Television

What happened in the first three episodes of season 2 of ‘The Wheel of Time’?

Nothing worthwhile is neat and tidy.

September 1, 2023

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the work being covered here wouldn’t exist.

The first season of Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time got off to a hot start. On its way to becoming the most watched series in Prime’s history, it introduced audiences to a world rich with characters and lore. Fans of the source material noticed some major changes, but none negatively impacted the debut season. The three episode season two premiere introduced new characters and enemies while setting up major storylines.

Season One Recap: An Aes Sedai named Moraine and her Warden Lan visit the Two Rivers. The small village is soon attacked, forcing the pair along with a group of villagers to flee. The friends soon learn that Moraine is searching for the prophesized Dragon Reborn. Though everyone is separated, they all head to the White Tower, where women are trained to become Aes Sedai. The season ends with Rand defeating who he believes is the Dark One and the friends scattered around the world.

Episode 1 “A Taste of Solitude”

wheel of time

Months have passed since the end of season one. The debut of the new season focuses on following up with the main players in The Wheel of Time. Moraine can no longer touch the One Power, while Rand is on his own. The first show is one of the most emotional episodes of the entire series.

Much of the focus is on Moraine who is trying to adjust to her new life without the One Power. It is difficult for her and Lan who is getting the brunt of her frustration. Still, she continues to push forward. “A Taste of Solitude” does an excellent job of highlighting the bond between the Aes Sedai and her Warder. Sometimes the depth of the relationships gets lost in the adaptation, but it is a done well here.

Perrin is also trying to come to grips with everything that has happened since the group left the Two Rivers. He has a newfound rage he does not understand and is experiencing changes he does not want to accept. Nynaeve and Egwene have begun their training in the White Tower, and while the two remain friends, something threatens to drive a wedge between them.

Beautiful shots fill The Wheel of Time with The White Tower looking suitably impressive and abandoned. Since the show takes place in different parts of Randland, there are a number of different biomes. Everything looks great and transports audiences to a different world. Episode one culminates in a great action sequence. There have been a number of great action scenes in The Wheel of Time, and the one here is one of the best. It is a strong ending to start the new season.

Episode 2 “Strangers and Friends”

What happened in the first three episodes of season 2 of 'The Wheel of Time'?

In order to keep up with its large cast, The Wheel of Time moves at a quick pace. Episode two moves especially quickly, and brings Rand back into the story. There is also a greater focus on action and suspense. Though he is not seen, Padan Fain plays a huge part. This includes a great visual involving a Fade that gives a terrifying idea of how twisted Fain has become.

More characters are introduced as Elayne Trakand finally makes her debut. “Strangers and Friends” wastes little time in building a friendship between Egwene and the Daughter Heir. A mysterious woman named Selene has also entered Rand’s life. There has been no explanation regarding who she is, but it appears she is going to be an important part of The Wheel of Time.

It is yet another episode filled with emotion. Moraine and Lan are continuing to work things out, while Nynaeve sees a surprising side to Liandrin. But it is Rand that has the most heated moments of the show. His relationship with Selene seems to be one filled with manipulation and the final moments with Rand seem to indicate that he has deeper intentions. The final scene is a great one that introduces a powerful new force.

Episode 3 “What Might Be”

the wheel of time season 2

One the most emotionally heavy and downright brutal episodes of the whole series so far. “What Might Be” begins immediately after the second episode, with Nynaeve ready to take the next step. Every Aes Sedai who has come in contact with the former Wisdom from Two Rivers has commented on her power. While it is not surprising that The Wheel of Time has only shown glimpses of her potential, it is surprising the character has not been fleshed out more.

The third episode corrects this by making her the focal point for much of the show. Even when she is not on screen, her choices affect much of what is happening. It is a smart decision since it gives her more depth. The story is well written and gives a layer to Nynaeve that goes beyond anger.

After their impressive appearance at the conclusion in the last episode, the Seanchan are used to maximum effect. They are downright brutal and the scenes involving them are a highlight. Better yet, The Wheel of Time does an excellent job of still keeping them mysterious. From their awesome costumes to their unique use of the One Power, they are arguably the most interesting part of the show.

Liandrin is also amazing. She has a few great exchanges including one with one of her captives that really stands out. She still comes off as cold and manipulative, but she also seems to truly care about others.The end of the episode will leave many wondering what she is truly up to.

The first two episodes were used to bring audiences up to speed while setting up new stories. Episode three goes all in on letting viewers know just how much the stakes have risen. It is one setback after another for the heroes and looks like they will be spending much of the season fighting from underneath.