You don’t have to be familiar with the book series to appreciate this adaptation of The Wheel of Time, but you might need to be a fantasy fan to understand that sometimes it takes a while (like a season long) to build a world as detailed and expansive as this one. Once you give it that grace, The Wheel of Time becomes a satisfying watch. It’s utterly fascinating in its rules, lore, mystery, and language. It relies on that all-too-common Chosen One trope, sure, but it subverts it too and surprises by the time it reveals who among Moiraine’s team that person is. Though it never reaches GOT levels of grandeur (the CGI could be better), its ever-expanding world of characters and magic delight and enthrall.
Synopsis
Follow Moiraine, a member of the shadowy and influential all-female organization called the “Aes Sedai” as she embarks on a dangerous, world-spanning journey with five young men and women. Moiraine believes one of them might be the reincarnation of an incredibly powerful individual, whom prophecies say will either save humanity or destroy it.
Storyline
Based on the bestselling book series of the same name, The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike) and the five young people she believes could save the world.
TLDR
If you resist the urge to compare it to LOTR and watch it on its own merits, you’ll find a gem of a fantasy show.
What stands out
Pike usually goes for pretty girl roles, so this turn is a standout in her filmography.
