After years of anticipation, The Wheel of Time’s first season debuts with “Leavetaking,” introducing us to the vast world of Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy. While the episode doesn’t surpass the hype, it delivers an engaging and visually stunning start to the series. With breathtaking landscapes, compelling characters, and a few notable flaws, this recap and review explores why the premiere is worth your time.
Spoilers ahead for The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 1!
Content Note: This review discusses fantasy violence, character deaths, and intense battle scenes.
A Quick Recap of The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 1
The episode opens with Moiraine Damodred recounting the legend of the Dragon, a powerful figure prophesied to either save or destroy the world. She and her Warder, Lan Mandragoran, prepare to leave the White Tower on a decades-long mission to find the Dragon’s reincarnation before the Dark does.
We cut to two bedraggled men running from red-dressed women who pursue on horseback. The fleeing men are caught, but in a quick revelation, we discover that one is a figment of the other man’s madness. The leading rider, Liandrin Guirale (Kate Fleetwood), a stern sister of the Red Ajah, scoffs at the man for using his corrupted power and asserts that it’s only meant for women. Her Aes Sedai ring, a serpent eating its own tail, darkens as she tightens her fist in contempt.
Moiraine and Lan look on from above. “It’s not him,” Moiraine affirms before resolving to go to the Two Rivers, where the Old Blood runs deep, in pursuit of “the Dragon Reborn.”
In the Two Rivers, the annual Bel Tine festival brings warmth and celebration. Rand al’Thor, Egwene al’Vere, Mat Cauthon, Perrin Aybara, and Nynaeve al’Meara go about their lives, facing their own personal struggles.
Egwene is accepted into the Women’s Circle, a ceremony that involves getting her hair braided and being thrown into a river. Mat cares for his younger sisters due to his neglectful parents, while Perrin works at the smithy with his moody wife, Laila (Helena Westerman).
Young lovers, Egwene and Rand, steal a private moment before she confesses her intent to train under Nynaeve as a Wisdom—something that would mean she could never marry.
The village’s peaceful routine is interrupted when Lan and Moiraine arrive at the Winespring Inn, drawing wary glances from the locals. That night, a hooded figure—later revealed to be a Fade—rides into the Two Rivers unseen.
The peddler Padan Fain (Johann Myers) arrives the following day, selling trinkets. Mat pilfers a bracelet and barters with him to buy lanterns for his sisters. Moiraine closely monitors the villagers, subtly studying Rand, Mat, and Perrin.
She later questions Nynaeve about her upbringing and the mysterious circumstances of her birth. As Lan surveys the surrounding lands, he discovers a flock of sheep slaughtered and arranged in the shape of a Dragon’s Fang—a dark omen. Nynaeve and Egwene sense something is amiss when they listen to the wind.
The merriment of Winternight is shattered when Trollocs—massive, beastly creatures loyal to the Dark One—storm into the village, killing indiscriminately. Chaos erupts. Mat rushes to protect his sisters, hiding them in the woods.
Egwene and Nynaeve find each other before Nynaeve is dragged away by a Trolloc. Perrin and Laila fight desperately in the smithy, but in the heat of battle, Perrin, consumed by rage, accidentally kills Laila.
Moiraine and Lan join the fight, the Aes Sedai unleashing devastating weaves of the One Power before taking an injury, while Lan fends off attackers with deadly precision. As the villagers rally under the leadership of Daise Congar (Mandi Symonds), Moiraine’s final attack wipes out the remaining Trollocs but also destroys the Winespring Inn.
Meanwhile, at the al’Thor farm, Rand and his father, Tam (Michael McElhatton), face a lone Trolloc. Though they manage to kill the beast, Tam is gravely wounded. Rand carries him back to the village through the night.
Moiraine uses the One Power to heal him, though it takes a toll on her already-exhausted body. Mat returns from the woods with his shaken sisters, and Perrin emerges from the smithy with Laila’s body, haunted and silent.
As the survivors regroup, Moiraine reveals a hard truth: the Trollocs weren’t after the village—they were hunting the Dragon Reborn. Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene must leave with her to protect the Two Rivers from further attacks, because the Dragon is one of them!
As they prepare to go, a greater force of Shadowspawn gathers on the distant hills. With no time to spare, the group flees, setting out on a perilous journey toward Tar Valon.
Episode Highlights: The Battle of Light and Shadow
The episode immediately sets the tone for a story that spans ages, weaving together destiny, power, and the eternal struggle between Light and Shadow. After a slow-burning introduction to iconic characters from the books, “Leavetaking” explodes into action with the Trolloc attack and then hurtles to a finish. Highlights along the way include:
- The Cold Open: Liandrin and her Red Sisters hunt a male channeler whose madness manifests as hallucinations. The sequence establishes the dangers of male channeling (they go mad) and the ruthlessness of the Aes Sedai’s Red Ajah.
- Life in the Two Rivers: Scenes of daily living, from Egwene’s initiation into womanhood to Mat’s interactions with his sisters, bring the vibrant community to life. These scenes ground the series in relatable struggles and aspirations.
- The Trolloc Attack: Winternight’s tranquility shatters as Trollocs descend on the Two Rivers, forcing Moiraine and Lan to defend the townsfolk with steel and the One Power. Perrin kills his wife (accidentally), which is not in the books, and Nynaeve gets taken by a muzzled beast (also new). Other Two Rivers women bravely stand up to the Trollocs and supply a feel-good moment amid the carnage.
Character Moments: An Introduction to Heroes
One of The Wheel of Time’s greatest strengths lies in its characters, and “Leavetaking” does a commendable job introducing the core cast. Each character is distinct, with motivations, strengths, and vulnerabilities that set them apart. From Rand’s quiet longing for a simple life to Moiraine’s commanding authority, we get glimpses of the epic journey these characters are about to embark on.
Here’s a closer look at the key players and the actors who bring them to life:
Moiraine Damodred: Command and Control
Rosamund Pike’s Moiraine commands the screen, blending calculated authority with genuine compassion. Her interrogation of Nynaeve at the Sacred Pool, disguised as casual curiosity, reveals her ability to control conversations and uncover truths. During the Trolloc attack, her seamless use of the One Power paired with Lan’s swordplay demonstrates her strategic brilliance and determination to shield the Two Rivers from harm.
Lan Mandragoran: The Stoic Warrior
Daniel Henney brings gravitas to Lan, whose unwavering loyalty to Moiraine and unmatched combat skills make him an indispensable ally. His stoic demeanor contrasts with moments of quiet camaraderie, such as his brief hot tub scene, which hints at a gentler soul beneath the hard surface.
Egwene al’Vere: Ambition Meets Courage
Egwene (Madeleine Madden) is ambitious and eager to prove herself as a Women’s Circle member and a Wisdom in training. Her decision to leave with Moiraine reflects courage and a yearning for self-discovery, though she’s still maturing into womanhood.
Rand al’Thor: A Reluctant Hero
Josha Stradowski portrays Rand’s innocence and unease, introducing a young man caught in the upheaval of his peaceful life, sad and resistant to change. His bond with Egwene since childhood and loyalty to his friends show Rand’s grounding humanity, but hints of a greater destiny loom over him as he takes up his father’s heron-marked sword.
Mat Cauthon: The Rogue with a Heart
Barney Harris captures Mat’s duality with humor and subtle pathos. From his reckless gambling to stealing a bracelet, Mat embodies a lovable rogue who sacrifices for those he loves. His interactions with Padan Fain and his mother, Natti Cauthon (Juliet Howland), are painful to watch but create intriguing possibilities for Mat’s future.
Perrin Aybara: The Burden of Guilt
Marcus Rutherford’s portrayal of Perrin is deeply empathetic as he contends with the accidental killing of his wife, Laila. This tragedy adds emotional weight to his arc, saddling him with inner conflict and a reluctance to embrace violence.
Many viewers have been dismayed and disappointed by the decision to “fridge” Laila—using her death to motivate Perrin’s storyline—but Rutherford delivers a nuanced performance that brings humanity to the role. Also, something may be behind Laila’s moodiness that has yet to be revealed. We feel the frustration, though.
Nynaeve al’Meara: The Fierce Protector
Zoë Robins delivers a standout performance as Nynaeve, the fiercely protective Wisdom whose quick temper makes her a force to be reckoned with—a dragon in all but age if Moiraine is right. Her tense exchanges with the Aes Sedai and her bravery during the attack guarantee she is an integral player in the group. That’s if she survives after being whisked off by the braid by a hungry Trolloc.
Leavetaking: Themes and World-Building
The episode introduces The Wheel of Time’s rich thematic landscape, told beautifully by Tam al’Thor as he lights a candle for Kari, his late wife.
Themes
- Cyclicality of Time: Moiraine’s voiceover and the Bel Tine lantern ceremony emphasize the idea of history repeating itself, a core element of the series.
- Loss and Rebirth: The devastation brought to the Two Rivers juxtaposes the hope and remembrance tied to Bel Tine, symbolizing the sacrifices required for renewal.
- Power Dynamics: The tension between male and female channelers is explored through the Aes Sedai’s hunt for dangerous men and the fear surrounding the Dragon Reborn.
World-Building
The Two Rivers is vividly realized, from the Winespring Inn’s bustling warmth to the Women’s Circle traditions and the revered role of the Wisdom. The Women’s Circle ceremony, in which Egwene takes her first steps toward adulthood, combines personal growth with cultural tradition. The Winespring Inn serves as the heart of the village, a hub for camaraderie and storytelling.
Including these elements creates a lived-in quality to the Two Rivers, immersing viewers in its pastoral charm and homeliness. Lorne Balfe’s score complements this richness, blending haunting melodies with epic undertones that evoke the magic and peril of this world. The Shadowspawn are legitimately terrifying, with Trollocs and a Fade vividly realized during Winternight.
Leavetaking: Insights and Observations
The opening sequence with the Red Ajah establishes the stakes of male channeling and sets a dark, foreboding tone. It’s a practical introduction for newcomers, but the absence of the Dragonmount prologue from the first book is an early setback for readers. The lantern ceremony, however, is a touching addition that invokes the series’ themes of renewal and legacy.
The Trollocs’ murderous rampage is haphazard (though they do stop for dinner), and the scenes are genuinely gripping as the wanton destruction intensifies. Moiraine’s channeling is enchanting, and her synchronization with Lan’s swordsmanship is well done.
Padan Fain seems dismissive of the unfolding horror. He watches nonchalantly before turning his back on the Two Rivers villagers running for their lives. The whistling, grinning peddler is definitely one to watch!
We expect some resistance when Moiraine declares she’s taking off with Mat, Rand, Perrin, and Egwene, but they’re quick to take her lead. They scarper to save the Two Rivers as the episode rushes to its end. With the rapid departure, we can’t help but think there’s a big chunk of context on the cutting room floor, as empty of life now as the Two Rivers dead.
Having said that, we can’t wait for the next episode after an eventful hour that replenishes our love for the world and all those in it. Moiraine bookends the premiere with another voiceover, this time from the iconic and recurring opening to The Wheel of Time novels. It creates a storybook ambiance that works nicely to conclude “Leavetaking.”
Performance Spotlight: Rosamund Pike as Moiraine
Rosamund Pike’s portrayal of Moiraine in “Leavetaking” is nothing short of brilliant. She perfectly embodies the Aes Sedai’s regal demeanor and commanding presence. Pike’s performance anchors the episode, and she delivers her opening and closing monologues with powerful intonation, creating a character we can’t look away from.
Leavetaking: Final Thoughts and Rating
“Leavetaking” is a solid introduction to The Wheel of Time, blending stunning visuals, compelling performances, and effective world-building. While some pacing issues and editing quirks detract from the experience, the episode lays a strong foundation for what’s to come.
Rating: 6.5/10
Though not without flaws, The Wheel of Time’s premiere captures the story’s heart and promises an epic journey ahead. Fans of the books and newcomers alike will find much to enjoy in this vibrant adaptation.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Wheel of Time Season 1, Episode 1
Enjoy this behind-the-scenes footage from Prime Video’s YouTube channel, featuring insights into how “Leavetaking” brings the Two Rivers to life and then burns it down!
Watch “Leavetaking” Today!
Start your Wheel of Time adventure! Experience the explosive premiere, “Leavetaking,” and immerse yourself in the Two Rivers. Stream it now on Prime Video using the banner below:
What did you think of “Leavetaking”? Did the Two Rivers’ charm win you over, or were you put off by changes to the source material? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take! Ready for the next chapter? Clicking the image below takes you to our “Shadows Waiting” review.
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