‘The Wheel of Time’ Recap: ‘The Flame of Tar Valon’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘The Wheel of Time’.
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One question that we ask ourselves often in life, is how far we are willing to go to achieve our goals and we ask ourselves that question… simply because our quest to have exactly what we want in life, will challenge us in ways we never thought possible. To the point where we wonder if we are on the right path and if the sacrifices necessary to get what we need are worth it and well… truly only the bravest of the brave will answer that question with ‘anything’ and stand by it. For it takes incredible sacrifice and courage to truly cross that proverbial finish line and well, that push and desire to really give it one’s all is top of mind today, because it served as the focal theme of this week’s episode of The Wheel of Time.
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But it sure didn’t seem as though that was going to be the case at first. For ‘The Flame of Tar Valon’ took the time early on to introduce us to the Amyrlin Seat and with good reason. For the time had come to deal with the False Dragon and how an Aes Sedai was lost in that particular battle, and we quickly came to learn in this introduction that Siuan Sanche is not a mother to be crossed, since she was quick to dole out tough words and punishments for failure. Making it appear as though Moiraine was going to be in a difficult place going forward, when one considers her actions and her desire to continue to keep her hunt for the Dragon Reborn a secret to all.
 
As it turns out however… that was nothing more than deception and theatrics. For in reality, both Moiraine and Siuan were in love and put on a little show for all in the Tower to keep their love and what brought about their bond a secret. In that, they were both working hard to find the Dragon Reborn in the hopes of saving all of humanity and the rift they put on for show, helped Moiraine to go out and hunt for this hero and well… with the Dark One in a weak place, the time had come for Moiraine to face that all-important question. Because now was the time to strike, but to do so would require great sacrifice on her part… the kind that would put others in danger and ruin her standing with the Aes Sedai for quite some time. 

But Moiraine knew, that her sacrifice professionally and personally… would do wonders in the long term if she was successful in slaying the Dark One and that’s why she demanded exile from the Tower and brought everyone that could be the Dragon, together. So that she could explain to them the plan, one that would see them venture to The Eye of The World to fight the Dark One on his own turf. A mission that was filled with danger and risk and required others to commit to the same sacrifice Moraine was committing to, especially when one considers that it was strongly implied that not all would survive the journey or the final fight with pure evil. But the none the less, Moiraine’s honesty and willingness to risk everything to bring peace to the world, motivated most of the group to join her on her quest. 

For everyone but Mat stepped through the gateway, and his shocking betrayal only cements his cowardice and selfishness, since it was Moiraine that saved him from the darkness, and it will be quite interesting to see what this twist means for the final battle. But while we wait to learn that we can offer up a round of applause for another quality episode. One that was yes, transitional in nature… but also quite impactful. Since we came to learn a great deal about Moiraine and what she stands for and believes in and what kind of hero she can be. For she was able to inspire those who don’t trust her to fight alongside her and once again, we are left waiting impatiently for what should be another incredible chapter in this story. One that will see this ragtag band of heroes be tested like never before as they inch closer… to the heart of evil. Until next time.

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