“The Dark Along the Ways” delivers the most impactful moments of the season, combining breathtaking action, haunting encounters, and emotional revelations. The cold open’s dazzling battle and the menace of the Black Wind lead to the biggest twist yet: the reveal of the Dragon Reborn. This review and recap unpacks the episode.
Spoilers ahead for The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 7!
Content Note: This review discusses fantasy violence, intense battle scenes, character deaths, and psychological horror elements, including disturbing visions.
A Quick Recap of The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 7
We open on the slopes of Dragonmount, where an Aiel Maiden of the Spear, Tigraine Mantear (Magdalena Sittova), fights for her life while heavily pregnant. She takes down multiple attackers despite her condition, but a fatal wound forces her to the ground just as she begins giving birth. Before she can react, a soldier approaches, sword in hand.
In the present, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) leads the group into the Ways, an ancient, crumbling passage between worlds. Loial (Hammed Animashaun) warns them about the dangers of using the One Power, as it could attract Machin Shin—the Black Wind. With Mat staying behind, tensions are high, but Moiraine refuses to reopen the gateway, later confiding in Lan that Mat’s darkness makes him too great a risk.
Lan senses they are being followed, and soon after, a whistling sound precedes a sudden Trolloc attack. Egwene (Madeleine Madden) appears to repel it with the One Power, but this act draws the attention of Machin Shin. As the Black Wind closes in, whispering sinister fears and doubts into their minds, Moiraine desperately alters their course, taking them to the closest exit—the Waygate to Fal Dara.
The whispers prey on the group’s insecurities: Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) is told he wanted his wife dead so he could take another; Rand is tormented with the idea that Egwene will never love him as much as he loves her; Egwene is called a fraud; and Nynaeve hears that she will watch her friends die. Nynaeve channels her power to push back the Wind, buying them time as Moiraine opens the gate. Lan carries Nynaeve through just before the portal closes.
The party arrives in Fal Dara, a fortress city standing as the last defense against the encroaching Blight. Lord Agelmar (Thomas Chaanhing) greets Moiraine warily, insisting that Fal Dara needs no Aes Sedai interference. She warns him that the city’s Waygate must be walled up, but as she speaks, Padan Fain (Johann Myers) is shown leaving the Ways.
Moiraine speaks with Lady Amalisa (Sandra Yi Sencindiver), who once trained at the White Tower, requesting that she send word to the Red Ajah, instructing them to apprehend Mat Cauthon.
Moiraine also seeks out Min Farshaw, a bartender with the rare ability to see glimpses of the future. Min shares her latest visions: Perrin with golden eyes and blood on his chin, Egwene surrounded by a White Flame, Rand cradling a baby, and a golden ring around Egwene and Nynaeve. She also warns Moiraine that the Amyrlin Seat will be her downfall.
Moiraine summons the villagers and warns them that anyone who is not the Dragon will not survive the Eye of the World. The added tension leads to a heated debate between Rand and Perrin over Egwene.
Lan reconnects with his adoptive family, the Malkieri exiles who once served his parents. Nynaeve follows him, learning more about his tragic past—that he is the last surviving heir of a fallen kingdom, carrying the title Dai Shan, a designation for Malkier’s future kings. Lan and Nynaeve’s bond deepens, leading them to spend the night together.
Rand, plagued by memories, becomes distant. Flashbacks reveal that Tam al’Thor (Michael McElhatton), during a fevered confession, admitted that he found Rand as a newborn on the battlefield. Other memories surface: Rand breaking through Dana’s iron door, his earlier channeling in the Ways (it wasn’t Egwene), and Machin Shin’s whisper reinforcing what he has known deep down—he is the Dragon Reborn.
Rand goes to Min for confirmation. She tells him of her first vision as a child in Tar Valon—a man in armor carrying a heron-marked blade. In a flashback, the soldier who reaches Tigraine last is revealed to be Tam.
Before dawn, Rand knocks on Moiraine’s door and reveals the truth. With no time to waste, she masks her bond with Lan and sets out with him into the Blight, leaving the others behind.
Episode Highlights: Revelations and Resilience
This penultimate episode creates uncontainable excitement for the finale. Highlights include:
- Rand’s Revelation: The climactic twist that Rand is the Dragon is visually stunning. From his memories of Tam’s confession to confiding with Moiraine, the sequence establishes Rand’s central role in the story and leaves viewers eager to see how he embraces—or resists—his destiny.
- The Cold Open: The episode leads with a breathtaking scene featuring Tigraine Mantear, Rand’s mother, in a desperate battle. Her martial prowess and resilience against overwhelming odds make this the season’s most visually striking and intense sequence.
- Min’s Visions: Min Farshaw’s long-awaited debut provides a fascinating introduction to her unique talent. The viewings she shares for Rand, Egwene, Perrin, and Nynaeve deepen the intrigue surrounding their destinies, adding layers of mystery and tension as the group prepares for the Eye of the World.
- Lan and Nynaeve’s Bond: Lan and Nynaeve’s relationship reaches a charged and intimate crescendo as they share moments of honesty and passion. Paired with the revelation of Lan’s legacy as the last heir of Malkier, this storyline allows Nynaeve’s unwavering, formidable heart to shine with fierce brilliance.
Character Moments: Love and Legacy
“The Dark Along the Ways” deepens its focus on relationships while layering in revelations that shift the story’s trajectory. The performances are uniformly excellent, elevating the stakes as the episode builds toward its dramatic climax.
Lan Mandragoran: The Uncrowned King
Daniel Henney delivers a moving portrayal of Lan as he visits his surrogate family and faces the burdens of his legacy. Lan’s vulnerability during his romantic scenes with Nynaeve shows off Henney’s range, transforming a stoic warrior into a man with profound emotional depth. Lan’s heritage and the pain of a kingdom lost add a tragic resonance to his character.
Nynaeve al’Meara: Fierce and Vulnerable
Zoë Robins continues to excel as Nynaeve, balancing her formidable strength with moments of tenderness. Her relationship with Lan reaches new heights, and Robins skilfully captures Nynaeve’s complexity—her fiery passion tempered by aching insecurities as she allows herself to love despite the looming dangers.
Rand al’Thor: A Dragon Awakens
Josha Stradowski’s understated yet compelling performance carries the weight of Rand’s burden. The nuanced delivery of his internal struggle—battling fear, determination, and acceptance—builds to the electrifying reveal. Stradowski’s chemistry with Madeleine Madden (Egwene) and Kae Alexander (Min) enriches the impact of this pivotal moment.
Min Farshaw: A Welcome Arrival
Kae Alexander makes an indelible impression as Min Farshaw, a seer with a sharp wit and an enigmatic charm. Her visions bring a haunting clarity to the characters’ futures, and Alexander infuses the role with warmth and mystery, instantly making Min a refreshing presence in the series.
The Dark Along the Ways: Themes and World-Building
Episode 7 is rich in intensity and narrative depth. It explores the characters’ individual challenges and group dynamics as they prepare for the endgame.
Themes
- Identity and Destiny: The episode’s core is Rand’s gradual realization of his identity as the Dragon Reborn. Through his memories and introspections, we see him wrestle with fear, denial, and, ultimately, the weight of his destiny.
- Love and Loss: Lan and Nynaeve’s heartfelt connection explores the personal sacrifices and emotional stakes involved in their journeys. Their bond, forged in mutual respect, contrasts splendidly with the looming threats of duty and death.
- Trust and Betrayal: Moiraine’s decision to withhold critical truths from the villagers highlights the fine line between leadership and deception. Mat’s lingering absence and the group’s feelings of betrayal add unease to the story, even as unity becomes more crucial than ever.
World-Building
Fal Dara’s cinematic presentation stands out, with its imposing fortress and snow-covered landscapes evoking the stoic resilience of the Shienaran people. The Ways are dark and foreboding, adding a tangible sense of danger and mystery. And Min Farshaw’s visions are beautifully integrated, giving a magical yet grounded look into the web of the Pattern. These visual and narrative details bring The Wheel of Time’s expansive world vividly to life.
The Dark Along the Ways: Insights and Observations
Magdalena Sittova, a stunt performer, is phenomenal in the opening sequence. She captures every ounce of resilience, skill, and urgency required to reflect the enormity of Tigraine’s battle. The choreography is intense, the camera work is breathtaking, and the snow-laden backdrop perfectly sets the tone for the carnage of the Blood Snow. It’s the best cold open of the season, delivering a visceral punch that gets “The Dark Along the Ways” off to a blistering start.
Tigraine’s unveiling before a kill is a departure from lore for book readers, but the show’s depiction of the cadin’sor (the Aiel’s camouflage clothing) is a win. The off-white fabric blends with the snowy battlefield, emphasizing the Aiel’s connection to the environment and prowess as warriors.
The Ways provide some interesting developments, though it feels like a missed opportunity not to make better use of Loial. As an Ogier, he should be the most familiar with this dangerous, crumbling travel system. However, Perrin’s emerging talent for seeing with preternatural clarity is a deft touch.
Uno Nomesta (Guy Roberts), a fan-favorite secondary character with an unmatched talent for colorful language, and Lord Agelmar Jagad, one of the world’s Great Captains, are exciting introductions when we reach Fal Dara.
Min Farshaw’s debut is another high point. Translating her talent (seeing cryptic visions in the Pattern) onto the screen was always going to be difficult, but it’s handled well. Her calm yet guarded demeanor hints at the burden of her ability, and the show now has a rich narrative thread to pull from as Min’s talent weaves into the larger story.
Moiraine finally takes the Two Rivers villagers into her confidence, revealing the stakes of their journey to the Eye and the grim fate awaiting those who are not the Dragon. Rand, worn down by months of tension, finally snaps, accusing Perrin of harboring feelings for Egwene. The heated exchange threatens to fracture the group’s unity, leaving us wondering if there’s any merit to Rand’s suspicions.
The quieter moments shine, too. Lan and Nynaeve’s growing connection is tender and layered, while Rand’s interactions with Egwene and Min feel authentic and heartfelt. The Dragon Reborn revelation is handled with care, a mix of heartbreak and inevitability that sets up the finale.
Ultimately, “The Dark Along the Ways” is a triumph of storytelling, hitting its beats with precision and emotion. No matter what happens next, this episode cements the first season of The Wheel of Time as a journey worth taking.
Performance Spotlight: Josha Stradowski as Rand al’Thor
Josha Stradowski‘s nuanced performance brings Rand al’Thor to the forefront as the Dragon Reborn is finally revealed. His portrayal has been consistent and compelling throughout the season, but in this episode, he’s given gritty dialogue and the opportunity to shine—and he absolutely delivers. Rand is troubled, affectionate, terrified, and angry, and Stradowski captures these layers with striking authenticity. His understated performance feels natural, making Rand’s turmoil and irascibility relatable and grounded.
It’s been worth the wait. The Dragon is reborn! May the Light protect us all.
The Dark Along the Ways: Final Thoughts and Rating
“The Dark Along the Ways” blends action, emotion, and world-building to create a compelling hour of television. While some elements, like Mat’s absence, feel rushed due to production constraints, the episode’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Rating: 9/10
A thrilling and emotional journey that makes The Wheel of Time a must-watch fantasy epic.
Behind-the-Scenes: The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 7
Explore the making of “The Dark Along the Ways” on Prime Video’s YouTube channel, which shows how the stunning cold open and the Ways are made:
Watch “The Dark Along the Ways” Today!
Embark on a mysterious journey through the Ways in this gripping Wheel of Time episode! Click the banner below to stream it now on Prime Video:
What did you think of “The Dark Along the Ways”? Were you surprised by Rand’s revelation, or were you already convinced of his identity? And how about Tigraine’s incredible fight in the cold open—does it rank among the series’ best moments so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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