‘The Wheel of Time’ Recap: ‘The Dark Along the Ways’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Seven of ‘The Wheel of Time’.
​
There is a prevailing belief in our minds that heroes simply answer the call of the struggles that are before them, and that belief exists, because of what we see play out in real life. For when crisis or dark moments strike, we see heroes rush toward the danger without giving it a second thought or an ounce of fear or concern and that truly allows for us to believe that heroism is in their blood and is their outright nature. And this belief is so strong and so widely accepted that this is how heroes are born in storytelling as well. Since so many of them in print and on screen, know that they are the ones that can save the day and be a champion for good and they do so without giving it a second thought.
​
But while that often provides viewers with uplifting tales that keep hope alive and gives us cause to believe that heroes will appear whenever we need them, this belief is simply wrong through and through. Because heroism isn’t just born in the moment and there isn’t some magical gut feeling that inspires them to become one. It is in fact, a choice. One that is weighed heavily since there is inherent risk that comes with being a hero, and even in the moment when they are called to duty, there is fear and doubt in their minds because of the danger. We simply don’t see that on the news, and really, this more realistic side to the hero’s journey is top of mind today, because it served as the focal theme of this week’s episode of The Wheel of Time.

But is sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case early on. For when we catch up with our friends and possible heroes in ‘The Dark Along the Ways’ they’re dealing with plenty of fright. Because they come to learn that strange happenings are taking place in the Ways and that they simply aren’t safe within its endless void. In fact, it turns out that the Trollocs have been using this space between spaces to navigate the world and their arrival and that of the Black Wind known as Machin Shin… motivates Moiraine to get everyone out of the Ways as quickly as possible to a stronghold near the Eye of the World. But not before the wind takes a moment to whisper what should be doubtful nothings to these weary travelers, who thankfully make it to their destination.

---

Which is where the tough decision revolving around heroism must be made. For Moiraine tells each and every one of them the truth about what will happen when they arrive at the Eye and that they have to decide if this is a path they are okay with walking, and that leads to a bevy of fascinating and powerful moments. Wherein these good people fight amongst one another out of fear and let their emotions pour out. To the point where Nyaneve and Lan become an item and where all of them are indeed faced with quite the decision. In that, do they stand tall and walk with Moiraine to the Eye of the World and face certain doom in the name of saving all of mankind… or do they return home and wait to see if darkness wins?
​
Thankfully, in the end, they all chose to stand and fight and be heroes… but that point might be moot. For in the middle of the night, Rand made his choice as well and while he too chose to rise to the occasion, he did so for vastly different reasons. Because he spent the night thinking about his life and all the odd little things, he has recently experienced when it comes to his newfound strength and the Power of the One, that he can in fact, control. Plus, he also thought a lot about what the Wind told him. Since it claimed he was the Dragon Reborn and well… it would seem that he is. Since everything lines up perfectly and that motivated him to speak with Moiraine about this, who in turn… decided the right thing to do in this instance, was to leave everyone else behind to spare their lives, while she and Rand forged ahead toward the Eye to take on the Dark One at last.

Which is, a heck of way to end this tale since clearly, this duo is facing quite the harrowing journey to the Dark One’s lair but that’s how this one closes out none the less. With heroes divided and evil in the path of two brave heroes that made the choice to potentially die rather than let others suffer and it doesn’t get more heroic or inspiring than that. But what matters more here, is the journey that brought Rand to this point, since he really did have to figure out what matters in this life and why the risk is worth the sacrifice and it was quite wonderful to see him grow before our eyes in this story and choose the right path at last and well, now that the Dragon Reborn is revealed… all we can do is wait impatiently for next week’s season finale. Wherein good and evil will battle at last… at the Eye of the World. Until next time.  

---