Adam’s Review
One of my biggest fears for this episode was that we would regress to shitty storytelling with the party split up. Instead, episode 3 actually builds on the strengths set forth in the previous installment
Each duo (and one trio) have time to exist independent of one another so the characters can grow and those relationships can start to be revealed.
Thom Merrilin finally appears at a brand new town, and although he’s a bit more of an asshole on his initial conversation with Rand and Mat, his character shines through by the end of the episode.
The pace is accelerated by combining several stops on Rand and Mat’s journey, and Nynaeve’s tale of survival and defiance makes the character even more likeable at this point that she was in the books. Dear God, I think I just actually liked a change that was made.
While Perrin and Egwene don’t have alot to work with in this episode, both actors make the most of what is given. The weakest part of the episode is the continued plot of Perrin’s deceased wife and the guilt caused by it.
His nightmare showing the second appearance of a man with eyes and a mouth like a furnace feels like a step in the right direction. I’m certainly hoping to see more of Moiraine next episode, but I sincerely hope we’re in for some more material with a particular character introduced while trapped in a cage. No, not the dead Aiel. You know the one.
Rating: On a scale of “What smells like blue?” to “I love Leela, always and forever” this was a squinty eyed meme reading “not sure if good or Stockholm Syndrome.”
Garrett’s Review
Aiel, Darkfriends, Wolves, Tuatha’an, Logain, Thom… this was a sensory over-load. I’m loving seeing all of these peoples and characters and really ideas come to life!
Rating: On a scale of “I said maybe” to “And after all”, this ep was a “You’re gonna be the one that saves me.”
Fei’s Review
CAN WE GET A RESOUNDING “YAS QUEEN” FOR NYNAEVE?
Because if I could write this entire review about her, I would. She is the shining light of this episode: besting a Trolloc, standing up to Lan, and showing off her healing powers. AND THE HAIR TOSS. WHO CAN FORGET THE HAIR TOSS? Did I say last time I have a weakness for a man that can sing? I have a true weakness for a woman that can heal. After this episode, I realize I need Nynaeve to be the adult in my life.
But to be equitable, I suppose I should also discuss the rest of the show. There is so much to see now that the party has split, and I am happy that the directing team decided to spend enough time introducing us to all the different cultures and peoples of the incredible world that Robert Jordan has built. The Tuatha’an and Aiel look amazing and promise us more to come. The costume choices for both were right on target, and I can’t wait for us to learn more about them through the eyes of the main party.
In the po’dunk town that Rand and Mat come to, we also meet one of my favorite characters, Thom Merrilin. While a little more rugged than I imagined, I do like Alexandre Willaume’s performance, and of course, the way to this girl’s heart: a song.
Last but not least, I want to commend how the show introduces us to Darkfriends. Dana is relatable and rolls a Charisma check high enough to get past my jaded view of show-created characters—only to reveal that we can trust no one.
To echo myself from the last review: this episode is what I thought a TWOT series would be!
Rating: On a scale of nail shape trends, this is a solid Squoval – not as quintessential as the oval, but defies the flashy horror that is the coffin nail.