‘The Wheel of Time’ Recap: ‘Leavetaking’ & ‘Shadow’s Waiting’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

‘Leavetaking’

One would think, that in this era of peak television and peak entertainment, that adaptations of classic stories would engender nothing but joy from the various fandoms of the world. But sadly, they simply do not. Largely because of the fact that adapting classic and sweeping stories often ends in mixed or disappointing results. Wherein the majesty and the spirit of the original story is lost or transformed into something vastly different. Something that is crowd pleasing, and/or watered down. Which is why every fan out there approaches the next adaptation of a classic with raised eyebrows and supreme skepticism, because they simply don’t have a clue what they are going to get. 
​
Which means it is safe to say, that the same trepidation that surrounds other adaptations, was present in the minds of fans of Robert Jordan when Amazon announced that it was going to be assembling its own iteration of The Wheel of Time. Because there was the real risk that the folks behind the scenes could have used this opportunity to create a vastly different vision and world than Jordan originally assembled for this story. But at long last, the first three episodes of this screen version of this epic and sweeping story are now online and now we know what kind of adaptation we have on our hands and the good news is… that this is one worth celebrating. For this is nothing short of a genuine tribute to the world Robert created and well, since today is the release day of the first three episodes of this adaptation on Amazon Prime, we here at Nerds That Geek… thought it would be helpful to offer up a spoiler free recap of the first two chapters. 

The kind that quite frankly, celebrates what makes this adaptation so great instead of looking at the plot in depth, and well… the first thing that needs to be celebrated when it comes to ‘Leavetaking’ and ‘Shadow’s Waiting’ is the acting and the casting. Because let’s be honest, it is the actors that genuinely sell the moments we have been waiting to see created on screen and Amazon has stuck the landing when it comes to that. For everyone in the cast fits their role to a tee and plays their respective part with an honest and earnest performance that draws you into the story. But of course, there are two actors who steal the show acting wise; Rosamund Pike and Daniel Henney, who play Moiraine and Lan respectively and well… they simply embody these iconic characters through and through and add wonderful gravity and depth to the story. 

---

‘Shadow’s Waiting’

But of course, while it is nice to know that thought and effort went into the casting, there’s more that fans expect from a quality adaptation, especially one set in a fantastical realm. In that, it needs to feel real through and through and Amazon has accomplished that as well. Since the first two episodes do a wonderful job of recreating this iconic world, thanks to the fact that Amazon clearly spared no expense. Which does denote that love and care went into this series and that is also reinforced by the appearance of the Trollocs in these first two episodes, since they are flawless creations through and through, the kind that satisfy the fan in all of us since they are painfully realistic and horrifying. 
​
However, what truly allows for this series to shine… is that it genuinely embodies the spirit of the books. Simply because this show immerses us in this world and uses every visual trope in the genre available to take us on a sweeping adventure and that is definitely welcome and enjoyable. Since it means the sense of adventure these novels and the fantasy genre creates in general, is present here in spades and of course… everywhere we venture to with the Two Rivers villagers and Moiraine and Lan, evokes the inner child within us, that young mind that wants to know and see everything and it also doesn’t hurt… that the story and the tension present within the books is present here as well. Since there are dangers untold in their quest and plenty of villains for them to face off against and really in the end, all of these elements work together to create a seamless and satisfying experience.

Because this is everything we want from an adaptation of a classic series of books and more, and truth be told, going the television series route was the right choice for this story. Since it makes every single episode, a chapter of this book in a way, the kind that quite frankly, leaves you starving for more and perhaps it is equally as brilliant that we will have to wait weekly to take part in more adventures in this world. Since now we will be waiting for Friday with bated breath to live a story that has had some kind of an impact upon us and we here at Nerds That Geek cannot wait to geek out further about this series with all of you, as season one of The Wheel of Time continues along. Until next time .

---