“The Dragon Reborn” sets the bar high with character-driven storytelling, awe-inspiring revelations, and a climactic battle. The spotlight on Logain Ablar, the self-proclaimed Dragon Reborn, offers a fresh perspective on power and madness, while Nynaeve’s awakening steals the show. Relive all the action with our review and recap of this astonishing episode.
Spoilers ahead for The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 4!
Content Note: This review discusses fantasy violence, character deaths, and themes of corruption and madness.
A Quick Recap of The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 4
In Ghealdan, Logain Ablar, a self-proclaimed Dragon Reborn, leads an army to capture the kingdom’s capital. His use of the male half of the One Power, tainted with dark threads, is devastating. Logain defeats the King of Ghealdan (Miguel Alvarez) but spares his life, offering him a place by his side.
Moiraine, Lan, and Nynaeve stay at the Aes Sedai camp, where Kerene Nagashi (Clare Perkins) heals Moiraine’s Trolloc wound. The camp, led by the Green Ajah, is tasked with transporting Logain to Tar Valon. Tension exists between Kerene, who insists on a trial for Logain, and Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood), who advocates for gentling him immediately. Alanna Mosvani (Priyanka Bose), the only other Aes Sedai strong enough to shield Logain, believes the end of an Age may be upon them. Liandrin takes a particular interest in Nynaeve, though the Wisdom spends more time with Lan and the Warders, strengthening her bond with him.
Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) and Egwene (Madeleine Madden) continue their journey with the Tinkers. They learn about the Way of the Leaf, a philosophy of nonviolence that resonates with Perrin but troubles him greatly. Egwene embraces the vibrant community, while Perrin remains cautious. He learns that the Way of the Leaf is not always easy.
Rand (Josha Stradowski), Mat, and Thom Merrilin (Alexandre Willaume) shelter at the Grinwell farm, doing chores in exchange for food and a night’s rest. Mat’s condition worsens as he exhibits signs of corruption. Thom, growing suspicious, reveals the tragic story of his nephew, Owyn, who was gentled by the Red Ajah and later took his own life. As night falls, Rand and Thom discover Mat inside the farmhouse, dagger in hand, with the entire Grinwell family dead. A Fade lurks in the shadows. Thom heroically fends it off, allowing Rand and Mat to escape.
The climax brings a devastating battle at the Aes Sedai camp. Kerene’s wards are triggered as Logain’s followers attack, catching the Aes Sedai off guard. Amid the chaos, Logain breaks his shield, sending Kerene and Liandrin to the ground. When Moiraine challenges Logain’s claim as the Dragon Reborn, she dismisses his delusions, declaring that the true Dragon’s power will shine like the sun.
Kerene and Liandrin recover and attempt to re-shield Logain, but his counterstroke fatally injures Kerene. Stepin (Peter Franzén) feels her death instantly, his grief turning to fury as he charges Logain. His axes shatter against Logain’s renewed shield, weakening the Aes Sedai’s defenses. Logain lashes out again, wounding everyone in the room, including Lan. As he lies bleeding, Nynaeve watches in horror before rage ignites something deep within her. She channels the One Power in a brilliant, blinding surge, healing everyone around her—but not Kerene, as the dead cannot be saved.
Stunned by Nynaeve’s overwhelming force, Logain murmurs, “Like a raging sun.” The remaining Aes Sedai seize their chance, linking their strength to Liandrin, who finally gets her wish. They gentle Logain, severing him from the One Power forever. The false Dragon is defeated, but Nynaeve, still breathless, realizes she has touched something far greater than she ever imagined.
Episode Highlights: Corruption and Consequences
“The Dragon Reborn” delivers some of the season’s most intense and memorable scenes. From camp camaraderie to revelations of power and dramatic confrontations, the episode amps up the temperature. Highlights include:
- Logain’s Madness: The cold open featuring Logain Ablar brings to life what it means—or might mean—for a man to be the Dragon Reborn. His corrupted magic is vividly depicted, with familiar threads lacquered by a black wisp symbolizing the Dark One’s taint. His charisma, coupled with the insidious voices urging him toward violence, adds to his messianic allure.
- Nynaeve’s Channeling: Nynaeve’s rage-driven channeling of the One Power is visually stunning and emotionally impactful. Her act of healing Lan and the others demonstrates her massive potential and makes her a prime candidate for being the actual Dragon Reborn.
- The Grinwell Farm Massacre: Mat’s sickness, fueled by the darkness of Shadar Logoth, reaches a peak when Rand discovers the Grinwell family slaughtered and Mat clutching his dagger ominously. The Fade’s sudden attack is frightening, and Thom’s heroism/sacrifice is a splendid end to a well-crafted horror sequence.
Character Moments: Power and Potential
The strength of The Wheel of Time lies in its characters, and “The Dragon Reborn” delivers some of the most defining moments yet. As power shifts and potential is revealed, epic fantasy characters rise to new challenges.
Logain Ablar: Charisma and Chaos
Álvaro Morte brings a magnetic intensity to Logain Ablar, portraying the false Dragon as charismatic and terrifying. His scenes balance his humanity with the madness caused by the tainted male half of the One Power. Morte’s nuanced performance keeps viewers questioning whether Logain is a villain or a tragic figure, making his storyline one of the most compelling.
Mat Cauthon: Darkness Takes Root
Barney Harris impresses as Mat, whose growing sickness and paranoia are disturbing signs that sinister forces are affecting his psyche. Harris skillfully balances Mat’s roguish charm with his darker side and keeps viewers guessing in the Grinwell farmhouse. Mat’s haunted expression as he clutches the ruby-hilted dagger adds an unsettling edge to the character, but his earlier warmth with the Grinwell’s daughter keeps him in our hearts—so long as he isn’t responsible for the murders, that is!
Lan Mandragoran: The Quiet Protector
Daniel Henney’s understated performance as Lan allows his character’s depth to shine through small but powerful interactions. His relationship with Nynaeve blossoms through shared moments of tenderness, like their exchange during Lan’s ritual prayer. These scenes, imbued with unspoken understanding, allow Daniel Henney and Zoë Robins to build on their emotional connection.
Nynaeve al’Meara: A Power Unleashed
Zoë Robins’ portrayal captures Nynaeve’s rage, weaknesses, and untapped potential in equal measure. Her compassion for Lan in the climax is an emotional torrent to rival her magic. As a healer driven by compassion and rage, Nynaeve represents a fascinating dichotomy that can only be admired. And in the final revelation, she becomes a beacon of the Light for viewers to celebrate.
Moiraine Damodred: The Weight of Failure
Rosamund Pike balances Moiraine’s calculated pragmatism with her deep sense of duty. In her scene with Logain, as she assesses his sanity, she swings the pendulum of rationality in her favor. However, Pike’s layered performance also reveals Moiraine’s increasing burden as she contends with self-doubt and the possibility of failure. These moments ground the Aes Sedai in human vulnerability.
The Dragon Reborn: Themes and World-Building
“The Dragon Reborn” explores the rich thematic depth of The Wheel of Time, delivering poignant moments that blend personal struggles with the broader conflicts of the world.
Themes
- Power and Corruption: Logain’s campaign vividly illustrates the devastating potential of unchecked power. His madness, influenced by haunting voices, raises questions about ambition, morality, and the fine line between savior and destroyer.
- Violence and Peace: “The Dragon Reborn” examines the tension between violence and peace, presenting them not as opposites but as forces that often coexist. It challenges us to consider whether peace can be achieved without sacrifice and whether violence can ever be a path to harmony.
- Faith and Unity: The interactions within the Aes Sedai camp and the contrasting philosophies of each Ajah show the challenges of maintaining unity amid differing beliefs. The bond between Aes Sedai and Warder is further emphasized, blending loyalty with a shared sense of purpose.
World-Building
The importance of companionship is central to “The Dragon Reborn,” and the gray space between Light and Shadow is subtly explored. Logain’s arc adds insight into the terror and worship male channelers can inspire. The Aes Sedai camp feels alive, with distinct Ajahs and rising tensions, while the Tinkers’ pacifist ideology is a striking contrast to the surrounding chaos.
The Dragon Reborn: Insights and Observations
This episode expertly balances exposition with action, making lore-heavy elements accessible without overwhelming the audience. Wards (not to be confused with Warders) are set around the Aes Sedai camp to warn Sisters if enemies approach. Dragonsworn (those who commit their lives to protect the one they believe is the Dragon Reborn) trigger the warning system, setting up a thrilling confrontation in the woods.
The mechanics of shielding (blocking a channeler’s access to the True Source) and gentling (severing a male channeler entirely) are explored in detail. Logain requires three powerful Sisters working in pairs to hold a shield, a visual and narrative cue that reinforces his dangerous potential. We’re also introduced to Tower Law (the Aes Sedai are heavy on protocol) and the Amyrlin Seat’s authority.
Logain’s speech to the King of Ghealdan echoes dialogue from Lord of Chaos (Book 6), though adapted for new characters, and drives home why the world fears the Dragon’s return and men who can channel. The metaphor of suppressing him being like “holding a cat in the bath” adds a dash of levity to the otherwise grim stakes.
The campfire scenes, including Lan and Stepin’s sparring, establish the deep bonds between Aes Sedai and their Warders. Alanna’s polyamorous relationships and the Warders’ camaraderie bring warmth and nuance to the show’s exploration of these dynamics. The details—like Aes Sedai being affected when their Warders drink—are clever touches.
The Tinkers add vibrance—their colorful caravans, clattering pots, and melodic traditions create a textured backdrop that lifts the mood. Ila (Maria Doyle Kennedy) explains the Tuatha’an philosophy, “The Way of the Leaf,” with conviction, while Aram (Daryl McCormack)’s playful charm balances the gravity of her arguments. These scenes give Egwene and Perrin time to shine, personifying their respective characters—Egwene’s openness and willingness to adapt versus Perrin’s introspection and conflict.
Mat’s descent into darkness continues, but his tender interaction with the Grinwell girl, who offers him her doll, Birgitte, reminds viewers he’s also homesick. This small gesture also resonates deeply with book fans, as Birgitte Silverbow is a legendary hero in The Wheel of Time. It leaves us hoping for more references to come.
While the dream sequence feels clumsy, Thom’s recounting of his nephew’s tragic fate and Rand’s growing concern for Mat are heartfelt additions. Mat’s dark turn is as eventful as Nynaeve’s outburst, and when all’s said and done, newcomers are left with more puzzle pieces for Season 1’s conundrum—who is the Dragon Reborn?
Performance Spotlight: Zoë Robins as Nynaeve al’Meara
Zoë Robins delivers an extraordinary performance in “The Dragon Reborn,” capturing every nuance of Nynaeve’s complexities. From her quiet defiance to explosive channeling in the final act, Robins commands attention in every scene. Her portrayal of Nynaeve’s emotional spectrum—stubbornness, protectiveness, coyness, affection, fear, and (of course) anger—feels natural and deeply authentic, making Nynaeve one of the series’ most relatable and compelling figures.
While her climactic use of the One Power is a blaze of glory, Robins truly shines in the smaller moments, embellishing Nynaeve’s idiosyncrasies with charm and precision. Robins elevates both the character and the episode, delivering what must be described as an award-worthy performance. She is a star from beginning to end.
The Dragon Reborn: Final Thoughts and Rating
“The Dragon Reborn” balances character development, world-building, and high-stakes drama. While exposition-heavy scenes occasionally slow the pace, they are necessary for a story of this scope and complexity. The payoffs make this one of the season’s most impactful and enjoyable episodes.
Rating: 8.5/10
“The Dragon Reborn” establishes The Wheel of Time as a must-watch series with stellar performances, gripping storytelling, and breathtaking visuals.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 4
Prime Video’s YouTube channel offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into “The Dragon Reborn,” showing how the show brought Logain’s incredible power to life and captured the tension of the Aes Sedai camp.
Watch “The Dragon Reborn” Today!
Don’t miss this magnificent chapter of The Wheel of Time! Stream it exclusively on Prime Video using the banner link below and witness the world of the Aes Sedai and the Dragon Reborn:
What did you think of “The Dragon Reborn”? Did Nynaeve’s channeling leave you awestruck, or was Logain’s madness your favorite takeaway? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
When you’re ready, click the image below to explore our review and recap of Episode 5, “Blood Calls Blood.” Don’t miss the next chapter in this epic journey!
Leave your comments about The Wheel of Time Season 1, Episode 4 below!