towards Rand's development and distrust of the Aes Sedai. I guess I feel like this is becoming a very different story. So much happens in the books that it would probably take 28 seasons to do it justice so I guess I understand why they're skipping so much but at the same time, I feel disappointed. How much more will they be skipping? Will the entire Aiel waste part be just 2 or 3 episodes? That part is so defining for Rand. I guess my expectations were simply too high and unrealistic.
I think they are doing a great job of condensing multiple scenes from the books into pivitol scenes in the show - especially Rand/Matt storyline. I like the physical manifistation of Matts 'sickness', have to see something on screen. The Fade scene wsa great and compare that to the one in the book - shooting and logistics - totally makes sense plus it gives the addes questioning on what the dagger is doing to Matt. A really smart choice. I agree with you comments about the Logain scenes - so much of the book is just 'thats what the stories say' as the only reason to think something. This gives vieseral representation of a false dragon. I feel the show is helping the watcher more than the books help the reader. But, that is also the nature of books. I like it a lot so far.
Yes, the reality of any visual medium is there needs to be excitement. So constantly hearing characters talk of false dragons isn't as good as actually SEEING it on screen. I think exposition works way better for books because...obviously the nature of books lol. It's funny just because when I knew they were going to do backstory for Logain I thought it was stupid, and now I think it's been an excellent choice. Which is why I'm just a fan and not a show runner 😂
I like this channel, I'll subscribe. You get through the points efficiently. Just maybe move the camera or chair to the side a bit so that your face isn't sometimes behind the inset video. I haven't read the books so going purely on the show. The first 3 episodes struggled - too many main characters (it felt like the problem with the female Doctor Who) and the story was moving too fast to allow me to understand what was happening or why. But episode 4 was great - the emotional scene where Lan explains the old words to Nynaeve, and then the explosion of Nynaeve's power at the end were great. Episode 4 seemed to move slower and I felt like I'm finally learning something like about the Warders bond and the different Aes Sedai factions. I look forward to the rest of Season 1. It disappoints me that some people are already saying the show has failed. It's a big story - give it a chance! Even Game of Thrones (which is a totally different animal and they shouldn't be compared) didn't hook me until the 2nd last episode of season 1. WoT offers me something that GoT only pretended to - actual fantasy. There are some weak points though. For example, in the big fight in episode 4, one Aes Sedai remarked that no army could stand against 7 full sisters, yet they seemed to get overwhelmed quickly, had weak attacks and arrows seemed to pick them off easily. In episode 3 (I think) there was a scene where 2 characters were out in open scrubland, started running from wolves and suddenly they were running through heavy woodland. Like, where did all those trees come from? And why do they think the Trollocs won't wipe their village out just because they left it - that would be remarkably polite and decent of an invading horde.
I know, I keep trying to move to the side but it isn't enough. Going to nail that for episode 5 😅 I agree. The downright negativity from the fandom is...excessive. I really don't think we can judge it until the first season is done. After 8 episodes, we will have a good idea of where it's going. Yes, was episode 1 a little rough for us? Sure. but we don't need to go tank all the ratings after one episode 🙄
@@Bookborn You and Daniel Greene seem to be of a similar mind. The show is doing things differently but mostly in the spirit of the characters and going in the right direction. I'm comfortable with that approach. I wonder if this new approach is Brandon Sanderson doing his interpretation of how the books could have started if he had written them. Regardless, it's a TV adaptation. It's good to change things because it means that the many book readers won't know exactly what will happen next and it gives them a reason to watch it too and not spoil it for me :) Plus you can keep doing the differences videos.
Moraine said Nyn was not from the two rivers. Lan said I you were exactly like I thought. Nyn talks about her family using the saying in the old tongue, when they hid her in the cellar. Lan said that is what the king/queen said when they went to fight a fight they could not win. I think Nynaeve is Malkier.
Great, you helped me with my initial PTSD.... I will continue until something flips you and we DNF together!😁 I am having difficulty processing all the sex when the characters were strongly unskilled with the opposite gender. Hillary, I think you can help me love the artistic creation of WOT!😁
I decided to read the books after watching this show, and in between some of the books I’m watching review videos of the show and books. And I just wanted to say that I’m really enjoying this series! Thanks for making it
In the books the Warder would have gone into a freakish blood lust. But I think this is a pretty decent change. Like he just has this hollow look as if he lost a limb all of a sudden, which makes sense given the bond.
Thanks for your videos. As someone who didn't manage to finish the books, I'm glad they made the changes. I'm not surprised they have to tweak things, especially to avoid similarities to other fantasy series out there. Ep4 was great and I can't wait for the rest of the series (and your reviews)!
I'm watching each episode, and then hopping over her to watch the Bookborn recap. I hate to say it, but I'm kinda... bored... watching Wheel of Time. But I'm sticking with it, hoping that it'll turn around.
I feel like, they attempted to keep people interested by "getting rid of the bloat" and in doing so lost character building moments which in turn make the watcher not "invested"... Not sure if i'm explaining it right, but because of this it feels rushed, compared to the books.
Coming to this show late after watching Rings of Power and it feels like a Masterpiece. Haven’t read the books, but I definitely will once I’m done with season 1!
LOL I said the same thing the other day like I didn't like this first season but compared to RoP I'd watch this any day again. I hope you like the book series if you get to reading them!
Felt it was obvious that the Fade had killed the family and not Mat. Read on reddit that there was blood on the fades blade, i couldn't see that myself, but Mats dagger was not bloodied at all. Loved this episode so much, i was crying like a bitch throughout, they're killing it imo! Keep your vids coming they help me get through separation anxiety with WoT and having to wait a week for the next ep!!
Yes someone else pointed out the blood so I think you guys are totally right! I was just panicking because I feel like they are trying to make Mat too dark lol
not only is losing Thom so abrupt it's hard to care, but also I didn't get the sense he was making a desperate last stand so the boys could escape, I got the impression he thought he could actually fight a Fade one on one and the boys just chickened out and ran. Which had the knock on effect of making Fades seem way less scary- the CG faces instead of normal eyeless faces is actually *less* creepy to me, and I wish they'd made it clearer that they're terrifying before having a lone person engage one in combat. Right now they just seem like knockoff Ringwraiths- which, to be fair, they totally are, but they should be at least as scary as Ringwraiths, and I feel like they failed at that.
We have 4 episodes left. We likely have to get a White Cloak scene + final travel episode, a full Tar Valon episode, a Ways/Borderland episode and an EoTW Episode. I don't think there's much room to carry Thom much further tbh.
Very true. I just think they should've either made him EXTRA likeable (which they didn't lol) or introduce him earlier. It just felt...like a waste of space when he's in like 10 minutes.
it is interesting that the most different episodes than what actually happens in the books end up being the one that is most true to the characters of the book. i thought the way they showed Lan and Nyneave's relationship was waaaay better than what we got in the books.
Oh ABSOLUTELY. It's a change that is super positive. Tbh, none of the romances have any build up in the book. It's nice they are trying to give them some times, it improves them.
That's the beauty of good adaptation. Nothing in this episode specifically happened in the books; but they used it as a lens with which to lore dump. And the lore is generally correct for the books.
I disagree. They need to stick with the books. This show is going to crash and burn with all the changes. I would have rather they spent more time on Rand, Matt and Thom then focus on Lan and Nyneave. It's ridiculous how they claim its going to be hard to fit a whole book into 1 season yet we get episodes with absolutely zero actual book in it. The moment rand " broke down a door" instead of summoning lighting and blowing the inn to pieces I lost interest. That would have been epic to watch happen but because of this stupid need to make the dragon a mystery they are bastardizing the character development of Rand.
@@MrKlarc19 It's sitting around 80% on Rotten Tomatoes; if they can maintain this level of quality and keep the majority of the book readers and newcomers happy; they should be in good shape.
I'm subbed! I read all the books a while back so you help me remember the differences haha. I'm looking forward to your comments after each episode. This one was great!
Feeling the exact same way. Like...ok, I see how you are having this come together. We got so much good book worldbuilding in this, it made me really happy.
The same. I haven't read the books but the first 3 episodes felt weak. Episode 4 was much stronger. I know it will take time to set the scene for a book series this massive so I'm in it for the long haul.
So losing Tom again was very unexpected and really threw me off. We barely get to know him and he hasn’t taught the boys much of anything. I liked the first battle with Logain yet the latter one with the ai Sadai felt so mmegh. For battle sisters and red ajah they looked so weak. And I completely agree the Warder loosing his bonded he is supposed to go completely insane! Overall I liked this episode much more than the others and feel it’s gaining strides but I don’t know how it will end. Oh I really don’t like the it’s (one of the five).
I really liked this episode and it diverged a lot form the books. Agreed it's the best one so far. Spoilers: I am actually okay with the way they are handling Rand/Mat/Thom. I agree it seems quick for Thom to be separated form them already. I'm guessing the door was the first and only time Rand has channeled, at least I didn't pick up on any others. So I can handle him not being sick. Making the dagger infection from Mashadar a bit more like channeling sickness helps move that relationship with Thom and Mat forward quicker a bit. Which I assume they are doing perhaps because of their relationship later and going to the tower of Genji. I also think Mat is kind of being taken over by Mashadar, so it was Mashadar that saw the Fade not really Mat per say. Playing that infection up to be really bad may help amp up Padan Fain later when he is like Mashadar/DarkFriend/MachinShin whatever he is. And for non book readers it takes the heat of Rand being the Dragon Reborn. I guarantee most non readers must think it's Nynaeve after that last scene in Ep. 4. That dream too, I think that's more Rands dream as Perrin and Mat didn't seem to acknowledge the rest of them. But Egwene did so I'm wondering if she actually stepped into that dream shard or the dreamworld on her own. Subtle nod to later stuff in the books as well. Overall tons of little things like this have me really enjoying picking apart the show.
The only reason I say that is I *think* the door scene is replacing the lightning scene. And if it truly is the first time he channeled, then...he should get the channeling sickness. It feels like they are trying to make it so NOT Rand, that they kind of...cut out all of his stuff, you know?
@@Bookborn I do not disagree, but hear me out. Rand first uses the power a couple small ways before that big one with the lightning, rejuvenating Bella for instance, that don't seem to immediately cause the sickness. The door scene does kind of harken to the DF where he used the lightning, and I don't see how that could not be channeling as that door was called out to be iron wood. So I'm thinking there will be a bigger reveal of his power usage that then causes the sickness, maybe something more like the lightning scene perhaps. There is a scene that shows Moraine rejuvenating the horses, the last one in the line was already standing and she didn't use the power on it but I'm not sure if that was Bella and they didn't really nod to it. So I'm not sure if he used the power there or not. In the end I think they are purposefully steering non-book readers away from Rand since almost anyone who hasn't read the books will assume it's Naynaeve after ep4. It's a bit jarring as a book reader at times but I do see the point of making that into a mystery to try and hook viewers on who the heck really is the Dragon Reborn. I love theorizing about this stuff. Thank god for RUclips and Reddit since I have no friends that even read books at all lol
@@s0rd3z I hope you are right! I just want them to point to Rand at SOME point you know? But I get the red herrings. I like the idea of that just being a small one for Rand like other small things he did in the book, and we will see a bigger display later. Maybe they are saving the big display for the end of the season - at the actual EOTW.
@@Bookborn Totally, I think they are making it seem least likely it's Rand. I mean what has he done other than bitch and moan? (very on brand for the books honestly lol) And by doing that the reveal will be some unexpected big event like with Nynaeve, which I doubt non readers saw coming, and it will be obvious that this whiny little b*tch is actually the true DR lol
Didnt Rand see Logain for the first time in Caemlyn though? Additionally, i absolutely love the way you review these episodes, critical yet positive. Definitely a better way than 70% of the internets.
Yeah! I thought I mentioned that?? Oh wait, I think I mention that in Episode 5. I pretty much say "this should've happened in Caemlyn" like 800 times 😆
@@Bookborn Yeah i know the feels, broke my nerdraging heart. Im very curious what's going to happen in the coming 3 episodes, it's really gonna make or break the show. Read the books 4-5 times, absolutely love it.... But the way some things are changed is making me nerdrage quite a bit. Especially because the director said the sole reason was feminism. Which is one of things i think is really not necessary in WoT. With women basically ruling the world (Andor, White Tower, the Seanchan, women's circles, heck even Davram Bashere is scared his wife is going to murder him :D) To name just a few. But oh well, lets not get into politics on your video, sorry for derailing a bit... Just love this series and i see no value in mentioning Jain Farstrider was a woman for example.
I was also a bit upset about all the changes but I can't stop watching!! It's really good despite the differences. Makes me want read it all again. One thing that's bothering me is that it seems like the Green could see Logain's weaves when she saved Moriane and Liandrin. Likewise, when Nyneave channels it seems like Logain could see it. He shields his eyes. Male and female channelers aren't supposed to be able so see each others weaves. Maybe it's just the way they try to physically represent the weaves that's got me confused.
Well it's weird because they state IN SHOW that they can't see each other's weaves. But then, you're right, characters do act like they can see weaves! So...I don't know what that contradiction is about
I don’t like how they nerfed Logain and used him to springboard Nynaeve. He better get a power up. He’s probably the strongest channeler in the series after the story ends because of the saidin/Saidar power balance.
I mean, I think they showed how strong he was. This is Nynaeve's burst of power - she's a super strong channeler too. I think he was surprised. He doesn't know a lot at this point. I think he'll be the same (hopefully)
He wasn't nerfed... it took all Aes Sedai in the camp to subdue him. Nynaeve, in particular is overpowered in the books, and not on the lesser end of the scale either... she's excessively overpowered. There's little that one can do after the ladies have linked.
Logain is tier two power according to the companion. Just after Rand. He’s on the same tier as demandred and Sammael. Elite Saidin users are more powerful than Saidar users with the drawback of not linking to other saidin users in the books. It took 13 Aes Sedai one of which being Cadsuane with her op ter’angreal to shield him.
@@gunneratijuf8915 According to 'The Wheel of Time Companion', it looks like you're right. But... perhaps the question we should ask; was there a jump in power level after Logain had his gentling reversed? Maybe they did mess with canon on this detail...
@@gunneratijuf8915 Just read an article on Guardian by Alison Flood regarding the Wheel of Time. The author claims to have read higher brow fantasy than the Belgeriad and the Wheel of Time. The author takes further steps to denigrate Robert Jordan's prose, writing style and construction. The author then provides a quote from Rafe Judkins describing how he planned to push the envelope of gender norms and modernize the Wheel of Time story. It's pretty clear that a good faith retelling of the Wheel of Time is not the goal here. Perhaps Bhuddism provides the solution here for the avid book fans: "Breath by breath, let go of fear, expectation, anger, regret, cravings, frustration, fatigue. Let go of the need for approval. Let go of old judgements and opinions. Die to all that, and fly free. Soar in the freedom of desirelessness." -- Lama Surya Das
I was so convinced that Mat killed the family! My buddy was like "man, I think it was the Fade", and now we're waiting, along with everyone, to see who was right
Many people have pointed out that Mat's knife didn't have blood on it. So right now the consensus is that it was just a quick red herring before you saw the fade. THANK GOODNESS
New Spring was in between Knife of Dreams and Crossroads of Twilight. Logain does get a formal trial at Tar Valon, and is gentled in accordance with normal Tower policy, prior to Elaida's usurpation of the Amyrlin Seat.
I like the end scene with Nynaeve, but wish they built it a little more in the previous episodes! There's little mention of Nynaeve being a A+ healer prior to this, would've been better if they established she was an exceptional healer and carer for her people before doing this big healing bomb.
100% agree. I was actually annoyed when she healed Moiraine that it wasn't a *tad* more miraculous. The whole point is Nynaeve has been using small amounts of the power to heal her whole life. It's her entire thing, and I wish we'd focused more on that.
It's still feels a bit tooooooo cheesy??? I'm liking her and egwene a bit better than their book counterparts were at this point in time but I'm seeing people claiming that there was a flood of tears etc etc at that moment? I was still pretty getting over the sock of showing Moiraine and Lan get shredded. I feel like that really weakens them as characters :(. The two are pretty untouchable for a lengthy peroid in the books.
As someone who hasn't read the book, I felt like Matt didn't kill the people, they wanted you to think he did for a moment then we see the bad guy. And at the end I felt like they wanted viewers to think Nyneave is going to be the Dragon.
This episode I agree has been the best one. Even though a lot of what happened in the episode didn't happen in the books really in the same way, it feels like it COULD have, which I think makes it really feel like wheel of time still. Also most of the changes they have done make sense when you do consider the scope of the tale they have to tell and the limitation of 8 episodes to get through EoTW while still introducing some characters and relationships that will be more important in later seasons. I like what they've done. I'm interested to see how they will handle the Perrin/Egwene thread; I assume we are about to get a bit more of them in episode 5, encountering with certain group of dangerous individuals
Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting the Perrin/Egwene storyline. I really like how it went this episode - it felt super true to those scenes. But I'm guessing next episode we will see the wolf storyline go further and I'm really anxious about how they handle that.
Wow what an episode. That is one of the best episodes of television I have ever seen. Amazing. I had a few doubts still before this episode. Now I’m 100% sold. That’s Stormlight Archive level of awesome.
So far I am liking the show. They are doing a good job of condensing things down and 'showing not telling." Moraine telling them about what happened to the false dragon Logain vs having an this added to show it is better... Hopefully at least. If we get to the end of the season and see other things left out or not addressed that were sacrificed for it then I might feel different
That's exactly how I'm feeling. We are at a precipice - the next four episodes will decide so much on the future of the show and how well it encapsulates the books.
6:52 Only watched the episode once, but I got the impression from Morraine's body language after the fact that she didn't realize the bond was being used for a gentling until it was underway and it happened fast.
A weird thing is that Logain can sense how powerful Nynaeve, which he shouldn't be able to since he shouldn't be able to see/feel her weaves? Unless there was a literal burst of light rather than that just being a visual representation of the weave, I guess. Seeing her simultaneously heal a room full of people is also fairly impressive in it's own right, so they could have just had him *not* flinch away from the light of her weaves and probably delivered a fairly similar scene?
Someone thought it might be because he can see Ta'veren? (Although, she isn't in the books, and hasn't been listed with the others even in the show). Or...because it was a burst? But yeah, it's weird that they sort of immediately contradicted themselves lol
Channelers can sense channeling from the opposite gender. It's like a tingling sensation; or the hair rises on the back of their neck. Now... how might one react if the effect was 1000x stronger than what you had experienced before?
@@covya Good point. It's possible that the producers are just playing fast and loose with the source material. Or perhaps Nynaeve produced a dirty weave that generated light as an unintended side effect.
@@gilian2587 the "Canon" advisor the show relied on has tweeted that he couldn't see the weaves but that her healing released an actual shockwave with debris flying everywhere, and that's what he was reacting to. I feel like it coulda been shot better if that was their intentions but at least its not a gaping plot hole
3:11 Matt puking is just a way to show that the darkness spreading throughout the land. They will most likely show that that darkness is causing havoc on the people and the land. Maybe mutations of the land and creatures.
Yasssssssssssssssssssssss dude I loved this one too, and it is all coming together and taking on a life of it's own, whilst still keeping the heart and soul of the story - I mean that's a pretty mean feat i think.
Totally agree. I really feel like our characters are experiencing the things they did in the book. It's different, but it's starting to give me the same vibe. I'm really hoping this energy goes into episode 5
@@Bookborn Yeah apparently episode 6 is the one that'll blow the world away so i'm lookin forward to that!! Yeah, I can see where it's goin, they've made some tough but ultimately correct decisions methinks.
I looooved the video, thanks for doing it. Also so excited with the scenes between Lan and Nynaeve (Robert Jordan was not the greatest writter for romance hahaha) And also felt Thom's disappearance in the show was too sunden. Looking forward for ep. 5 review (mixed feelings about it) Kisses from Brazil
Yes, I have mixed feelings about episode 5 too! Episode 4 has for sure been the best so far. It's funny because I think that Jordan wrote some pretty good friendships, but his romances...MAN. They are so bad. They all just come out of nowhere and are love at first sight. SO, I'm extremely grateful for the actual build up of Nynaeve and Lan!
I didn't read the books, and honestly I probably never will. I had two fears in watching the tv show: That the writer will just assume you read the books and rely on that, and that the series will be as slow as the books, which I am personally not a fan of. I am SO happy with how the show came out. Yes, I feel like I could have understood more deeply some things if I did read the books, but all in all I feel like the show has given me all the info I need. Also, from seeing the list of differences, I think they made really good adaptation choices. I absolutely LOVE the whole aLan - Nanyve thing, it's so on-point, and the healing "break-point" is also very well put. I think it's wrong to say "she doesn't really know him". The whole show gives me the vibe that there is in fact much more happening than we are seeing, and it's hinted at in actions on-screen. The last scene, with Nanyve healing aLan, that was such a catharsis. It leaves us the viewer to infer that there is something really big between those two. Also, my b/f kept fidgiting about why did they leave Nanyve out, she's supposed to be oh so awesome, and I think they made her character arc SO MUCH more AWESOME then the books, at least from what I gathered from your descriptions. I feel like this is a show that took a young-adult epic book and turned it into a mature audience TV Fantasy-with-a-capital-F show. I absolutely love it.
PS As a firm believer in condensing meaning, fast pacing and above all "show don't tell", I think this series is the exact version of the story that suits my taste.
If I were a non book reader, I'd be confused. Halfway through, Moiraine talks about not being able to see his weaves, since men/women can't see each others'. Yet at the end, Logain comments that Nynaeve is as radiant as a sun, or something or other.
It's entirely possible that seeing someone embrace/seize the True Source is different from actively channeling. We know that males get goosebumps when females channel, so they might have adapted that to allow males to see a radiant glow around women that channel for the visual medium. Karene clearly can tell something is happening to the Shield weave right before she sacrifices herself.
I am not a book reader and I am not confused. He would know from just reading the room that something happened if everyone is healed and looking strangely at the person in the center of the room and he possibly could feel her power. When chaos is all around and then something shifts and quiets the chaos you tend to notice the change
The line comparing his power to the Dragon Reborn’s power was used to compare amounts of power, not what use of the power literally looked like. So to be fair, Logain could have just been referencing the obvious results of what just happened. However, it’s just as likely that this scene involved sloppy writing in an attempt to keep people gushing which of the main characters is the Dragon.
Yeah, just come back later! Too hard to talk about the changes without hinting at who it is, and I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't read :)
@@Bookborn I hope so. I don’t think, with Rafe’s changes (and what seems like a lot of “written by committee” changes), that I’ll ever be able to be *happy* about the way they’ve reimagined the series, but I will be satisfied if it rises above Legend of the Seeker or Shannarra. It’s still pretty close to Seeker at this point, IMO, but there have been moments that give me at least *some* hope. Just…let’s never see the “melding flows dance” again, please
@@Bookborn on a side note… currently reading (listening to) The Expanse, having already watched the 5 available seasons of the Amazon show. *THIS* is how you make a TV adaptation! Obvious changes required, but the characters stay true to themselves as written, the larger mythos is dead-on, and the sub-arcs are recognizable. The team on that adaptation did a stunning job
6:40 - I think you misread this scene a little. I don't feel Nynaeve's driving motive here was an attraction to Lan but instead it's her seeing her fleeting chance of finding the others through Moiraine and Lan that has her lose her sh!t here. Also, not exactly sure why the show decided to hide and keep the viewers guessing as to who the Dragon Reborn is out of the five, but this scene is definitely an effort to further that end, I'm sure. I also disagree about the Warder's reaction a little bit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they can go either way. They either throw themselves into revenge or into a battle they know they can't win because they become somewhat suicidal when their Aes Sedai passes. But I believe the book also mentioned some of them going off into a distraught stupor and wandering aimlessly as well. Also, at first Stepin did throw himself at Logain here, so that actually fit. Wasn't as hell bent and full of reckless abandon as I would of liked it portrayed, but they did do it. I agree with your thoughts on Thom. So far he's been my greatest disappointment with their changes. His dangling white moustache is a key integral part for another character in remembering who he is, so that won't happen now. However, I really do like this actor and the character in general, so we'll see. I could even accept a "wife" for Perrin, (but only after the *scene*), and the way they dealt with her in order to speed up his character building in his loathing of the battle frenzy he finds himself going into and the loathing of the axe. So I could get behind that one. But Thom, smh.
3:36 "Okay, there are a three man in our barn, which we kinda do not really trust. I think it would be better if we send our 8-year-old daughter to them at night time."
The series feels like an acquired taste. I will give it a shot but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth (that didn't come out right lol). I am glad Bookborn you are able to refresh me on events I forgotten from the book. I can understand some of the changes made to bring some excitement to the story. Small changes make it hard to swallow. For example I thought the relationship between Lan and Nynaeve felt a little rushed. How she tapped into her power, felt a little forced on her attraction to Lan. Maybe its me but they didn't have much chemistry on the show. I thought in the books there was better chemistry between the two due to how dynamic their personalities. I always thought Lan was always serious brooding and serious man that would make you nervous if he looks at you. While Nynaeve had a fierce bad temper but has that motherly caring attitude which was able to pierce through Lan's hard personality. I liked how the books developed their relationship. I like the fact it made Moraine jealous in that Nynaeve was able to pierce Lan's walls.
Do you think that they are aiming for an audience who haven't read the books? My family (who haven't read the books) are enjoying it. Yes they're getting confused at some parts but for the most parts are liking it. I'm enjoying it needless to say but I do see the Hollywood side of things. The visuals are amazing but to me it seems like they are trying to push things too fast especially with Tom. He's there and all of a sudden he's not. There is still a lot to go through and I just hope they don't go too fast and leave the people who have read the books wondering what direction the directors are going. Thank you for doing a run down on each episode! I don't have the best of memories and to come to your videos have really helped me remembered. Keep up the good work!!
This was the last episode I felt optimistic after, even through my disappointments with thom and lack of development with perrin, will be interesting to see how you hold up through the next ones
I really enjoyed this episode. It was neat to see the shielding and gentling. I always thought of shielding to be more of a wall than a net, but I guess a net makes more sense. I'm only on book 6, but I think I agree with pretty much everything you said. I think the Logain backstory is a nice change. It shows the strength of male channelers as well as the madness they face.
I imagined shielding as a wall, but I’m pretty sure in the age of legends didnt they refer to weaves as “nets”? So I feel like there’s a little bit of precedence for this interpretation
It's so funny you say that because while I was rereading passages, I realized there is no "d" in Emond's and...I feel so weird because I've ALWAYS pronounced it with a "d" in my head?? But there's no d??? I don't understand how I've read it that ways for YEARS
@@Bookborn lol. That's funny! But seriously, I thoroughly enjoy your book vs show comparisons. I started rereading the books again to jog my own memory, got ~200 pages in and realized I don't have that kind of commitment anymore. Again, that's why I found your videos! Thanks again!
Rewatching the show after finishing S2, this is still one of the highest points of S1. I'm a bit sad that Thom seems to have been a book reader fanservice character.
I thought it was interesting when at 2:25 you say “Edmonds Field” instead of “Emonds Field”. Edmond’s Field is how it was always in my head until years after I first read the series. I always thought it must be a strange application of the Mandela Effect and so I picked up on it immediately. Great vids. 👍🏼
I'm so impressed with the way they are handling info dumps. They feel so natural, not that in your face bs like in GoT where they were basically talking directly to the viewer.
one thing the show never did with Nynaeve is explain what a wilder is. feels like they've dropped her wilder subplot and her coming to terms with being a channeler completely
Which is so unfortunate because that would be an actual interesting conflict to see on screen! Like instead of this dumb love triangle they inserted, what about the tension between people like Egwene who are ready to leave the two rivers behind and Nynaeve / Rand who aren’t and don’t want the world to change.
Another problem with the Nynaeve healing was that it was a mass heal she ended out healing all in the cave not just Lan, that isn't a power in any of the books let alone a so new healer, which again gives the feeling that Nynaeve is so much more OP than she actually was, also it's trying to regain Nyn as a Dragon possibility. My other problem with all this is when they do reveal who the dragon truely is if it's not Nyn then my god how much more powerful will they be.
Wow.. you're knowledge of the books and show differences is quite impressive, and you make a great video very well edited. Either you have just infinite knowledge of the book series or you do good research!! How do you retain the books so well!?
I’m enjoying the show and also your thoughts on how it is (or not) following the books. I am also wondering what you think to the Origins shorts which are coming out on X-ray with each episode, for instance ep4 Saidin, Saidar, Stone. (Btw I’ve not read the books).
That would be great!! To understand how much background / world building these short stories are adding. Note they don’t seem to become available to view until after the show is watched / or later in the day (Friday). Being in the UK I’m not sure if this is down to time difference or just having to watch the show first.
Great job on all your WoT videos so far! I'm liking your breakdowns and explanations from a fellow book reader perspective, and you've been very fair so far in your praise/criticism. Nynaeve's healing scene was my favorite part of the episode, but it bothered me that Logain could see Nynaeve's weaves when he should not be able to see saidar. His words are in response to Moiraine's comments about the dragon's strength in the one power, so this seems to create the implication that Nynaeve is the dragon reborn, but again, the idea that women can be the dragon reborn is puzzling. I also think the "area of effect" heal was bit overdone because I'm not aware that this was possible in the books(?). Just keep it simple and intimate with just Lan; it accomplishes what the book did with Nynaeve healing Egwene. Overall though, this was my favorite episode so far, and the changes largely make sense here. The greater emphasis one Nynaeve's relationship with Lan was a fantastic change. My first readthrough of WoT, I largely glossed over Nynaeve and Lan's relationship early on, and when their intimate relationship became more centered later in the series, it was almost a sort of surprise to me.
When Nynaeve confessed feelings to Lan the first time I read the book I was like "WHAT???" It came out of NOWHERE. So thank heavens they are fixing that lol. I'm confused too because like five minutes before he saw Nynaeve's weaves, one of the Aes Sedai literally said that men/women couldn't see each others' weaves. So...not sure what they are saying Logain saw??
I'll never accept that this Perrin/wife situation thing was a good idea, but that said, the conversations he was having with the Tinkers were perfect and I do understand where they are trying to go with it. I'll just passively pretend it was a random villager and not his wife in order to move past it haha. I really enjoyed this episode a lot. The only thing I wish is that they gave Nynaeve better dialogue, because it is almost universally terrible. The actress is great and the *vibe* of Nynaeve is great, but the actual words coming out of her face are poorly written. The Thom thing was weird too; I literally can't imagine anybody cares about this guy yet. Maybe they are instead using this as a launching pad to have the group trust Thom going forward- ie "he stayed behind to save us, so he's one of us". Him joining up randomly may make him less trustworthy otherwise.
"but the actual words coming out of her face are poorly written." 💀 Yeah, the Tinker conversations are pretty dead on, but like...those still made sense when he only killed the Whitecloak. Shouldn't have been his wife. Like...he should be more damaged than he is portraying right now haha
I am not a book reader. I almost gave up on the series after ep. 3, I thought it was a little drawn out and boring. I am so glad I watched ep. 4. Now I am hooked. I know they want non-readers to think Nynaeve is the Dragon, but I couldn't believe they would reveal this at the half way point to season one.
I am enjoying the show and how they are trying to portray things on screen from the books as well. The Power, the taint, the madness, even Mashadar. You already covered the different character dynamics. I did want to point out how much I appreciate the changes to Aram’s character. He’s much more likable but going along with the direction of the show far less naive as well. That could be a con for later on but maybe not. Missing Domon. Missing “The Beggar” scenes (though that may still be coming). Reservations: No Elias still? Doing Thom dirty…but show is attempting to condense a lot. A woman can be the Dragon Reborn? Are they trying to be woke for the sake of equality or something, because I always thought Mr. Jordan was pretty fair to both sexes in the books. Plus I am having a hard time seeing how that fits into the Dragon’s backstory and the utter terror of those who must unleash him on the world to save it. One final side note: Logain could see Nynaeve’s power?!?
@@Bookborn I don't want to seem like I don't like the show because I do. I like it for what it is but I don't see enough of the books that I love in it. In fact the best part of the show to me is Barney Harris performance and they managed to lose him so I am concerned. I'm just bummed that I actually haven't seen a full scene that came from the books straight without some serious changes. But I do appreciate your content because at the least fans of the show can come here learn about the differences and want to read the books. At the end of the day I want more WOT fans
Logo is pretty cool and if one didn’t know better, they’d assume it’s about books of Moon magic spells and apropos to the Wheel of Time series beginning with Eye of the World!
I guess my biggest complaint is the save OR break again theme and how that indicates or at least feel like they’ll be moving away from the prophecy’s. I know that might not end up being the case but… SPOILER! It’s the dragon will definitely break again and maybe have a chance at saving.
So glad you're doing this. As one of those who read the books 20+ years ago, I'm aware of many of the changes we're seeing, but not always able to put my finger precisely on how it has changed, and it's wonderful to be reminded by someone who clearly has sincere affection for the source material. I really appreciate your ability not only to note the changes, but to make fair judgements regarding whether they make sense in telling the story in this format. It's frustrating, but we really do have to reserve judgement on most of them until we see where they take things over the course of the first two seasons, really. So far I do sense enough respect for the source material that I am hopeful. Thanks, and please keep doing these, it's heartwarming.
Thanks for the kind support! I have huge affect for the Wheel of Time, but I do understand that a show is going to change things. I was dubious after episode 1, but this episode gave me a lot of hope. I can't wait for 5 🤓
Mat didn't kill them though. His blade was clean while the Myrrdrral's blade is dirty.
Yes, everyone is pointing this out! I was panicking too much about Mat's dark storyline to pay attention to the deets 💀
I know the dagger is clean, but that doesn't mean he couldn't just wipe it, keep it clean, keep it sharp...I don't think he did it either, because that would be stupid, but that logic is starting to fall apart because the showrunners seem quite stupid.
I was so bummed we didn't get the boat scene with Rand, Thom, and Mat. That was such a huge part of why I liked the first book
Yeah, I'm not surprised they didn't do it, but I'm bummed we don't get to meet Cap Dom!
@@Bookborn Well it's apparent they're completely getting rid of Rand n mat learning instruments, but also there's the moment with Rand way up on the mast, and all the stuff from the age of legends we see on the river.
I do be sad that we’ll no see Domon, and likely no Egeanin too. Without Egeanin, I expect that there will be almost no lore in the series regarding the Seanchan, so they’ll end up being just some foreign army 😢
@@DocHogan Or... Siuan will be the scholar who introduces the Seanchan.
I really thought that's where we were going with EP 4 for them too. No Bayle Domon do be disappointing, but it do be a possibility he mayhap appear later.
Thom teaching the boys how to play the flute and juggle was a great part of the books. I still can't get into this show. I do like how positive you are able to be about this show.
I actually really liked this episode! I think I just completely gave up on Thom after episode 3. He was so different, I just knew they weren't going to keep that stuff. It's a bummer.
@@Bookborn I want to like this show, I'm trying hard to not let the changes hold me back, but things like Logain being able to see the light of Saidar or them not having a full circle of 13 women shielding him. Also gentleing him now means he won't see Rand in Caemlyn, I won't go into spoilers but that event sets him on the path that he walks down the rest of the books. I do like the acting, I just think the writers are changing too much.
I really appreciate your videos on this because you’re objective about your review and comparisons without just bashing the show! As a non book reader, the nynenive scene made me think she was the dragon reborn so that was a big mislead but that would have been insane if she was as a misdirect. Nonetheless powerful scenes and I definitely cried and got emotional throughout that ending!
She might be the Dragon Reborn. Then again, Mat could be as well.
Yeah, I'm sort of annoyed how negative everyone is being. Give the show a chance! I will admit some changes are disappointing, but i REALLY liked this episode and am excited where it's going. And all my friends who haven't read the book are liking the show, which makes me even happier.
I won't make any comments about the Dragon Reborn...don't want to spoil lol
@@Bookborn Episode 4 was outstanding. I was quite pleased with it, actually - as a fan of the books.
This was definitely my favorite so far. I really don’t think we’re supposed to think mat killed those people. I think it was a super quick red herring to make us think the worst before the fade came onscreen. Also, I LOVED Nyneave’s anger during the healing. Crushed it. And the tuatha’an scenes were great, the characterization of Logain and depth they gave him so we have a bit more to go on for his character’s future. It’s all awesome.
Yeah, everyone is pointing out that there was no blood on Mat's blade! So I can stop having a full panic lol
I really think 8 episodes are not enough to do the eye of the world justice. I'm fine with compressing multiple dark friend encounters and such things, but it's clear we're being rushed and won't get to see much of Min, Elias, Elayne or Caemlyn, and many other things I won't spoil.
Inventing new scenes for world building is great but there's a trade off, and show watchers may not realise what they're missing.
The show also glosses over nuances like how aes sedai don't go around looking like power rangers.
Thanks for making these vids to help me be optimistic about the writing.
Yeah, the costuming doesn't make a ton of sense to me, but I think it does make the show more visually appealing. That's a tough trade off, because in this case, I do feel like it hurts worldbuilding a bit.
I heard a rumor it was supposed to be ten episodes but Amazon cut it to 8?I wonder why. Maybe because it's a trial run. Maybe we will get more episodes in the future seasons...if it gets approved.
They are compressing at least some of The Great Hunt in there too. Not a fan of many of the differences The Cauthons and Aybarras are my least favorite changes.
I think it keeps getting better. I do like how they are showing Nynaeves power and Matts sickness being explained as the madness. Its not just throwing off new viewers but the book readers as well. But Moraine explained it well when talking to Logain. The Dragon has so much power none of what we see from Nynaeve or Logain or any of the channelers will compare. I like what they are doing with this.
Yes, I hope it keeps improving as much as it has from episode 1. If that's the case, by episode 8, it's going to be amazing.
Agreed, tons of changes but I absolutely loved this episode! Got me really excited for the show as a whole. Moraine and Nynaeve are two of my favourite characters in the books so I am glad they are my absolute favourite in the show so far!
They are both being done so excellently! Moiraine was my fav too and I just LOVE how Pike is playing her.
Can’t wait to see how they portray The Ways. I have such a vivid image of what it looks like. Love the vids! 🍻
I am definitely on board with your episode/novel comparisons - they are top notch. Thank you very much, I enjoyed them a lot. Greetings from Germany!
You're just pumping out these Wheel of Time videos! Even over the holidays
I can't neglect WOT...for anything! (Although, the episode that comes out on Christmas Eve...probably won't be doing that one right away lol)
Really happy I found your channel, I’ve only read The Eye of the World so far, but I love the series and intend to finish it in the next few months! Your reviews help me keep so much new information straight :)
I have not read the books but I am a avid book reader so I know how coveted favorite books can be . I can enjoy this show as a fist time experience to this world and I love the show . I am grateful this is my first view . I think book readers are harsher on the show than they should be. It will not look like the picture you created in your head . It won’t . Mourn that idea and enjoy it for what it is . I have seen so many people talk very harshly about this show and even compare it to Game of thrones . This is not game of thrones and I don’t think the show runners are trying to do that . Some chapters have to be adapted to screen differently . And my own opinion, I prefer seeing the show over reading the book just how people describe the differences . I like watching her videos because she is not like most of the other reviewers. It’s not a negative review but honest and it is ok to point out the differences without completely slamming the show . And she does not do that . I will keep watching !
Thanks for the support! I have also been SUPER bummed about how fans are reacting. I don't think they are giving the show a fair chance. Honestly, a lot of the differences (especially in this episode) have been very positive, imo.
I think it's a great series adaptation. Our first taste! Maybe one day we'll have like 14-16 movies, and they can be like 3 hours each and super accurate then xD
We can all agree that adapting this series was a huge challenge and they're doing a relatively good job. Some parts of the fan base are really losing their minds over this though , I'm finding this channel is a bit of a safe haven and I appreciate it.
Yes, come be positive with me! Obviously there are changes I'm not pleased with, but I'm really happy that each episode has been better than the last. I'm excited to see where they are taking it
Part of the toxic fan base here. (I guess???) Wish I could turn my brain off from what I've read in the book because without that, I think the series would be much more enjoyable. That being said, they have made so many changes from the book series all in the name of diversity and translating it from book to video and they are only going to continue doing more in the future. I do enjoy it if I don't think about the books but will all the changes it's hard for fans of the books to get into it. I know some of the population can be toxic, but hopefully you understand that some of that comes from their love of the source material. Cheers and good day!
@@nicholascowling7052 I admit I had forgotten the degree to which gender played a role in the books. The story is set in a world where gender fluidity and committed homosexuals do not exist (unless they showed up after book 6 where I stopped reading). Like it or not that's the world we live in today and it's entirely possible that the right time to do a "faithful" adaptation passed sometime in the 90s.
@@saltzytheslick Thanks for the thoughtful response. I know plenty of fans are still enjoying the series. Hope it continues to be entertaining. Cheers!
This episode was 🔥 🔥 🔥. Thank you for the great video, liked and subscribed!
Thanks for teh support!
I like the Lan and Nynaeve scenes. Adds to their chemistry that I think the book actually left out. There was no build up in The Eye of the World. Just all of a sudden they're having this conversation of "I will hate the man you choose, because he is not me"
Oh totally. I actually quite like all those added scenes, they were needed. Funnily enough my friend who hasn’t read the books was like “I feel like the Lan/Nynaeve romance is rushed” and I was like OH MAN you’d hate it in the book 😂
I'm enjoying the show and I'm going to keep watching but I really wish they stuck to the book more and included more of what happened in the books. If that meant only finishing half of the first book in the first season for example, so be it.
For example, Rand sees logain for the first time as he's being taken to Tar Valon to be gentled. I felt that was an important scene towards Rand's development and distrust of the Aes Sedai.
I guess I feel like this is becoming a very different story. So much happens in the books that it would probably take 28 seasons to do it justice so I guess I understand why they're skipping so much but at the same time, I feel disappointed. How much more will they be skipping? Will the entire Aiel waste part be just 2 or 3 episodes? That part is so defining for Rand.
I guess my expectations were simply too high and unrealistic.
I’m glad they are condensing it. I loved this episode most of the ones we got yet.
Logic tells me that The amount of source material would require a lot of editing out but they add so much that isn't there in.
I think the aiel waste should be at least a season if we are talking 10 episodes. No way to portray all of that without a season.
I think they are doing a great job of condensing multiple scenes from the books into pivitol scenes in the show - especially Rand/Matt storyline. I like the physical manifistation of Matts 'sickness', have to see something on screen. The Fade scene wsa great and compare that to the one in the book - shooting and logistics - totally makes sense plus it gives the addes questioning on what the dagger is doing to Matt. A really smart choice. I agree with you comments about the Logain scenes - so much of the book is just 'thats what the stories say' as the only reason to think something. This gives vieseral representation of a false dragon. I feel the show is helping the watcher more than the books help the reader. But, that is also the nature of books. I like it a lot so far.
Yes, the reality of any visual medium is there needs to be excitement. So constantly hearing characters talk of false dragons isn't as good as actually SEEING it on screen. I think exposition works way better for books because...obviously the nature of books lol. It's funny just because when I knew they were going to do backstory for Logain I thought it was stupid, and now I think it's been an excellent choice. Which is why I'm just a fan and not a show runner 😂
I also felt this episode did a great job condensing and also showing things we were just told in the book. My favorite episode so far.
Like and subscribe. But i will be really mad if you will not continue with this type of vids 💕
The Aies Sedai intro in his episode was so badass. The clothes, the acting 🙏🏾😭😭🥰🥰 I loved those scenes.
My favorite scene is when Lan translates what Nynaeves parents said to her. So beautiful. It made me cry.
Really great scene that helps also build Lan/Nynaeve's relationship
I like this channel, I'll subscribe. You get through the points efficiently. Just maybe move the camera or chair to the side a bit so that your face isn't sometimes behind the inset video.
I haven't read the books so going purely on the show. The first 3 episodes struggled - too many main characters (it felt like the problem with the female Doctor Who) and the story was moving too fast to allow me to understand what was happening or why. But episode 4 was great - the emotional scene where Lan explains the old words to Nynaeve, and then the explosion of Nynaeve's power at the end were great. Episode 4 seemed to move slower and I felt like I'm finally learning something like about the Warders bond and the different Aes Sedai factions.
I look forward to the rest of Season 1. It disappoints me that some people are already saying the show has failed. It's a big story - give it a chance! Even Game of Thrones (which is a totally different animal and they shouldn't be compared) didn't hook me until the 2nd last episode of season 1. WoT offers me something that GoT only pretended to - actual fantasy.
There are some weak points though. For example, in the big fight in episode 4, one Aes Sedai remarked that no army could stand against 7 full sisters, yet they seemed to get overwhelmed quickly, had weak attacks and arrows seemed to pick them off easily.
In episode 3 (I think) there was a scene where 2 characters were out in open scrubland, started running from wolves and suddenly they were running through heavy woodland. Like, where did all those trees come from?
And why do they think the Trollocs won't wipe their village out just because they left it - that would be remarkably polite and decent of an invading horde.
I know, I keep trying to move to the side but it isn't enough. Going to nail that for episode 5 😅
I agree. The downright negativity from the fandom is...excessive. I really don't think we can judge it until the first season is done. After 8 episodes, we will have a good idea of where it's going. Yes, was episode 1 a little rough for us? Sure. but we don't need to go tank all the ratings after one episode 🙄
@@Bookborn You and Daniel Greene seem to be of a similar mind. The show is doing things differently but mostly in the spirit of the characters and going in the right direction. I'm comfortable with that approach.
I wonder if this new approach is Brandon Sanderson doing his interpretation of how the books could have started if he had written them.
Regardless, it's a TV adaptation. It's good to change things because it means that the many book readers won't know exactly what will happen next and it gives them a reason to watch it too and not spoil it for me :) Plus you can keep doing the differences videos.
Moraine said Nyn was not from the two rivers. Lan said I you were exactly like I thought. Nyn talks about her family using the saying in the old tongue, when they hid her in the cellar. Lan said that is what the king/queen said when they went to fight a fight they could not win. I think Nynaeve is Malkier.
Great, you helped me with my initial PTSD.... I will continue until something flips you and we DNF together!😁 I am having difficulty processing all the sex when the characters were strongly unskilled with the opposite gender. Hillary, I think you can help me love the artistic creation of WOT!😁
lol we can make it through!
I decided to read the books after watching this show, and in between some of the books I’m watching review videos of the show and books. And I just wanted to say that I’m really enjoying this series! Thanks for making it
Thank you! I hope you are enjoying the books too!
@@Bookborn loving them!! On book 10, and just started the series maybe two months ago 😂😂
One closer to 8k! Thank you and keep up the good work! 🙏
Thanks for the support!
In the books the Warder would have gone into a freakish blood lust. But I think this is a pretty decent change. Like he just has this hollow look as if he lost a limb all of a sudden, which makes sense given the bond.
idk he just seemed normal sad to me 😂 But, it could've looked really cheesy to do it the other way so I get it
I saw that too 😩
Thanks for your videos. As someone who didn't manage to finish the books, I'm glad they made the changes. I'm not surprised they have to tweak things, especially to avoid similarities to other fantasy series out there. Ep4 was great and I can't wait for the rest of the series (and your reviews)!
Thanks for watching! I'm super excited for episode 5...
This videos are more interesting that the actual tv show 🖤
I wish I could enjoy this adaptation, but I keep struggling so bad.
I'm watching each episode, and then hopping over her to watch the Bookborn recap. I hate to say it, but I'm kinda... bored... watching Wheel of Time. But I'm sticking with it, hoping that it'll turn around.
I feel like, they attempted to keep people interested by "getting rid of the bloat" and in doing so lost character building moments which in turn make the watcher not "invested"...
Not sure if i'm explaining it right, but because of this it feels rushed, compared to the books.
good video :) series is getting better as it goes on, very excited for ep 6 which sanderson has said is his favorite.
Ohhh I didn't see that he said that ep was his favorite. I feel like it keeps getting better every episode, so I'm just dying to even see episode 5
Coming to this show late after watching Rings of Power and it feels like a Masterpiece. Haven’t read the books, but I definitely will once I’m done with season 1!
LOL I said the same thing the other day like I didn't like this first season but compared to RoP I'd watch this any day again. I hope you like the book series if you get to reading them!
Felt it was obvious that the Fade had killed the family and not Mat. Read on reddit that there was blood on the fades blade, i couldn't see that myself, but Mats dagger was not bloodied at all. Loved this episode so much, i was crying like a bitch throughout, they're killing it imo! Keep your vids coming they help me get through separation anxiety with WoT and having to wait a week for the next ep!!
Yes someone else pointed out the blood so I think you guys are totally right! I was just panicking because I feel like they are trying to make Mat too dark lol
not only is losing Thom so abrupt it's hard to care, but also I didn't get the sense he was making a desperate last stand so the boys could escape, I got the impression he thought he could actually fight a Fade one on one and the boys just chickened out and ran. Which had the knock on effect of making Fades seem way less scary- the CG faces instead of normal eyeless faces is actually *less* creepy to me, and I wish they'd made it clearer that they're terrifying before having a lone person engage one in combat. Right now they just seem like knockoff Ringwraiths- which, to be fair, they totally are, but they should be at least as scary as Ringwraiths, and I feel like they failed at that.
We have 4 episodes left. We likely have to get a White Cloak scene + final travel episode, a full Tar Valon episode, a Ways/Borderland episode and an EoTW Episode. I don't think there's much room to carry Thom much further tbh.
Very true. I just think they should've either made him EXTRA likeable (which they didn't lol) or introduce him earlier. It just felt...like a waste of space when he's in like 10 minutes.
Mat and Perrin are my favorite characters, so I really hope they do them justice, and so far I'm still pretty worried about both of their stories.
it is interesting that the most different episodes than what actually happens in the books end up being the one that is most true to the characters of the book. i thought the way they showed Lan and Nyneave's relationship was waaaay better than what we got in the books.
Oh ABSOLUTELY. It's a change that is super positive. Tbh, none of the romances have any build up in the book. It's nice they are trying to give them some times, it improves them.
That's the beauty of good adaptation. Nothing in this episode specifically happened in the books; but they used it as a lens with which to lore dump. And the lore is generally correct for the books.
I disagree. They need to stick with the books. This show is going to crash and burn with all the changes. I would have rather they spent more time on Rand, Matt and Thom then focus on Lan and Nyneave. It's ridiculous how they claim its going to be hard to fit a whole book into 1 season yet we get episodes with absolutely zero actual book in it. The moment rand " broke down a door" instead of summoning lighting and blowing the inn to pieces I lost interest. That would have been epic to watch happen but because of this stupid need to make the dragon a mystery they are bastardizing the character development of Rand.
@@MrKlarc19 It's sitting around 80% on Rotten Tomatoes; if they can maintain this level of quality and keep the majority of the book readers and newcomers happy; they should be in good shape.
Most adaptations best when the do new scenes that condense the spirit of the books.
I'm subbed! I read all the books a while back so you help me remember the differences haha. I'm looking forward to your comments after each episode. This one was great!
Thanks for the support!
The non book readers like me love this new world were being brought into it gives me HP readings for the first time vibes i love it!
I always get so happy when I hear that non-book readers are loving the show. That's what will guarantee its success.
@@Bookborn yes i don’t want it to end!
My favorite episode so far too! I was a little skeptical through the first 3. Ep 4 makes me excited!!
Feeling the exact same way. Like...ok, I see how you are having this come together. We got so much good book worldbuilding in this, it made me really happy.
Me too. This episode is so awesome.
The same. I haven't read the books but the first 3 episodes felt weak. Episode 4 was much stronger. I know it will take time to set the scene for a book series this massive so I'm in it for the long haul.
You are doing such a great job! Keep it up!🙌
Thanks for watching!
Loving these Videos Keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching!
So losing Tom again was very unexpected and really threw me off. We barely get to know him and he hasn’t taught the boys much of anything. I liked the first battle with Logain yet the latter one with the ai Sadai felt so mmegh. For battle sisters and red ajah they looked so weak. And I completely agree the Warder loosing his bonded he is supposed to go completely insane! Overall I liked this episode much more than the others and feel it’s gaining strides but I don’t know how it will end. Oh I really don’t like the it’s (one of the five).
I really liked this episode and it diverged a lot form the books. Agreed it's the best one so far.
Spoilers:
I am actually okay with the way they are handling Rand/Mat/Thom. I agree it seems quick for Thom to be separated form them already. I'm guessing the door was the first and only time Rand has channeled, at least I didn't pick up on any others. So I can handle him not being sick. Making the dagger infection from Mashadar a bit more like channeling sickness helps move that relationship with Thom and Mat forward quicker a bit. Which I assume they are doing perhaps because of their relationship later and going to the tower of Genji. I also think Mat is kind of being taken over by Mashadar, so it was Mashadar that saw the Fade not really Mat per say. Playing that infection up to be really bad may help amp up Padan Fain later when he is like Mashadar/DarkFriend/MachinShin whatever he is. And for non book readers it takes the heat of Rand being the Dragon Reborn. I guarantee most non readers must think it's Nynaeve after that last scene in Ep. 4.
That dream too, I think that's more Rands dream as Perrin and Mat didn't seem to acknowledge the rest of them. But Egwene did so I'm wondering if she actually stepped into that dream shard or the dreamworld on her own. Subtle nod to later stuff in the books as well. Overall tons of little things like this have me really enjoying picking apart the show.
The only reason I say that is I *think* the door scene is replacing the lightning scene. And if it truly is the first time he channeled, then...he should get the channeling sickness. It feels like they are trying to make it so NOT Rand, that they kind of...cut out all of his stuff, you know?
@@Bookborn I do not disagree, but hear me out. Rand first uses the power a couple small ways before that big one with the lightning, rejuvenating Bella for instance, that don't seem to immediately cause the sickness. The door scene does kind of harken to the DF where he used the lightning, and I don't see how that could not be channeling as that door was called out to be iron wood. So I'm thinking there will be a bigger reveal of his power usage that then causes the sickness, maybe something more like the lightning scene perhaps.
There is a scene that shows Moraine rejuvenating the horses, the last one in the line was already standing and she didn't use the power on it but I'm not sure if that was Bella and they didn't really nod to it. So I'm not sure if he used the power there or not. In the end I think they are purposefully steering non-book readers away from Rand since almost anyone who hasn't read the books will assume it's Naynaeve after ep4. It's a bit jarring as a book reader at times but I do see the point of making that into a mystery to try and hook viewers on who the heck really is the Dragon Reborn.
I love theorizing about this stuff. Thank god for RUclips and Reddit since I have no friends that even read books at all lol
@@s0rd3z I hope you are right! I just want them to point to Rand at SOME point you know? But I get the red herrings. I like the idea of that just being a small one for Rand like other small things he did in the book, and we will see a bigger display later. Maybe they are saving the big display for the end of the season - at the actual EOTW.
@@Bookborn Totally, I think they are making it seem least likely it's Rand. I mean what has he done other than bitch and moan? (very on brand for the books honestly lol) And by doing that the reveal will be some unexpected big event like with Nynaeve, which I doubt non readers saw coming, and it will be obvious that this whiny little b*tch is actually the true DR lol
Didnt Rand see Logain for the first time in Caemlyn though?
Additionally, i absolutely love the way you review these episodes, critical yet positive. Definitely a better way than 70% of the internets.
Yeah! I thought I mentioned that?? Oh wait, I think I mention that in Episode 5. I pretty much say "this should've happened in Caemlyn" like 800 times 😆
@@Bookborn Yeah i know the feels, broke my nerdraging heart.
Im very curious what's going to happen in the coming 3 episodes, it's really gonna make or break the show.
Read the books 4-5 times, absolutely love it.... But the way some things are changed is making me nerdrage quite a bit. Especially because the director said the sole reason was feminism. Which is one of things i think is really not necessary in WoT. With women basically ruling the world (Andor, White Tower, the Seanchan, women's circles, heck even Davram Bashere is scared his wife is going to murder him :D) To name just a few.
But oh well, lets not get into politics on your video, sorry for derailing a bit... Just love this series and i see no value in mentioning Jain Farstrider was a woman for example.
I was also a bit upset about all the changes but I can't stop watching!! It's really good despite the differences. Makes me want read it all again.
One thing that's bothering me is that it seems like the Green could see Logain's weaves when she saved Moriane and Liandrin. Likewise, when Nyneave channels it seems like Logain could see it. He shields his eyes. Male and female channelers aren't supposed to be able so see each others weaves. Maybe it's just the way they try to physically represent the weaves that's got me confused.
Well it's weird because they state IN SHOW that they can't see each other's weaves. But then, you're right, characters do act like they can see weaves! So...I don't know what that contradiction is about
I don’t like how they nerfed Logain and used him to springboard Nynaeve. He better get a power up. He’s probably the strongest channeler in the series after the story ends because of the saidin/Saidar power balance.
I mean, I think they showed how strong he was. This is Nynaeve's burst of power - she's a super strong channeler too. I think he was surprised. He doesn't know a lot at this point. I think he'll be the same (hopefully)
He wasn't nerfed... it took all Aes Sedai in the camp to subdue him. Nynaeve, in particular is overpowered in the books, and not on the lesser end of the scale either... she's excessively overpowered. There's little that one can do after the ladies have linked.
Logain is tier two power according to the companion. Just after Rand. He’s on the same tier as demandred and Sammael. Elite Saidin users are more powerful than Saidar users with the drawback of not linking to other saidin users in the books. It took 13 Aes Sedai one of which being Cadsuane with her op ter’angreal to shield him.
@@gunneratijuf8915 According to 'The Wheel of Time Companion', it looks like you're right. But... perhaps the question we should ask; was there a jump in power level after Logain had his gentling reversed? Maybe they did mess with canon on this detail...
@@gunneratijuf8915 Just read an article on Guardian by Alison Flood regarding the Wheel of Time. The author claims to have read higher brow fantasy than the Belgeriad and the Wheel of Time. The author takes further steps to denigrate Robert Jordan's prose, writing style and construction. The author then provides a quote from Rafe Judkins describing how he planned to push the envelope of gender norms and modernize the Wheel of Time story. It's pretty clear that a good faith retelling of the Wheel of Time is not the goal here.
Perhaps Bhuddism provides the solution here for the avid book fans:
"Breath by breath, let go of fear, expectation, anger, regret, cravings, frustration, fatigue. Let go of the need for approval. Let go of old judgements and opinions. Die to all that, and fly free. Soar in the freedom of desirelessness." -- Lama Surya Das
I was so convinced that Mat killed the family! My buddy was like "man, I think it was the Fade", and now we're waiting, along with everyone, to see who was right
Many people have pointed out that Mat's knife didn't have blood on it. So right now the consensus is that it was just a quick red herring before you saw the fade. THANK GOODNESS
Lets just say you would know if mat had killed them based on how the bodies would look.
New Spring was in between Knife of Dreams and Crossroads of Twilight. Logain does get a formal trial at Tar Valon, and is gentled in accordance with normal Tower policy, prior to Elaida's usurpation of the Amyrlin Seat.
I like the end scene with Nynaeve, but wish they built it a little more in the previous episodes! There's little mention of Nynaeve being a A+ healer prior to this, would've been better if they established she was an exceptional healer and carer for her people before doing this big healing bomb.
100% agree. I was actually annoyed when she healed Moiraine that it wasn't a *tad* more miraculous. The whole point is Nynaeve has been using small amounts of the power to heal her whole life. It's her entire thing, and I wish we'd focused more on that.
It's still feels a bit tooooooo cheesy??? I'm liking her and egwene a bit better than their book counterparts were at this point in time but I'm seeing people claiming that there was a flood of tears etc etc at that moment? I was still pretty getting over the sock of showing Moiraine and Lan get shredded. I feel like that really weakens them as characters :(. The two are pretty untouchable for a lengthy peroid in the books.
As someone who hasn't read the book, I felt like Matt didn't kill the people, they wanted you to think he did for a moment then we see the bad guy. And at the end I felt like they wanted viewers to think Nyneave is going to be the Dragon.
I think you are correct about Mat. People have also pointed out that his knife didn't have any blood. I just panicked and wasn't thinking straight 😂
This episode I agree has been the best one. Even though a lot of what happened in the episode didn't happen in the books really in the same way, it feels like it COULD have, which I think makes it really feel like wheel of time still. Also most of the changes they have done make sense when you do consider the scope of the tale they have to tell and the limitation of 8 episodes to get through EoTW while still introducing some characters and relationships that will be more important in later seasons. I like what they've done. I'm interested to see how they will handle the Perrin/Egwene thread; I assume we are about to get a bit more of them in episode 5, encountering with certain group of dangerous individuals
Yes, I'm eagerly awaiting the Perrin/Egwene storyline. I really like how it went this episode - it felt super true to those scenes. But I'm guessing next episode we will see the wolf storyline go further and I'm really anxious about how they handle that.
That Nynaeve AOE burst heal was a truly great change! And yes, I do agree that even with the changes the show looks great as of this episode.
One of those weird things where it technically has the most changes, yet feels the most like what the book is trying to accomplish
Wow what an episode. That is one of the best episodes of television I have ever seen. Amazing. I had a few doubts still before this episode. Now I’m 100% sold. That’s Stormlight Archive level of awesome.
So far I am liking the show. They are doing a good job of condensing things down and 'showing not telling." Moraine telling them about what happened to the false dragon Logain vs having an this added to show it is better... Hopefully at least. If we get to the end of the season and see other things left out or not addressed that were sacrificed for it then I might feel different
That's exactly how I'm feeling. We are at a precipice - the next four episodes will decide so much on the future of the show and how well it encapsulates the books.
6:52
Only watched the episode once, but I got the impression from Morraine's body language after the fact that she didn't realize the bond was being used for a gentling until it was underway and it happened fast.
A weird thing is that Logain can sense how powerful Nynaeve, which he shouldn't be able to since he shouldn't be able to see/feel her weaves? Unless there was a literal burst of light rather than that just being a visual representation of the weave, I guess. Seeing her simultaneously heal a room full of people is also fairly impressive in it's own right, so they could have just had him *not* flinch away from the light of her weaves and probably delivered a fairly similar scene?
Someone thought it might be because he can see Ta'veren? (Although, she isn't in the books, and hasn't been listed with the others even in the show). Or...because it was a burst? But yeah, it's weird that they sort of immediately contradicted themselves lol
Channelers can sense channeling from the opposite gender. It's like a tingling sensation; or the hair rises on the back of their neck. Now... how might one react if the effect was 1000x stronger than what you had experienced before?
@@gilian2587 presumably not by shielding their eyes from a bright light and describing it as being like the sun?
@@covya Good point. It's possible that the producers are just playing fast and loose with the source material. Or perhaps Nynaeve produced a dirty weave that generated light as an unintended side effect.
@@gilian2587 the "Canon" advisor the show relied on has tweeted that he couldn't see the weaves but that her healing released an actual shockwave with debris flying everywhere, and that's what he was reacting to. I feel like it coulda been shot better if that was their intentions but at least its not a gaping plot hole
3:11 Matt puking is just a way to show that the darkness spreading throughout the land. They will most likely show that that darkness is causing havoc on the people and the land. Maybe mutations of the land and creatures.
'Gentlemen who can Chanel' well said! Don't want one finding you rude or boorish...🤗
I laughed when I was editing that part. I have no idea why I said it that way 😂
I liked this episode quite a bit more than any of the first 3, but more from a tv show perspective than a adaptation perspective.
-T
That makes sense! I just think this episode had the biggest feel of the book so far, which hopefully just keeps going up from here.
Yasssssssssssssssssssssss dude I loved this one too, and it is all coming together and taking on a life of it's own, whilst still keeping the heart and soul of the story - I mean that's a pretty mean feat i think.
Totally agree. I really feel like our characters are experiencing the things they did in the book. It's different, but it's starting to give me the same vibe. I'm really hoping this energy goes into episode 5
@@Bookborn Yeah apparently episode 6 is the one that'll blow the world away so i'm lookin forward to that!! Yeah, I can see where it's goin, they've made some tough but ultimately correct decisions methinks.
I looooved the video, thanks for doing it.
Also so excited with the scenes between Lan and Nynaeve (Robert Jordan was not the greatest writter for romance hahaha)
And also felt Thom's disappearance in the show was too sunden.
Looking forward for ep. 5 review (mixed feelings about it)
Kisses from Brazil
Yes, I have mixed feelings about episode 5 too! Episode 4 has for sure been the best so far. It's funny because I think that Jordan wrote some pretty good friendships, but his romances...MAN. They are so bad. They all just come out of nowhere and are love at first sight. SO, I'm extremely grateful for the actual build up of Nynaeve and Lan!
I didn't read the books, and honestly I probably never will. I had two fears in watching the tv show: That the writer will just assume you read the books and rely on that, and that the series will be as slow as the books, which I am personally not a fan of.
I am SO happy with how the show came out. Yes, I feel like I could have understood more deeply some things if I did read the books, but all in all I feel like the show has given me all the info I need.
Also, from seeing the list of differences, I think they made really good adaptation choices.
I absolutely LOVE the whole aLan - Nanyve thing, it's so on-point, and the healing "break-point" is also very well put. I think it's wrong to say "she doesn't really know him". The whole show gives me the vibe that there is in fact much more happening than we are seeing, and it's hinted at in actions on-screen.
The last scene, with Nanyve healing aLan, that was such a catharsis. It leaves us the viewer to infer that there is something really big between those two.
Also, my b/f kept fidgiting about why did they leave Nanyve out, she's supposed to be oh so awesome, and I think they made her character arc SO MUCH more AWESOME then the books, at least from what I gathered from your descriptions.
I feel like this is a show that took a young-adult epic book and turned it into a mature audience TV Fantasy-with-a-capital-F show. I absolutely love it.
PS
As a firm believer in condensing meaning, fast pacing and above all "show don't tell", I think this series is the exact version of the story that suits my taste.
Love the videos, You put into words many things about the show that make me go like "huh? Is this right?", since I read the books a while ago.
The idea that only a couple of powerful Aes Sedai can shield Logan is lost on me
If mat killed that family with that dagger you wouldn’t recognize the remains as bodies.
Ah. Good point! Thank heavens.
If I were a non book reader, I'd be confused. Halfway through, Moiraine talks about not being able to see his weaves, since men/women can't see each others'. Yet at the end, Logain comments that Nynaeve is as radiant as a sun, or something or other.
wow GOOD CATCH. Hmm. That is weird.
It's entirely possible that seeing someone embrace/seize the True Source is different from actively channeling. We know that males get goosebumps when females channel, so they might have adapted that to allow males to see a radiant glow around women that channel for the visual medium. Karene clearly can tell something is happening to the Shield weave right before she sacrifices herself.
well logain has the talent to see taveren?
I am not a book reader and I am not confused. He would know from just reading the room that something happened if everyone is healed and looking strangely at the person in the center of the room and he possibly could feel her power. When chaos is all around and then something shifts and quiets the chaos you tend to notice the change
The line comparing his power to the Dragon Reborn’s power was used to compare amounts of power, not what use of the power literally looked like. So to be fair, Logain could have just been referencing the obvious results of what just happened. However, it’s just as likely that this scene involved sloppy writing in an attempt to keep people gushing which of the main characters is the Dragon.
Now we know that Logain is a real gentle-man.
Ouch... I think I felt that one in my knee.
Thank you for not spoiling me... But sadly then I have to watch it later because I am highly invested in it and don't know anything yet ❤️
Yeah, just come back later! Too hard to talk about the changes without hinting at who it is, and I don't want to spoil it for people who haven't read :)
I haven’t held back on my vehement dislike of many of the choices in the first 3 episodes, but I really enjoyed episode 4
Me too! It's like...ok this is feeling like WOT. Maybe the rest of this season will really blow us away
@@Bookborn I hope so. I don’t think, with Rafe’s changes (and what seems like a lot of “written by committee” changes), that I’ll ever be able to be *happy* about the way they’ve reimagined the series, but I will be satisfied if it rises above Legend of the Seeker or Shannarra. It’s still pretty close to Seeker at this point, IMO, but there have been moments that give me at least *some* hope.
Just…let’s never see the “melding flows dance” again, please
@@Bookborn on a side note… currently reading (listening to) The Expanse, having already watched the 5 available seasons of the Amazon show. *THIS* is how you make a TV adaptation! Obvious changes required, but the characters stay true to themselves as written, the larger mythos is dead-on, and the sub-arcs are recognizable. The team on that adaptation did a stunning job
@@DocHogan The Expanse is the only example I have of Hollywood properly adapting Hard Science Fiction. The show is phenomenal.
6:40 - I think you misread this scene a little. I don't feel Nynaeve's driving motive here was an attraction to Lan but instead it's her seeing her fleeting chance of finding the others through Moiraine and Lan that has her lose her sh!t here. Also, not exactly sure why the show decided to hide and keep the viewers guessing as to who the Dragon Reborn is out of the five, but this scene is definitely an effort to further that end, I'm sure.
I also disagree about the Warder's reaction a little bit. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think they can go either way. They either throw themselves into revenge or into a battle they know they can't win because they become somewhat suicidal when their Aes Sedai passes. But I believe the book also mentioned some of them going off into a distraught stupor and wandering aimlessly as well. Also, at first Stepin did throw himself at Logain here, so that actually fit. Wasn't as hell bent and full of reckless abandon as I would of liked it portrayed, but they did do it.
I agree with your thoughts on Thom. So far he's been my greatest disappointment with their changes. His dangling white moustache is a key integral part for another character in remembering who he is, so that won't happen now. However, I really do like this actor and the character in general, so we'll see. I could even accept a "wife" for Perrin, (but only after the *scene*), and the way they dealt with her in order to speed up his character building in his loathing of the battle frenzy he finds himself going into and the loathing of the axe. So I could get behind that one. But Thom, smh.
3:36 "Okay, there are a three man in our barn, which we kinda do not really trust. I think it would be better if we send our 8-year-old daughter to them at night time."
A++ parenting
The series feels like an acquired taste. I will give it a shot but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth (that didn't come out right lol). I am glad Bookborn you are able to refresh me on events I forgotten from the book. I can understand some of the changes made to bring some excitement to the story. Small changes make it hard to swallow. For example I thought the relationship between Lan and Nynaeve felt a little rushed. How she tapped into her power, felt a little forced on her attraction to Lan. Maybe its me but they didn't have much chemistry on the show. I thought in the books there was better chemistry between the two due to how dynamic their personalities. I always thought Lan was always serious brooding and serious man that would make you nervous if he looks at you. While Nynaeve had a fierce bad temper but has that motherly caring attitude which was able to pierce through Lan's hard personality. I liked how the books developed their relationship. I like the fact it made Moraine jealous in that Nynaeve was able to pierce Lan's walls.
Do you think that they are aiming for an audience who haven't read the books? My family (who haven't read the books) are enjoying it. Yes they're getting confused at some parts but for the most parts are liking it. I'm enjoying it needless to say but I do see the Hollywood side of things. The visuals are amazing but to me it seems like they are trying to push things too fast especially with Tom. He's there and all of a sudden he's not. There is still a lot to go through and I just hope they don't go too fast and leave the people who have read the books wondering what direction the directors are going.
Thank you for doing a run down on each episode! I don't have the best of memories and to come to your videos have really helped me remembered. Keep up the good work!!
Yes, I think they are aiming for a general audience. What I dont know is how well they hit their target audience.
This was the last episode I felt optimistic after, even through my disappointments with thom and lack of development with perrin, will be interesting to see how you hold up through the next ones
I really enjoyed this episode. It was neat to see the shielding and gentling. I always thought of shielding to be more of a wall than a net, but I guess a net makes more sense. I'm only on book 6, but I think I agree with pretty much everything you said. I think the Logain backstory is a nice change. It shows the strength of male channelers as well as the madness they face.
I'm so glad I"m not the only one who imagined shielding as a wall too! The way they describe it sounds like that.
I imagined shielding as a wall, but I’m pretty sure in the age of legends didnt they refer to weaves as “nets”? So I feel like there’s a little bit of precedence for this interpretation
Agreed, I thought of it as a block or wall being wedged between the user and the power but this depiction is alright!
It's Emmond's Field...I think you were saying Edmond's Field...but just thought that was a fun little mis-speak. Love your content. Thank you!!
It's so funny you say that because while I was rereading passages, I realized there is no "d" in Emond's and...I feel so weird because I've ALWAYS pronounced it with a "d" in my head?? But there's no d??? I don't understand how I've read it that ways for YEARS
@@Bookborn lol. That's funny! But seriously, I thoroughly enjoy your book vs show comparisons. I started rereading the books again to jog my own memory, got ~200 pages in and realized I don't have that kind of commitment anymore. Again, that's why I found your videos! Thanks again!
Rewatching the show after finishing S2, this is still one of the highest points of S1. I'm a bit sad that Thom seems to have been a book reader fanservice character.
Amazing to be part of the show.
Wow! Thanks for watching! I loved your part 🥰
My wife was really unhappy when they killed off your character. You did an outstanding job!
You were excellent wish it didn't end that way.
the traveler's were going to Tar Valon to deliver a girl to The Tower, Perrin's next stop was Camlyn, which is why he had to part ways with them.
I thought it was interesting when at 2:25 you say “Edmonds Field” instead of “Emonds Field”. Edmond’s Field is how it was always in my head until years after I first read the series. I always thought it must be a strange application of the Mandela Effect and so I picked up on it immediately. Great vids. 👍🏼
I'm so impressed with the way they are handling info dumps. They feel so natural, not that in your face bs like in GoT where they were basically talking directly to the viewer.
Hard agree. They have a lot to get through and they are doing a pretty good job.
Also it's a little blurry but I see voice of war back there! I was wondering if I'd see it somewhere on this channel 😊
lol YES! I always have it back there...just peeking haha
I loved this episode too! Great video as always!
Did I say "this didn't exist in the books" enough for you 😂
@@Bookborn I think so..... 😂😂
one thing the show never did with Nynaeve is explain what a wilder is. feels like they've dropped her wilder subplot and her coming to terms with being a channeler completely
Which is so unfortunate because that would be an actual interesting conflict to see on screen! Like instead of this dumb love triangle they inserted, what about the tension between people like Egwene who are ready to leave the two rivers behind and Nynaeve / Rand who aren’t and don’t want the world to change.
Another problem with the Nynaeve healing was that it was a mass heal she ended out healing all in the cave not just Lan, that isn't a power in any of the books let alone a so new healer, which again gives the feeling that Nynaeve is so much more OP than she actually was, also it's trying to regain Nyn as a Dragon possibility. My other problem with all this is when they do reveal who the dragon truely is if it's not Nyn then my god how much more powerful will they be.
Wow.. you're knowledge of the books and show differences is quite impressive, and you make a great video very well edited. Either you have just infinite knowledge of the book series or you do good research!! How do you retain the books so well!?
you're awesome. i read all the books. i only own 11 of them. my sister made me read the first few, got hooked,bought the rest
I’m enjoying the show and also your thoughts on how it is (or not) following the books. I am also wondering what you think to the Origins shorts which are coming out on X-ray with each episode, for instance ep4 Saidin, Saidar, Stone. (Btw I’ve not read the books).
Ooh I didn't see the Origin shorts! I'll for sure give them a watch and maybe do a mini video on them or attach them to the end of episode 5.
That would be great!! To understand how much background / world building these short stories are adding.
Note they don’t seem to become available to view until after the show is watched / or later in the day (Friday). Being in the UK I’m not sure if this is down to time difference or just having to watch the show first.
Great job on all your WoT videos so far! I'm liking your breakdowns and explanations from a fellow book reader perspective, and you've been very fair so far in your praise/criticism. Nynaeve's healing scene was my favorite part of the episode, but it bothered me that Logain could see Nynaeve's weaves when he should not be able to see saidar. His words are in response to Moiraine's comments about the dragon's strength in the one power, so this seems to create the implication that Nynaeve is the dragon reborn, but again, the idea that women can be the dragon reborn is puzzling. I also think the "area of effect" heal was bit overdone because I'm not aware that this was possible in the books(?). Just keep it simple and intimate with just Lan; it accomplishes what the book did with Nynaeve healing Egwene. Overall though, this was my favorite episode so far, and the changes largely make sense here. The greater emphasis one Nynaeve's relationship with Lan was a fantastic change. My first readthrough of WoT, I largely glossed over Nynaeve and Lan's relationship early on, and when their intimate relationship became more centered later in the series, it was almost a sort of surprise to me.
When Nynaeve confessed feelings to Lan the first time I read the book I was like "WHAT???" It came out of NOWHERE. So thank heavens they are fixing that lol.
I'm confused too because like five minutes before he saw Nynaeve's weaves, one of the Aes Sedai literally said that men/women couldn't see each others' weaves. So...not sure what they are saying Logain saw??
Great video!! I hope 🤞 it gets better wheel of time series ?? Happy reading to u!! 📖📓
Yeah, I'm enjoying this episode more than the others!
I'll never accept that this Perrin/wife situation thing was a good idea, but that said, the conversations he was having with the Tinkers were perfect and I do understand where they are trying to go with it. I'll just passively pretend it was a random villager and not his wife in order to move past it haha. I really enjoyed this episode a lot. The only thing I wish is that they gave Nynaeve better dialogue, because it is almost universally terrible. The actress is great and the *vibe* of Nynaeve is great, but the actual words coming out of her face are poorly written. The Thom thing was weird too; I literally can't imagine anybody cares about this guy yet. Maybe they are instead using this as a launching pad to have the group trust Thom going forward- ie "he stayed behind to save us, so he's one of us". Him joining up randomly may make him less trustworthy otherwise.
"but the actual words coming out of her face are poorly written." 💀
Yeah, the Tinker conversations are pretty dead on, but like...those still made sense when he only killed the Whitecloak. Shouldn't have been his wife. Like...he should be more damaged than he is portraying right now haha
In the books Lan never spars with the other warders, wish they’d have kept that mysteriousness about him
I’d feel better about Logain being shielded with seven if Cadsuane was there like she was in the books to capture Logain. Her Ter’angreal is OP.
I am not a book reader. I almost gave up on the series after ep. 3, I thought it was a little drawn out and boring. I am so glad I watched ep. 4. Now I am hooked. I know they want non-readers to think Nynaeve is the Dragon, but I couldn't believe they would reveal this at the half way point to season one.
I am enjoying the show and how they are trying to portray things on screen from the books as well. The Power, the taint, the madness, even Mashadar. You already covered the different character dynamics. I did want to point out how much I appreciate the changes to Aram’s character. He’s much more likable but going along with the direction of the show far less naive as well. That could be a con for later on but maybe not.
Missing Domon. Missing “The Beggar” scenes (though that may still be coming).
Reservations: No Elias still? Doing Thom dirty…but show is attempting to condense a lot. A woman can be the Dragon Reborn? Are they trying to be woke for the sake of equality or something, because I always thought Mr. Jordan was pretty fair to both sexes in the books. Plus I am having a hard time seeing how that fits into the Dragon’s backstory and the utter terror of those who must unleash him on the world to save it. One final side note: Logain could see Nynaeve’s power?!?
Saying "I'm a little bummed that..." Enough times make me alot of bummed in the end
lol I feel like I was only bummed about like three things this episode! That's a record!
@@Bookborn I don't want to seem like I don't like the show because I do. I like it for what it is but I don't see enough of the books that I love in it. In fact the best part of the show to me is Barney Harris performance and they managed to lose him so I am concerned. I'm just bummed that I actually haven't seen a full scene that came from the books straight without some serious changes. But I do appreciate your content because at the least fans of the show can come here learn about the differences and want to read the books. At the end of the day I want more WOT fans
Well done! Thank you
Logo is pretty cool and if one didn’t know better, they’d assume it’s about books of Moon magic spells and apropos to the Wheel of Time series beginning with Eye of the World!
I really enjoyed this episode! I got a buzz from this one that I didn't feel in the first three.
I guess my biggest complaint is the save OR break again theme and how that indicates or at least feel like they’ll be moving away from the prophecy’s. I know that might not end up being the case but…
SPOILER! It’s the dragon will definitely break again and maybe have a chance at saving.