The Wheel of Time on Amazon (1 Viewer)

[jplvr]

and it's going to take me LONG time to learn the names in this thing. I think I've got Matt down. the rest... all kind of sound the same- and when you guys write them out in here, look and sound even less familiar.

Rand - Mat's sidekick

Nynaeve - black chick with the braid

Egwene - Mole face

Moiraine - Female Gandolf

Lan - unflappable Asian guy who made Gandolf cry

Perrin - wolf boy

Siuan - Lesbo with the Affliction tat

Loial - character derived from Sesame Street set

 

[El Floppo]

Rand - Mat's sidekick

Nynaeve - black chick with the braid

Egwene - Mole face

Moiraine - Female Gandolf

Lan - unflappable Asian guy who made Gandolf cry

Perrin - wolf boy

Siuan - Lesbo with the Affliction tat

Loial - character derived from Sesame Street set

I'm going to need finger puppets to help cement this. But fantastic.

 

[kupcho1]

Egwene - Mole face

For me, it's the cleft chin that keeps me from confusing her with Nynaeve

 

[KarmaPolice]

question about previous episode, where they're all circling or in the city with the White Tower.

the white coat anti-magic "the light" sadists who btk the magic capable people... I assume the white tower city and people aren't fans? if so- how is there a giant band of them running around within eyeshot of the city, just throat punching hippies and torturing wizards in elaborate tents? 

@El Floppo I think in general, there is a disagreement about the Aes Sedai (white tower ladies) and if they are good/bad.   It was downplayed in the show, but in the start of the books the band of friends and their village were against them big time b/c all they heard were rumbles and stories.   

My understanding is that the White Cloaks are technically wandering around looking for Darkfriends (bad guys), so the optics would be bad if they just went out and wiped them out.   In their ranks are the inquisitors (the main evil black dude), who do the questioning/torturing and they might have a slightly different agenda and include the witches in their definition of bad people.    

Maybe that's not right, and somebody like @The Gator can correct my thinking.  

 

[El Floppo]

, but in the start of the books

No.

 

[KarmaPolice]

No.

<_<    

OK.  In the show there are people that don't like them, (black chick with the braid) .  Hell even they don't seem to like each other that much.   So I assume it's as simple as there wouldn't be consensus on if they are fans of the traveling anti-magic people or not, or what to do about them. 

 

[KarmaPolice]

Right to the GOT battles in the threads.   Going to be a long 8 years.   

 

[KarmaPolice]

@El Floppo or others, I am guessing from your reaction you don't want to hear it, but I will be clear - I am only on book 2, and the show is already past where I am in some ways.   In their effort to condense a ton of stuff, I feel they are glossing over things quickly and don't see them backtracking too much, so that's why I said that.    

However, I realize that's an assumption on my part, and I realize from the GOT thread how contentious it became.   Probably just pissy that it means I can't talk about the show around here.   

 

[El Floppo]

@El Floppo or others, I am guessing from your reaction you don't want to hear it, but I will be clear - I am only on book 2, and the show is already past where I am in some ways.   In their effort to condense a ton of stuff, I feel they are glossing over things quickly and don't see them backtracking too much, so that's why I said that.    

However, I realize that's an assumption on my part, and I realize from the GOT thread how contentious it became.   Probably just pissy that it means I can't talk about the show around here.   

You can talk about the show...sounds like you'd like to also talk about the books? There's a thread for book stuff fwiw.

 

[GordonGekko]

Interestingly, non-book readers seem to be giving ep. 5 high marks. So I wonder if this is a case of missed expectations over the episode itself. I haven't watched it a 2nd time yet (I've been watching twice, first one for initial reaction, book comparisons, etc.) and second I just try to shake all that off and just enjoy the episode for itself (and try to find all the little easter eggs they've been putting in, like Fain being seen twice in ep 5 and his creepy whistling at least one other time.

For viewers willing to turn on subtitles, the "whistling" will show up when it happens, i.e.

(whistling whistling)

And that would indicate to rewind or scan carefully for Fain

Again for those lost in the name game, Fain is the skinny black merchant with the traveling sales cart in the pilot who bought the stolen bracelet off of Mat.

As a geriatric, with both my sight and hearing going to total ####, subtitles are becoming a confusing necessity. I need them because my hearing isn't so great anymore. ( A lifetime of having gorgeous women shouting my name at me, that was damaging to my ear drums) But my vision isn't always so receptive to them.

Davos Seaworth was right. Nothing ####s you like Father Time.

The struggle onscreen is the same though. The goal is not laid out and the Big Bad isn't revealed. Without those you cannot assess the stakes organically and without the stakes then you can't have real worldbuilding.

This is the massive difference between a weekly episode drop versus an entire season drop all at once. For example, House Of Cards was not structured to be watched once a week. Fincher intentionally set up many of the plot points and payoffs to happen in an extended sitting.

Do you think WOT would have been better off with a single full season drop instead?

 

[KarmaPolice]

You can talk about the show...sounds like you'd like to also talk about the books? There's a thread for book stuff fwiw.

It's cool.  not like I can unread things, and my memory blurs the mediums sometimes.   I think it's silly how pissed people get about mention of those things in show threads, but I am not here to ruin people's experience.  just excited to talk about a show the wife and I are watching.  

 

[The Gator]

question about previous episode, where they're all circling or in the city with the White Tower.

the white coat anti-magic "the light" sadists who btk the magic capable people... I assume the white tower city and people aren't fans? if so- how is there a giant band of them running around within eyeshot of the city, just throat punching hippies and torturing wizards in elaborate tents? 

Nobody really likes the Whitecloaks, they're basically bullies with power because nobody stands up to them. They'll have the best swordsmen and training outside of teh Warders. Just being accused of being a darkfriend will get people in trouble, regardless if they are or not, because these guys are borderline crazy and just kill. 

I'm still waiting for the show to explain how Valda is capturing and killing the Aes Sedai. That doesn't make sense yet.

 

[KarmaPolice]

As far as the show, I was a bit "meh" on Episode 6.   I thought the drama in the White Tower was a bit dull and soap-operaish.     

The ending with Mat staying behind was a bit  though.  

 

[The Gator]

As far as the show, I was a bit "meh" on Episode 6.   I thought the drama in the White Tower was a bit dull and soap-operaish.     

The ending with Mat staying behind was a bit  though.  

That's believed to be the last time we see Mat because the actor quit the show before they started filming episode seven and eight.  I'll be pretty bummed if true, that dude was a perfect Mat. 

 

[KarmaPolice]

That's believed to be the last time we see Mat because the actor quit the show before they started filming episode seven and eight.  I'll be pretty bummed if true, that dude was a perfect Mat. 

Ah, I forgot about that.   I assume they are just recasting him, but they had to write him out of the last couple episodes maybe? 

 

[El Floppo]

Rand - Mat's sidekick

Nynaeve - black chick with the braid

Egwene - Mole face

Moiraine - Female Gandolf

Lan - unflappable Asian guy who made Gandolf cry

Perrin - wolf boy

Siuan - Lesbo with the Affliction tat

Loial - character derived from Sesame Street set

Just scrolled up to see if I could crib who Matt is. Is he the ginger? 

 

[KarmaPolice]

Just scrolled up to see if I could crib who Matt is. Is he the ginger? 

Matt = broody long hair guy

Rand = tall redhead

 

[Sand]

The sex injection thing where there was none in the books is getting old fast.  Either make it GoT or follow the books.  

Just dumb.  Each episode has just enough (this one with the knife was awesome) to keep me coming back.  But, damn, boos with fart noises is right.

 

[Mjolnirs]

The sex injection thing where there was none in the books is getting old fast.  Either make it GoT or follow the books. 

I felt the same way watching it.  I thought I must have missed something in the books, so I did a little searching and found this article, The Wheel of Time: The Secrets of Moraine and Siuan

Although the late Robert Jordan never spelled out a romantic connection between the Amyrlin Seat and the esteemed Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, there were plenty of references to the pair being “pillow friends” as novices and beyond. While Jordan’s portrayal may have been colored somewhat by his own 1990s male perspective of what young secluded women might indulge in, he did clarify in a 2005 blog post that, “Pillow friends are not just good friends. Oh, they are that, too, but they also get hot and sweaty together and muss up the sheets something fierce.”

Still, expanding and highlighting it, doesn't really add to the story.

 

[beer 30]

@El Floppo or others, I am guessing from your reaction you don't want to hear it, but I will be clear - I am only on book 2, and the show is already past where I am in some ways.   In their effort to condense a ton of stuff, I feel they are glossing over things quickly and don't see them backtracking too much, so that's why I said that.    

However, I realize that's an assumption on my part, and I realize from the GOT thread how contentious it became.   Probably just pissy that it means I can't talk about the show around here.   

 we should start our own thread 

That's believed to be the last time we see Mat because the actor quit the show before they started filming episode seven and eight.  I'll be pretty bummed if true, that dude was a perfect Mat. 

Oh plot twist, didn’t know that. Makes for an interesting turn of events.

Still, expanding and highlighting it, doesn't really add to the story.

Totally unnecessary but it seems to be what all these series do to grab an audience. Was not a fan.

 

[Maelstrom]

Still, expanding and highlighting it, doesn't really add to the story.

I have read that, given when the books were written, "pillow friends" might have been as close as it could have gotten to spelling out their relationship (or that kind of relationship) then (trying to be a bit coy re: spoilers). I always read it as implied that it was a thing at least during their early years in the tower. Obviously could potentially have interesting or conflicting plot consequences later, but given some of the things that happen, lotta time and changes for the characters between now and then.

Oath rod: I know why they did it (to introduce the oath rod), but I had more of an issue with them using that for what seemed like a relatively inconsequential oath. It also appears to be at least somewhat supported by canon (whether books or other official statements/materials). And guessing probably fine way to introduce the rod itself for non-readers so it's a known thing.

Also, I would have liked them keep the trefoil leaf for the way gates. Probably doesn't matter, and there is a tiny easter egg in the One Power thread shape, but since Ogiers cannot channel, it does reduce/eliminate the original purposes of the ways.

re: Mat - almost 100% positive that was the last scenes the actor shot (just before the gate) and it was rumored they had to do a quick reshoot for the "Mat, get in the cave" part of that last scene.

 

[jplvr]

I have read that, given when the books were written, "pillow friends" might have been as close as it could have gotten to spelling out their relationship (or that kind of relationship) then (trying to be a bit coy re: spoilers). I always read it as implied that it was a thing at least during their early years in the tower. Obviously could potentially have interesting or conflicting plot consequences later, but given some of the things that happen, lotta time and changes for the characters between now and then.

Oath rod: I know why they did it (to introduce the oath rod), but I had more of an issue with them using that for what seemed like a relatively inconsequential oath. It also appears to be at least somewhat supported by canon (whether books or other official statements/materials). And guessing probably fine way to introduce the rod itself for non-readers so it's a known thing.

Also, I would have liked them keep the trefoil leaf for the way gates. Probably doesn't matter, and there is a tiny easter egg in the One Power thread shape, but since Ogiers cannot channel, it does reduce/eliminate the original purposes of the ways.

re: Mat - almost 100% positive that was the last scenes the actor shot (just before the gate) and it was rumored they had to do a quick reshoot for the "Mat, get in the cave" part of that last scene.

Barney Harris (Mat) quit/od'd/had a mental breakdown during the Covid break. They reportedly still had 2 episodes to film when they got kicked out of Prague or wherever due to the pandemic, so it fits the timeline. The new actor was cast a long time ago: Donal Finn, if you want to look him up. Initially, I was worried, because he looked like Howdy Doody in a head shot, but I've since seen him with some scruff on his face, and the side by side look with him and Barney (original Mat) was not far off. The show runner says the switch has been seamless, and considering where we left off with Mat seeming to be healed, the timing was pretty good from a story telling perspective. Rand upon catching up to Mat: "Oh, Mat, you've really changed!" "No, ####... you don't say?"

The introduction to the rod was D-U-M-B. We need you to swear on this oath rod you've already sworn upon to never lie, instead of just swearing to do what I'm telling you to do because you cannot lie. Not a huge deal, but just like everything besides the Perrin storyline and healing Mat, everything else in the past 2 episodes and since getting to Tar Valon was convoluted and unnecessary. I'm still pissed they ended up there, and I'm even more pissed 2 girls who can channel and apparently 5 people who could be the Dragon Reborn just left Tar Valon without any push back. The place is supposed to be sealed up like a fortress and nearly impossible to leave if the Aes Sedai have intentions for you. Apparently now you can just come and go as you please, which really sets the stage for future events... ... ... .............................

Just scrolled up to see if I could crib who Matt is. Is he the ginger? 

The poster I quoted said he only really knew who Mat was in the show. Edit: and LOMFL you thought he was the ginger. I hate this show runner soooooo much right now.

 

[The Gator]

Barney Harris (Mat) quit/od'd/had a mental breakdown during the Covid break. They reportedly still had 2 episodes to film when they got kicked out of Prague or wherever due to the pandemic, so it fits the timeline. The new actor was cast a long time ago: Donal Finn,

any relation to Damer Flinn?

 

[The Gator]

Lews and Min in some photos from ep 7 and 8

 

[El Floppo]

Lews and Min in some photos from ep 7 and 8

link no good

 

[The Gator]

fixed it

 

[Sinn Fein]

I am caught up on the episodes, and a little over halfway through the first book.

I like the story - and don't mind any of the editing done for the show.

But, the show really feels like a second-rate production.

Sets look cheap, writing is sub-par, casting is a bit iffy, and just the overall production feels like it should be better.  I know it does not have the budget of a GOT, but I would have expected a little more than what they have provided so far.

I'll keep watching, because I like the story, but I think this will always feel like they should have done a better job.

 

[El Floppo]

I am caught up on the episodes, and a little over halfway through the first book.

I like the story - and don't mind any of the editing done for the show.

But, the show really feels like a second-rate production.

Sets look cheap, writing is sub-par, casting is a bit iffy, and just the overall production feels like it should be better.  I know it does not have the budget of a GOT, but I would have expected a little more than what they have provided so far.

I'll keep watching, because I like the story, but I think this will always feel like they should have done a better job.

huh... I don't have a problem at all with the sets or locations. I like the locations and/or CG they use to get some pretty fantastic outdoor shots. Some of the interiors shots may feel a little TV set-ish- where the materials don't always look legitimate... but otherwise I think they've done a decent to good job here.

 

[Sinn Fein]

huh... I don't have a problem at all with the sets or locations. I like the locations and/or CG they use to get some pretty fantastic outdoor shots. Some of the interiors shots may feel a little TV set-ish- where the materials don't always look legitimate... but otherwise I think they've done a decent to good job here.

Scenery is nice.  the sets feel very cheap.  

My reference point here is GOT - so that may not be fair.  And, I am not going to stop watching it - I still like the story.

 

[Chaz McNulty]

huh... I don't have a problem at all with the sets or locations. I like the locations and/or CG they use to get some pretty fantastic outdoor shots. Some of the interiors shots may feel a little TV set-ish- where the materials don't always look legitimate... but otherwise I think they've done a decent to good job here.

I agree.

My concern is some of the casting.  Rand is really blah.

 

[Foosball God]

I agree.

My concern is some of the casting.  Rand is really blah.

Casting is all over the place, some of them are fantastic (Liandrin, the Gleeman) others not so much (Rand)

 

[El Floppo]

I agree.

My concern is some of the casting.  Rand is really blah.

Rand is the ginger? yeah. I think my problem with him is more a continuity thing than acting (which agreed, isn't great)... while Matt has looked (been styled) like a guy essentially homeless sleeping in barns, on the road and progressively looking more disheveled over the course of the season, Rand looks like he's woken up fresh in a 4 star resort with a clean shave, styled hair, and clean pressed clothes every single time he's on camera. 

 

[jplvr]

They made such a big deal about the Two Rivers set, but it looked terrible to me. The last two episodes were nice sets, but I assume they're filming on location for that and probably in Prague. I think that's where they were filming when the Covid lock downs hit.

I hope they're ending this stupid "guess who the Dragon is" trope tonight.

 

[Redwes25]

They made such a big deal about the Two Rivers set, but it looked terrible to me. The last two episodes were nice sets, but I assume they're filming on location for that and probably in Prague. I think that's where they were filming when the Covid lock downs hit.

I hope they're ending this stupid "guess who the Dragon is" trope tonight.

Do the episodes drop on Thursday nights?  Thought it was a Friday thing.  

 

[jplvr]

Do the episodes drop on Thursday nights?  Thought it was a Friday thing.  

Midnight in England, I think, which is 7 pm central.

 

[The Gator]

Rand is the ginger? yeah. I think my problem with him is more a continuity thing than acting (which agreed, isn't great)... while Matt has looked (been styled) like a guy essentially homeless sleeping in barns, on the road and progressively looking more disheveled over the course of the season, Rand looks like he's woken up fresh in a 4 star resort with a clean shave, styled hair, and clean pressed clothes every single time he's on camera. 

That was the fault of the evil in the dagger. 

 

[El Floppo]

That was the fault of the evil in the dagger. 

totally.

but also made sense in terms of people travelling a hard road. Rand looked like he was bemusedly waiting for his Tesla to recharge most of the time.

 

[SWC]

i wonder if some of the people in here have ever liked literally anything about anything it must make life hard that is all i am sayin take that to the bank brohans 

 

[El Floppo]

i wonder if some of the people in here have ever liked literally anything about anything it must make life hard that is all i am sayin take that to the bank brohans 

it does gb, it does.

I often wish I could just ignore stupid stuff I see and let the easy livin' wash over me.

 

[Kanil]

It's been a long time since I've read any of the books and I only got through the first 6 (book 7 was still not released).  I feel like I remember a lot of the story so far but am really interested to see where it goes from here.  Kind of glad I never finished the series.

 

[jplvr]

Midnight in England, I think, which is 7 pm central.

I swear to dog I thought it was Thursday through about 430 pm today. I started working from home 10 years ago or so, and this sort of thing is kind of common. Mondays and Fridays might as well be the same day for me at times.

 

[Mile High]

I swear to dog I thought it was Thursday through about 430 pm today. I started working from home 10 years ago or so, and this sort of thing is kind of common. Mondays and Fridays might as well be the same day for me at times.

Last week it was on 8pm mst Thursday night. 

 

[jplvr]

One of the better episodes, especially the final 15-20 mins. 

 

[The Gator]

One of the better episodes, especially the final 15-20 mins. 

That was really good. Love tying in the fever dream @KarmaPolice

Bad ### Aiel is bad ### 

 

[=Smackdown=]

Opening to Ep7 was $$$

 

[prosopis]

They made such a big deal about the Two Rivers set, but it looked terrible to me. The last two episodes were nice sets, but I assume they're filming on location for that and probably in Prague. I think that's where they were filming when the Covid lock downs hit.

I hope they're ending this stupid "guess who the Dragon is" trope tonight.

I am not sure why anyone cares who the last dragon is? Is that the end of the world? I just don't get it. I feel like I am watching a bunch of women squabble and I don't know what they are squabbling about. What is with the guy who looks like a muppet from sesame street who has to keep saying "you humans"? 

I don't feel they have done a good job with story telling or character development. 6 or 7 episodes in and I don't care about any of them.

I forget exactly when this happened, but was it inferred that the head lesbian is the fisherman reincarnated? The fisherman who couldn't untie a knot.

 

[El Floppo]

I am not sure why anyone cares who the last dragon is? Is that the end of the world? I just don't get it. I feel like I am watching a bunch of women squabble and I don't know what they are squabbling about. What is with the guy who looks like a muppet from sesame street who has to keep saying "you humans"? 

I don't feel they have done a good job with story telling or character development. 6 or 7 episodes in and I don't care about any of them.

I forget exactly when this happened, but was it inferred that the head lesbian is the fisherman reincarnated? The fisherman who couldn't untie a knot.

I'm terrible with this stuff... but

one handed bad with knots fisherman daughter is head lesbian.

preggo ginger bad ### in the snowy mountains son is monotone ginger with the bow and baby-clean face. (and btw, glad he got to finally use the thing, even if it was just target practice). His "dad" was the dude who cut the ambilocal cord. I think. and according to the ginger, he is the dragon. or it's the black wind talking.

muppet = a troll or some other LoR equivalent. he was the librarian or book seller in a previous episode and then stalked the ginger for some reason. and speaking of LOR... the Mines of Moria set this episode was a little disappointing. 

 

[KarmaPolice]

I am not sure why anyone cares who the last dragon is? Is that the end of the world? I just don't get it. I feel like I am watching a bunch of women squabble and I don't know what they are squabbling about. What is with the guy who looks like a muppet from sesame street who has to keep saying "you humans"? 

I don't feel they have done a good job with story telling or character development. 6 or 7 episodes in and I don't care about any of them.

I forget exactly when this happened, but was it inferred that the head lesbian is the fisherman reincarnated? The fisherman who couldn't untie a knot.

I assume I can't answer questions besides to say that I guess I agree with the bolded.   I think the fact that they haven't addressed some of these questions (how long ago was the last dragon? why are people looking for the next one?  how do all these tribes and types of people fit in? ) point to that being the case a bit.   I don't think it's a matter of you and Floppo not catching stuff, I am not sure the info is there yet.  

It's just interesting the choices shows make with the story lines and where they focus their energy.  

 

[jplvr]

I'm terrible with this stuff... but

one handed bad with knots fisherman daughter is head lesbian.

preggo ginger bad ### in the snowy mountains son is monotone ginger with the bow and baby-clean face. (and btw, glad he got to finally use the thing, even if it was just target practice). His "dad" was the dude who cut the ambilocal cord. I think. and according to the ginger, he is the dragon. or it's the black wind talking.

muppet = a troll or some other LoR equivalent. he was the librarian or book seller in a previous episode and then stalked the ginger for some reason. and speaking of LOR... the Mines of Moria set this episode was a little disappointing. 

You are correct, but they have done a terrible job of telling the story, and I can only imagine how confused people are right now. There was no reason to be secretive about who the Dragon was, and there is little explanation as to why it’s a big deal, just that it is. 
 

I wondered if people were going to understand why Loial was on the trip. This show is all about Moiraine, and having her channel to open the Ways was just another dumb idea. The Ogier built the things, and no one else is supposed to have known about them or used them for hundreds of years, but now everyone seems to know about them since she was just telling Agelmar this episode he should close up the one near Faldara like it’s some sort of Stargate type device everyone is used to. Rand, the character we have learned little about just so we could get this recent reveal, meets a Snufflelupagus, and now he’s part of the gang. That’s what it feels like anyway. They could have just explained the Ogier to the group, had him open the Ways without magic, and then we would have at least part of the explanation why he’s part of the group outside of being the one who’s planning to write this story afterwards. 
 

Im happy overall, but they just keep shooting themselves in the foot with seemingly random, not well thought out or explained changes. 

 

[El Floppo]

Rand, the character we have learned little about just so we could get this recent reveal, meets a Snufflelupagus, and now he’s part of the gang. That’s what it feels like anyway. They could have just explained the Ogier to the group, had him open the Ways without magic, and then we would have at least part of the explanation why he’s part of the group outside of being the one who’s planning to write this story afterwards. 

ok... I have no idea about any of this. Olgier is the muppet? Snuffleupagus... ??