The Wheel of Time - Season 1

Many will probably disagree, but I didn't really like the first season of The Wheel of Time. And then I express myself mildly.

In this review, I will try to explain why I am actually quite disappointed with the first season of Amazon's fantasy series The Wheel of Time. There are some things that I don't think are right. The acting of some of the main characters is weak to say the least. Some storylines are completely unclear and some characters seem so arbitrary that I sometimes desperately shout at the television: "How?"

Let me confess upfront that I have not read the Robert Jordan books on which the series is based. So I can't say if the series follows the story from the books well. I'll start by saying that the sets, makeup, digital computer animation (CGI) and special effects look fantastic. No money or effort has been spared to make it look as real as possible. The story could be interesting if it wasn't so muddled.

The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again.

The background stories are hardly given, so you don't get a connection with most of the main characters. Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred has to come into her role clearly in the first few episodes, but Pike (State of the Union) comes out stronger than many other characters in the end. Perhaps she can explain to the other actors that walking around as if you really need to take a shit is not contributing to your lines or actions.

You can never know everything, and part of what you know is always wrong. Perhaps even the most important part. A portion of wisdom lies in knowing that. A portion of courage lies in going on anyways.

Also, some dialogues are too stilted or seem so random that you quickly lose the thread. Some storylines literally seem so out of the blue, leaving me amazed with a lot of questions and no answers. You would almost think that they are trying to surpass other fantasy series and have forgotten to make it a coherent whole. The story is also very predictable and that is the final blow for a fantasy series like this.

You know before it even happens what's going to happen to some of the characters. But if you look through that, the main story seems to be able to provide a smashing finale. So keep looking against your better judgment. Because you will be disappointed. The season finale goes out like a night candle. Nothing happens at all, you expect a great clash between good and evil, but none of that.

There is hardly any talk of a fight and when Moiraine says that it is far from over, I start to laugh contemptuously: “Seriously”, I say to the character. "It's not over, no, it has to be added." Why then a small pass instead of a big fail, I hear you ask. Because I will watch the second season, because now I want to know what is left and whether they will save the series in the second season or whether the inglorious cup goes down.

For now, six points and hope that the second season will keep its promise.