Here is our review of the 2023 Prime Video series The Wheel of Time season 2, which does not contain significant spoilers.
The Wheel of Time season 2 is worth watching for the engaging storytelling, retooled special effects, the introduction of new characters, and greater screen time for supporting characters. This means less Moraine and less is more.
All of this helps and displays the vast and deep world that Robert Jordan envisioned.
The Wheel of Time Season 2 Review and Plot Summary
The season begins with The Wheel of Time group scattered and a shadow of its former self. Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and Lan (Daniel Henney) are in hiding, both choosing to avoid discussing their broken bond.
Meanwhile, Egwene (Madeleine Madden) and Nynaeve (Zoë Robins) undergo training in the White Tower to become Aes Sedai. Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) has joined the Shienarans and experiences unexplainable visions.
The two most enigmatic plotlines involving Mat (Dónal Finn) and Rand (Josha Stradowski) are clarified for the viewer. Mat is being held against his will by Liandrin, while Rand is in hiding in Cairhien to protect Egwene and his friends.
Previously, creating a fantasy show often meant minimal special effects, poor makeup, and Baywatch-level acting (Xena: Warrior Princess might come to mind). With streaming platforms investing significantly, Prime Video's The Wheel of Time is the best series on Prime Video.
Showrunner Rafe Judkins accomplishes a masterful adaptation of a cherished and intricate fantasy novel by making prudent decisions as required. Without divulging too many spoilers, Judkins has the writers amplify the tensions among group members, which tends to be more interesting than when friends always get along famously.
The first four episodes of The Wheel of Time were provided to critics, and they are brimming with twists and turns that both keep viewers in the dark and deliver enjoyable suspense. These elements effectively maintain a sense of anticipation, consistently keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
This is most remarkably showcased in the third episode, "What Might Be," which stands as Prime Video's finest television episode. The initial twenty minutes are charged with electricity, held together by an impressively emotional resonance and intensity portrayed by Zoë Robins. Her portrayal of Nynaeve has easily positioned her as the series' most captivating character.
Judkins and John McCutcheon's writing is exceptionally well-crafted, preventing any easy predictions about the direction of the interwoven storylines or their ultimate outcomes.
Is The Wheel of Time Season 2 good or bad?
The Wheel of Time season 2 is not only good, but it's a massive improvement over the freshman season by creating tension and room to breathe between the characters.
Is The Wheel of Time Season 2 worth watching?
The Wheel of Time season 2 is worth watching for the engaging storytelling, retooled special effects, introduction of new characters, and greater screen time for supporting characters. All of this helps and displays the vast and deep world that Robert Jordan envisioned.
Grade: 9/10 "The Wheel of Time's sophomore season surpasses the first season in almost every way. Filled with twists and turns, the result an exciting and suspenseful fantasy series that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seats."
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You can watch this series with a subscription to Prime Video.