“The Flame of Tar Valon” offers a political and personal interlude, diving into the dynamics of the White Tower and Moiraine’s secret mission. The arrival of Siuan Sanche brings a commanding new presence. Let our review and recap guide you through this entertaining chapter.
Spoilers ahead for The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 6!
Content Note: This review discusses themes of exile, political intrigue, magical corruption, and emotional intensity, including power struggles and LGBTQ+ representation.
A Quick Recap of The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 6
A young Siuan Sanche (Keira Chanse) demonstrates her channeling abilities to help her father, Berdan (Peter De Jersey), untangle fishing nets in Tear. Despite his pride in her, their life is torn apart when their home is burned, and a Dragon’s Fang is scrawled on its ruins, marking Siuan as cursed. Knowing it’s no longer safe, Berdan sends her to the White Tower, bidding her farewell with the words: “Daughter of the river, clever as a pike… strong as the tides.”
In the present, Siuan Sanche, now the Amyrlin Seat, presides over the trial of the false Dragon, Logain Ablar (Álvaro Morte). Logain tries to provoke Siuan with insults and mockery and shows no remorse for Kerene’s murder, but he is sentenced to live under constant observation as a warning to others.
Moiraine, Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood), and Alanna (Priyanka Bose) are also called before the Amyrlin, where Moiraine’s frequent absences from the White Tower come under scrutiny. Liandrin is warned of further punishment for gentling Logain without trial, while Moiraine is informed that judgment on her will be given the next day.
Moiraine bathes with Maigan Sedai (Sandy McDade), a fellow Blue Sister who warns her of the world’s growing instability. She reports that ships are mysteriously disappearing off the western coast, Aiel have been spotted beyond the Spine of the World, and tensions within the White Tower are at an all-time high. Maigan offers to intervene with Siuan on Moiraine’s behalf but clarifies that she intends to keep Moiraine in the Tower permanently so she can personally investigate these disturbances.
Moiraine finds Rand (Josha Stradowski) and Mat in the Light’s Blessing. She heals Mat from the corruption of the Shadar Logoth dagger, though the strain visibly takes a toll on her. Rand expresses gratitude but remains wary, revealing that he feared Mat’s illness was caused by channeling. Moiraine admits she doesn’t know if Mat is the Dragon Reborn but notes that his resistance to the dagger’s corruption is unusually strong. Nynaeve arrives too late to intervene and is chastised by Moiraine for not bringing Mat’s condition to her sooner.
Perrin and Egwene arrive in Tar Valon, and Moiraine hastens to see them after receiving word from her eyes and ears. A Yellow Ajah sister heals Perrin’s wounds, while Egwene tells Moiraine about Perrin’s golden eyes, the wolves that attacked the Whitecloaks, and the rings she retrieved from Valda. Moiraine warns Egwene not to tell anyone about the wolves but is reserved about their significance.
Moiraine masks her bond with Lan (Daniel Henney) and enters a ter’angreal in her quarters using the One Power. She meets with the Amyrlin in a remote hut resembling Siuan’s childhood home. Their reunion is deeply personal, revealing a longstanding relationship.
Moiraine tells Siuan that she has found the Dragon Reborn but does not know which of the Two Rivers villagers it is. Siuan reveals that she has been dreaming of the Dark One at the Eye of the World, believing he is weak and must be confronted before he regains his strength. Moiraine urges Siuan to sentence her to exile so Maigan can’t force her to remain in the Tower.
Moiraine calls on Loial (Hammed Animashaun) and enlists his help. She is later confronted by Liandrin, who hints that she knows about Rand, Mat, Perrin, and Egwene. Moiraine deflects, warning that she’s aware of Liandrin’s meetings with a man in North Harbor—an implied threat of her own.
Later, Moiraine introduces Egwene and Nynaeve to Siuan, who acknowledges Nynaeve’s immense power and thanks Egwene for returning the Aes Sedai rings. She tells them that the Last Battle is coming, and their role in it will determine the fate of all. Having orchestrated her exile, Moiraine is formally banished, binding herself to the oath with the One Power. However, she swears to obey Siuan specifically, evading the possibility of another Amyrlin Seat holding her to account.
Outside the city, Moiraine reunites with Lan, Loial, and the villagers, many of whom are seeing each other again for the first time since Shadar Logoth. They stand before the Waygate, an ancient portal Loial explains is a path out of time and space, allowing them to quickly travel vast distances. Moiraine explains that the fastest way to reach the Eye of the World, where the Dark One’s prison lies, is through the Ways. She warns that if they do not strike now, while the Dark One is weak, his forces will rise, and the world will fall to chaos.
As the group enters the Waygate, Mat hesitates at the threshold. Before anyone can stop him, the gate seals behind them, leaving him behind as the rest step into the unknown.
Episode Highlights: Love and Sacrifice
“The Flame of Tar Valon” focuses on loyalty, love, and the sacrifices required by duty. Highlights include:
- Siuan Sanche’s Childhood: We begin with a poignant flashback to Siuan Sanche’s youth in Tear, depicting her humble beginnings and her father’s sacrifice to send her to Tar Valon. The scene humanizes the formidable Amyrlin Seat, giving viewers a reason to care about the woman she’s become.
- The Amyrlin and Moiraine’s Bond: Siuan and Moiraine’s private moments unveil a hidden romantic connection between the two powerful women. Their shared mission to find and protect the Dragon Reborn is woven into their intimacy, adding layers of vulnerability and strength to their characters.
- Moiraine’s Exile: The episode culminates in a dramatic scene where Siuan officially exiles Moiraine from the White Tower. While staged to grant Moiraine the freedom to continue her mission, the act is steeped in raw emotion.
Character Moments: Bonds and Burdens
“The Flame of Tar Valon” provides plenty of opportunities for character-focused commentary. Here’s a summary of the performances that bring these characters to life:
Moiraine Damodred: Duty and Sacrifice
Rosamund Pike owns this episode, which is told mainly from Moiraine’s perspective. The story follows her deft navigation of Tower politics while exposing the personal stakes of her mission. Pike balances Moiraine’s ironclad composure with more tender moments, though her reunion with Siuan Sanche is too brief for genuine happiness.
When Moiraine’s Sisters turn their backs on her, the tears in her eyes speak not of the Tower but of the love she leaves behind. Duty calls and her sacrifice is etched into every measured breath, every unspoken word. Pike embodies this with quiet dignity, yet Moiraine’s steadfast resolve demands the same from the Two Rivers villagers. There’s no room for sentimentality—fragility has no place when the end of an Age is at hand.
Siuan Sanche: The Weight of Leadership
Sophie Okonedo gives a commanding performance as the Amyrlin. Her portrayal conveys the immense burden of leadership, from her stern authority in the Hall to her tender, private time with Moiraine. The chemistry between Okonedo and Pike heightens the tension behind their words, making this relationship feel like an essential cog in the Light’s battle against the Dark.
Lan Mandragoran: A Bond Beyond Words
Daniel Henney provides a moving intervention, showing Lan’s trust and respect for Moiraine. He instantly reacts when she masks their bond, tracking her down to demand an explanation. Yet, as soon as Lan understands her intent, his resistance fades. Despite his concern for her safety, he grants her the privacy she seeks. They have no secrets, but some moments are meant to be hers alone. Lan may be her sword and shield, but he is never her master—his deference to her choices speaks volumes.
Mat Cauthon: Darkness and Redemption
Barney Harris brings chills as Mat Cauthon, now deeply under the dagger’s influence. His confrontation with Moiraine, where the darkness within him is partially drawn out, exposes the depravity of his corrupted soul. Harris captures Mat’s weakness and defiance with shuddering realism, making his eventual cleansing feel more like a temporary relief than a lasting cure.
Nynaeve al’Meara: Fierce and Reluctant
Zoë Robins continues to impress as Nynaeve. Her moments of self-reflection when chided for hiding Mat’s condition and when put in her place by the Amyrlin Seat offer glimpses into her inner conflict. Yet, Nynaeve’s defiance and wit remain intact. Robins has an incredible ability to portray Nynaeve’s fierce independence while hinting at her growing acceptance of the more significant battle the world faces.
Egwene al’Vere and Perrin Aybara: Survivors’ Resilience
Madeleine Madden and Marcus Rutherford have been through the mill with their characters but have little time to rest in Tar Valon. Egwene’s venting of concern and Perrin’s recovery from his ordeal with the Whitecloaks briefly pause their evolving arcs, but Madden’s portrayal of Egwene’s determination hints at her future growth, and Rutherford’s Perrin and his golden eyes remain an enigma. Their reunion with the others feels earned, welcome, and a short-lived blessing.
The Flame of Tar Valon: Themes and World-Building
“The Flame of Tar Valon” explores themes of duty, sacrifice, and the complications of power, providing rich material for reflection:
Themes
- Sacrifice for a Greater Purpose: Siuan Sanche’s cold open, depicting her father’s sacrifice to ensure her safety and future, sets the tone for the personal costs of greatness. This theme echoes throughout the episode as characters contend with what they are willing to give up for their missions.
- Love and Duty: The relationship between Siuan and Moiraine weaves an emotional thread, showing how love can strengthen and complicate one’s sense of duty.
- Power and Responsibility: Siuan’s role as the Amyrlin Seat symbolizes the immense responsibility of leadership. Her decisions—from judging Logain to exiling Moiraine—reflect the hard choices leaders must make to uphold balance and order.
World-Building
“The Flame of Tar Valon” is dedicated almost entirely to the White Tower and Aes Sedai culture. From the grandeur of the Hall of the Tower to the political dynamics among the Ajahs, the complexities of this magical institution are brought to life. The ter’angreal portal adds a mystical layer, connecting Siuan and Moiraine’s partnership with important lore-building (these devices of the power are significant to the series). We must also celebrate Jennifer Cheon Garcia as Leane Sharif, though her presence was fleeting. When the Keeper of the Chronicles bangs her staff, our mouths shut. A limited but priceless debut.
If there’s one complaint, the White Tower doesn’t feel as large or busy as one imagines. Forgiveable since we don’t stay here long, but we can’t wait to become more immersed in its allure in future seasons.
The Flames of Tar Valon: Insights and Observations
Logain’s scene in the Hall is a masterclass in performance. Álvaro Morte imbues Logain with a defeated yet dangerous energy, his barbed words taunting Siuan as he makes it clear he would rather die than live without the One Power. His plea for death as he’s dragged away is difficult to watch, yet a fitting end to his arc—for now, at least.
Alanna’s support for Liandrin over the false Dragon’s gentling is surprising—perhaps it shouldn’t be. Later, Liandrin confronts Moiraine with smug satisfaction, saying she knows about Mat and the others. But Moiraine’s swift, cutting threat wipes the smile from her face, leaving her with little more than a clenched jaw and a hasty retreat. And who is the man in North Harbor? The White Tower remains a constant game of intrigue, strategy, and shifting alliances.
The episode also brings a few well-placed laughs. Moiraine’s dry quip to Nynaeve—“Siuan Sanche waits for only one woman, and it’s not you”—is razor-sharp, while Egwene’s stunned reaction to Nynaeve being the strongest channeler in generations is an unexpectedly funny moment. These lighter beats help balance the intensity.
On the reunion front, Egwene and Nynaeve finally find each other, sharing a moment of warmth before the weight of their journey settles in. Rand’s relief at discovering Egwene is still alive tugs at the heartstrings, but she earns a side-eye for tattling on Perrin’s golden eyes. We’re sure Perrin would rather Moiraine not know!
And then, there’s the Waygate. The design feels underwhelming but still manages to carry an ominous air. Mat’s decision to stay behind is jarring, though understandable, given Barney Harris’s mid-season departure from filming. It’s a rough moment for the story, leaving Mat’s arc dangling in uncertainty, and it’s hard not to feel disappointed.
Still, “The Flame of Tar Valon” does a lot right. It pulls us deeper into the world of the Aes Sedai, delivers intense character moments, and builds anticipation for what’s to come. There are missteps, but the episode leaves us eager to see how the journey through the Ways unfolds.
Performance Spotlight: Rosamund Pike as Moiraine Damodred
Rosamund Pike delivers a standout performance in “The Flame of Tar Valon,” carrying the episode with remarkable range and precision. Whether commanding authority or exposing hidden emotions, she remains as compelling as ever, her performance elevated by Lorne Balfe’s evocative score. Her scenes with Mat, Siuan, and Lan are incredibly gratifying, each revealing new layers to Moiraine. Her desires and vulnerabilities lie bare here, drawing us in with every word she speaks. She’s simply splendid.
The Flame of Tar Valon: Final Thoughts and Rating
“The Flame of Tar Valon” is a slower episode that prioritizes character development and world-building over action. While it may lack the momentum of previous chapters, its emotional depth and political intrigue make it a worthwhile installment.
Rating: 6.5/10
A thoughtful exploration of power, sacrifice, and loyalty that deepens The Wheel of Time’s narrative foundation.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 6
Discover the magic behind “The Flame of Tar Valon” with Prime Video’s YouTube channel, experience the politics of the White Tower and the dynamics between Moiraine and Siuan Sanche:
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What did you think of “The Flame of Tar Valon”? Did the political intrigue and personal moments resonate with you, or were you hoping for more action? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
When you’re ready to continue the journey, tap the image below to explore our review and recap of Episode 7, “The Dark Along the Ways.”
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