The Wheel of Time (TV Series) Shadow's Waiting (2021) User Reviews

Things get interesting

[chriswarmaneditor · 8/10 · 19 November 2021]

The pacing slows down a bit from the first episode and we get some genuine character interactions. Every character gets a moment to shine.

As a reader, Shadar Logoth was the standout in this episode. They NAILED IT! Everything that made that section of the book intriguing is in the show.

A huge step up from episode 1 in my opinion.

A vast improvement on episode one

[sianlant-49692 · 9/10 · 19 November 2021]

Opening scene was great. The whitecloaks are super creepy here. This is a big improvement on episode one. Much better paced, the opening and ending scenes were brilliant and everything is moving forwards at a good pace. I hope they can keep this up for a full season. Barney Harris as Mat is particularly good in my opinion.

Episode 2 is great!

[brian-wiz · 9/10 · 20 November 2021]

The first episode was a bit clunky, but this one really nails it. Love seeing these characters come to life. Looking forward to more. And for the haters to disappear, which they will eventually.

Better than Episode 1

[xtidusxyunax · 8/10 · 20 November 2021]

So this is much better paced that the previous episode.

It isn't perfect but so far so good, feels quick but the plot demands it, I am disappointed tho with Shadar Logoth. Should of been there a bit longer, has more moments like with Matt & Perrin.

I feel as a book reader there is not only so much missing, but not that many character moments.

Was happy there were some here, and got more of the characters fleshed out as well as their desires.

Basically all I'm saying is, the show so far is lacking good dialogue.

Consistently Good...Still Waiting For It to Become Great

[spasek · 8/10 · 24 November 2021]

I thoroughly enjoyed this second episode. I thought it was a bit of an improvement on the first episode.

For cinematic purposes, I can understand why a huge section of the book was dismissed (Baerlon). We're still missing two key characters, and I'm waiting to see how they will be introduced in Thom Merrilin and Min. While Min was introduced in "Eye of the World" she isn't featured more prominently until later books. However, Thom was nearly an immediate fixture. This isn't necessarily a criticism. I'm simply wondering.

In this episode we're introduced to the Whitecloaks as well as Shadar Logoth.

I also find it to be an interesting twist of things as the dynamic of Rand and Egwene continues to play out. In the books, she nearly always has the upper hand. She realizes quickly her dreams of becoming and Aes Sedai, and despite her fondness for Rand, it's never shown as being much more than that. Rand is the one who certainly has more feelings for Egwene than vice versa. Here, we have a bit more of a balance. I like how they softened Egwene's character from the book, in which she's a bit conceited and views the three boys as being immature and juvenile.

I was also hoping for an introduction to the Draghkars (hideous bat-like creatures with a piercing scream).

Still, I haven't been disappointed. I'm still waiting for this series to "break out" in a sense of really delving more deeply into the characters as well as the lands that they travel. So far, we've only been scratching the surface. I hope that will change as the series progresses.

All in all, another solid episode.

Much better than the first episode

[saphira-28454 · 8/10 · 21 November 2021]

Most of the issues I had with the pilot are either absent or much less present in this episode. The pace is good and lets you take in what is happening, we get some character moments, the special effects seem better this time. The changes from the book make sense in this episode overall, or at least are not significant enough to matter, and still keep (most) of the good parts in. Also we finally get some humor from the main cast.

There are still some awkward moments, for example characters seeming to react a bit... off sometimes in conversations, like you can feel that something is missing or maybe the acting is not on point. But it's a small thing, though I do hope that is improved in the future episodes. Also while some of the dialogue is having emotional charge, it falls flat because the setup was insufficient, probably because of the rushed pace of the first episode but it's not like they tried to give it impact in this episode at least.

I enjoyed this a lot and if they keep up the quality to this level at least it will end up being a very good series overall.

A very promising episode...but can they keep it up?

[superbayernxxx · 9/10 · 19 November 2021]

This second episode gives us a hint of what could be in store for us if we're lucky, ....if they have the budget, ....if they dare to take the risk. The excellent CG in this 2nd episode points more in the direction of GoT than a cheap version of a See/Witcher/Merlin series. There is a lot of room for fabulous heroic fantasy, great character development and the most awesome CG in Robert Jordan's books. This episode was done right and fills my heart with great hope of good things -GoT things that is- to come.

Series benefits from Slower Pace

[shawneuser · 7/10 · 1 December 2021]

Like many other fans of the books, I was a little disappointed with the first episode. I can give the nonsensical diversity and changes from the books a pass, but I can't abide by too much plot shoved into a single hour, leading to foolish writing.

Fortunately, this episode began to turn it around for me. This episode benefitted greatly by a slower pace and a singular focus on the fleeing company. I regret the omission of Baerlon simply because Min is one of my favorite characters in the books. Its a damn shame to not see her. However, considering she plays no role in this first book, I can't blame them for cutting it.

Frankly, I like Egwene's character more in this series so far than I did in the books. She seems vulnerable and hopelessly in love with Rand, which is totally different than the books, where she is about as conceited and cold as most the women in WoT. I love that this series is giving her and Rand an actual relationship. The books only allege at one.

The shot of Rand and Egwene overlooking Shadar Logoth is exactly what book fans are looking for. THAT is WoT in an image. Bravo!

Matt and Perrin both get their overarching threads launched here, while Rand shows the mistrust for the Aes Sedai that will stick with him.

Nynaeve popping up at the end, catching Lan by surprise, is idiotic. HOW could she have tracked them out of Shadar Logoth? It is more dramatic than what happens in the book, however. Stupid though.

Anyway, good step forward.

Perfectly paced

[richiephangan · 10/10 · 19 November 2021]

I completely enjoyed the first episode which was quite hectic as they fitted a lot in. This episode slows the pace a little and helps us settle in to the events and characters that are unfolding. The acting is fantastic.

Still too fast paced, they are always in an hurry, but there are positive steps forward

[Lory10_01 · 7/10 · 29 November 2021]

So, some problems from the previous episode are still here: too fastpaced, so fast Shadar Logoth (which is beautiful, and Machin Shin is terrifying) is used only for the blink of an eye. CGI is better because we don't see Saidar nor Saidin (which are the low points of this CGI). There is some character developement, but it still feels like those poor people are running around in a rat race, they have no breath; still feels too generic.

Mat misses a very important encounter when in Shadar Logoth, even though before judging this I'll have to see how they will introduce him, sooner or later; yet, from the trailer we get that this character had to be introduced here (Mat's "alright, let's make a deal" is missing).

The main problem is that it's too fast paced, and, still, it feels uninspired and very, very flat. Action without some character developement is useless.

But, it is an improvement upon the messy pilot!

This episode made me very happy.

[soccerboarder · 10/10 · 20 November 2021]

I had to take a break after ep 1 and then compartmentalize. But I was actually blown away by this episode. Like I don't think I remember anything close to the somewhat glaring flaws I spotted in episode 1.

Getting better, still needs improvement

[edwardmarquardt · 6/10 · 22 November 2021]

This episode was an improvement on the first episode. I still think it leaves a bunch of for improvement.

I'm a huge fan of the books and it's colored my opinions of the show.

The actors chosen for Rand and Lan are probably my favorite, I feel they've done the best job of recreating their characters. That being said I feel the show is darker and the characters more jaded than is necessary (and compared to the books).

The acting and directing still needs polishing. Story is still fast paced but better than episode 1.

Aes Sedai never lies

[albert-bentall · 3/10 · 22 November 2021]

Questioner: Are you an Aes Sedai ?

Aes Sedai: Yes Questioner: Kill that woman

Easy job, somehow no one realised this little flaw in the logic?

This is not the first occurence of inconsistencies in this series. Too bad they spend so much on VFX and so little on good writing.

A promising start after an uncertain pilot

[TygrKat · 8/10 · 21 November 2021]

*Episode 2: 8/10*

The second episode follows a smaller cast of characters than the first, which allows the viewer to become more familiar with the ensemble of 'main characters' introduced at this point. This episode includes a good amount of world-building and lore, mostly through dialogue, as the group of main characters travel, setting up camps in the woods and meeting people on the road. Character personalities and relationships between them are also much further developed in this episode.

The structure of this episode echoes the first: Much of the time is used for exposition as the group travels, which is very much needed after the bare-bones first episode introductions. The second part brings the characters into a unique location which will challenge some of them, introduce an 'action' scene which is very different from the battle in the first episode, and ultimately split them into several groups.

Overall, episode 2 is quite good. It feels much better than the first episode. It is not rushed, the world begins to feel bigger and more real, and some basic questions raised by episode 1 are either answered or pushed forward in a more satisfactory manner. Some lackluster visual effects in one location are unfortunate, but as day turns to evening the lighting makes it much more believable, and the low-quality visuals are only present for ~2 minutes.

This is not Game Of Thrones

[aboalhyjaa · 8/10 · 19 November 2021]

If you're looking to watch the Game Of Thrones of Amazon, them im sorry to disappoint you but its not.

Its not bad either, neither the readers of the books says its as good as the novels, so i guess we'll just need to watch the whole season at least to find out?

The EF5 deliver and then some

[herbertica · 9/10 · 19 November 2021]

While the first episode had a bit of shakiness in the delivery (I'm side-eying amazon and their reported 1,100 notes/edit requests on the first episode) the second settles into what felt more and more like a sustainable pace. This first book sends them so many places, so quickly, and the breakneck speed is apparent.

They still manage to slow down and show us beautiful moments - Egwene and Moiraine have a wonderful interlude that book fans will recognize! Mat, Rand and Perrin continue to give wonderful performances, recognizably themselves in a way that brought tears to my eyes.

Moiraine and Lan's relationship continues to be a total delight. I 100% believe that these two have been friends and colleagues, wandering the world for 20+ years. Their nonverbal communication made me feel as though I was "in on it" it a little. What a delight! On to episode three!

SHADOW is waiting... and spooky good episode!

[davegbrooklyn · 10/10 · 21 November 2021]

Damn, it turns into even more horror-theme elements and turns into one of the best looks at a journey episode in the early epic adventure. Whitecloaks are introduced and they show just HOW dangerous the world is and not just the literal monsters. Great movement towards larger storylines! Love it.

[7.2] For the comprehensive wolves!

[cjonesas · 7/10 · 4 March 2022]

Episode 2: Aside beautiful photography, eerie moments and slightly epic score, nothing is in its favor in this episode and judging by the two first chapters, it's become evident that the series lacks real thrill, suspense and flow and that's because of the badly written storyline plots based on the vastly better book series.

Writers, continue like that and not only you won't get yourselves something passably resembling GoT, but most surely you'll get yourselves the wrath of the books' fans, if not already!

Loved it!

[carolinelundqvist · 10/10 · 21 November 2021]

Some book fans seem to think this is their series and only theirs. Disregard them.

I too have read the books and love them, this series is another version of that story.

The cast is great, the acting is great, the dialogue is mostly great.

If you have not read the books you need to bear in mind that the material is overwhelming, they have had to make changes to the story as otherwise it wouldn't work at all.

This story will take you on an adventure you don't see coming and I hope we all get to follow it to the end. The wheel weaves as the wheel wills.

this show better pick up speed or im out

[zombie84-1 · 6/10 · 4 January 2022]

This has the worst pacing show since squid game. I like slow things but jeez this drags on and on with nothing happening. Hope the 7eps are better. Cus if not im jumping ship. This is not a hit thus far.

Enjoyed that one.

[aarongallagher1 · 9/10 · 19 November 2021]

Best things....

Shadar Logoth - impressive.

Bit of history - story had to be told and it did not drag in the telling.

Favourite Teases for future....

Perrin and the wolves ❤

Dain Bornhold - better than how I imagined him.

And finally she caught up.

Unfortunately getting away from "The Eye of the World"

[jseph1234-262-617488 · 5/10 · 23 November 2021]

The Writers are breaking away from the book "The Eye of the World" to the detriment of the Show. They are falling into the trap of thinking they are better writers than Robert Jordan and thus are losing the wonderful thread of the story in the Eye of the World and general feeling of The Wheel of Time.

The way that Morraine was injured in episode one and the introduction of Nynaeve as this superwoman, fighter is just ridiculous. None of these things happened in the book (I am re-enjoying the book again) and just makes me sad with how the writers / showrunners are ruining this great book.

Moreover, this All-Powerful way the Children of the Light and their Questionner is just plain wrong (AGAIN something that never happen in the book) That small contingent of "Children" wouldn't have been able to capture that one Aes Sedai and the thought of a questionner running around with Aes Sedai rings on his waist, No (He would have been a dead person long before that)

And the world begins to come into focus

[daydreamertmm · 10/10 · 22 November 2021]

The pacing of this episode was much better than the pilot. Love the acting, cinematography, all of it. With each episode, more and more of this expansive world is revealed. Great fun.

Well paced and a peak into a vaster world

[rodrigo-83864 · 10/10 · 23 November 2021]

This episode sees our cast hunted down and forced into the lands beyond the small town of Two Rivers/ Emond's field. Their world is getting bigger and so is ours. Better paced than the pilot and with much needed breathing room for our characters to show us who they are. Matt shines as a standout character which is not to say the others are any weaker. Every single protagonist holds their own, channeling the heart of their storied characters into tangible, believable people. From Perrin's truly heartbreaking melancholy, to Rand's whirlwind of emotions, Egwene's penchant to grow her knowledge, Moiraine's continued strong ambiguity, and Lan's growing worry towards his Aes Sedai's declining health. Everyone does what they have to do and it's extremely heartwarming to see these characters truly come to life because of that strong commitment to see it done properly.

Shadar Logoth was amazingly crafted as was the Two Rivers in the pilot episode before it. Tight editing, stripped back sound design, and subtle horror cues make this experience truly terrifying and sets the right precedence for any future horrors that await us.

Perrin's dream, Mat's singing of Manetheren, the bats, everything Valda, and funny dialogue are a few things that make this episode another great The Wheel of Time entry. Fans and newcomers to the series should have plenty to chew on before watching the next episode!

Ahead of the curve

[jlmcgirk · 10/10 · 21 November 2021]

Pike is killing it with this adaptation. Being able to take all the content from this series and translating it into a television series is nothing short of stellar. I love these books and feel like so much of the story is conveyed in the TV medium, which can be so difficult to do. Plenty of folks like to trash this show, yet aren't producers or directors or screenwriters, so I'd disregard their feedback as just that. Enjoy the depth of the story and then get excited to read the series if you haven't.