Ten years ago, HBO’s Game of Thrones revolutionized the industry, altering its vocabulary forever. Game of Thrones aired its final episode in 2019 and since then, fans, pundits, and bibliophiles alike have been counting down the days like hungry church mice for the next big thing in pop culture and entertainment. Amazon Prime’s Wheel of Time is Amazon’s response to fill that Game of Thrones void in people’s lives.
The Wheel of Time, despite its best intentions, was nothing more than an honest effort. One often had the impression that Game of Thrones was on acid because of the show’s numerous twists and turns, but with Wheel of TIme, it feels like the show has taken an antidepressant. The combination of fantasy and Xanax does not bode well.
The Story
The official synopsis of the series reads “Set in an unnamed world, the central plot of “The Wheel of Time” revolves around the search for someone known as “The Dragon Reborn.” This individual, who may be male or female, is the reincarnated version of The Dragon, who ages ago helped take down an evil force known as the Dark One.”
The series draws its inspiration from Robert Jordan’s 14-volume novel of the same name. The first was published in 1990 and the final was launched in 2013. Season 1 follows the plight of Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and her journey to the White Tower in the East with five other people. She belongs to a powerful women organization that wields magic and believes that one of the four is the reincarnation of the Dragon. The one who’s destined to save the world or rather decimate it.
Our Take of The Wheel of Time
You can see the show’s grand grandeur, even in the gorgeous opening credits, as threads are magically weaved into a loom to create a depiction of the seven Aes Sedai in as many colors as possible. The story begins in the small town, Two Rivers, where the people are honest and hardworking.
The action doesn’t begin until Moiraine and Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) arrive in the village late at night. She believes that one of these five- Egwene (Madeleine Madden), Rand (Joshua Stradowski), Nynaeve (Zoe Robins), Perrin (Marcus Rutherford), and Mat (Barney Harris) could be the answer to all their prayers.
Just as she’s pondering over who could it be, the settlement is raided by trollocs at the behest of Dark One.
While Nynaeve is being held captive by a Trolloc, Moiraine can persuade the other four to join her in her quest to the White Tower. However, despite her all misgivings, they decide to join her on the expedition.
Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of Moiraine is a pleasure to behold, and she brilliantly captures the many facets of her character’s personality. Whether it’s fending off the Trollocs or facing Padan Fain of the vicious Whitecloaks who seek Aes Sedai, she drives the narrative with her pure presence.
The film’s visual effects are outstanding, and creatively exploit the stunning landscapes of Prague and Bovec. The soundtrack enhances the drama and storytelling of the film. This series is worth seeing even if you haven’t read the 14 volumes of books. Rumors are that the Wheel of Time has already been renewed for a 2nd and 3rd season. So, you’re always in store for jaw-dropping magic, terrifying monsters, blood, and violence as well as the inevitable brushes with the Dark One.
Here’s our review of the show but just don’t take our word for it. Energize your prime and stream the series with your favorite meal or even better hot coffee!