We’re back with some more Wheel of Time. With one episode left in the season, we have now traversed the ways and are making our way towards the eye of the world. But is The Dark Along the Ways another good episode, or does it try and do too much? The Dark Along the Ways really does push us into the end of the first book, which is good, with one episode left. Catch up on the previous episodes here.

The Dark Along the Ways Recap

Moiraine has led them into the ways with Loial to guide them. But will that be enough as there are things along the ways that are out them. Plus Mat has not come, so what will that mean for Moiraine’s plans. Is he the one who needs to be brought to the Eye of the World? Is another one of them the dragon reborn? Or does Moiraine have it all wrong that those who come along who aren’t the dragon will die?

What Didn’t Work?

Mat not being there. I really like Mat’s character for the show and for the books. Now I don’t think it breaks the story by not having Mat there. In fact, he doesn’t have to show up at all for a little bit, I’d say. But it is a bit odd, and I wonder a little bit if this stems from them looking at replacing the actor. I believe he is being replaced, could be for a lot of reasons, but I think it’s a shame. I liked him a lot.

I also thought the re-introduction of a character was somewhat clunky. There is a slower build with it in the books, and that works better for me. Now, I’m glad that they didn’t skip over them being around more completely. And they did need to get to where the group is at this point. It’d just have been nice to be laying the groundwork for this return throughout the season. Because that is what the books do, and they make it a bit more meaningful as you wonder what is going on.

What Worked

Most of it did, honestly, and my issues are more quibbles than anything. But let’s start out with the character we meet. We should have met her before now, but it’s one of those changes that really doesn’t matter. And while this might not have been my favorite casting, it is a minor detail because the acror is very good. And the acting itself is still very good. And the right characters interacted with her.

I think that they also did a solid job with the ways. They described them and showed them well for what they are. They maybe weren’t quite as menacing as they were in my head, but close. And the intensity of them, while shortened, was real and compares well to the books. And they got one of the threats in the book done very well in the ways.

The Dark Along the Ways Final Thoughts

The Dark Along the Ways is a very good episode. It helps the episodes when we get to meet a character I am excited to meet. We’ve had that with Suian Sanche and Thom Merrilin and now another one I’ve been waiting on for a long time. This one was really fun to her on the screen. And it was a good way to introduce her. I think for people just watching the show it works well, and doesn’t take away from her character for book fans.

And this had a lot of not so much action, but plot. There were great moments for a lot of the characters. And I don’t want to spoil stuff, but I keep on going back to it, they do some stuff in the Ways that are very important and drive good plot. Plus the opening of this episode is something I’ve been waiting on for ages.

This is probably a 9.5 out of 10 for me. It does what I have wanted for a long time. I could see it being a bit slower for some people. But it is really plot focused, and we find out so much about some of the characters. That’s one thing the book series is really good at and I hope the show will be too. The books create moments and then pay them off much later in great ways.

What did you think of this episode? Does the plot feel like it’s coming together?

Spoilers

We got Min. I have been waiting to see Min for so long. They, in the books, meet her before they even get to Shadar Logoth, and also the first time we see Padan Fain again. But it works well to bring her in here. Mainly because we now have a better idea as to who the Dragon Reborn is, Rand, like it’s always been, Rand. Since they were trying to hide that from us, poorly, it makes sense to wait on bringing Min and Padan Fain.

I also really like how we get Lan’s story. They do that in a real way, and while Nyneave and him hook up much faster than they do in the book, it works well enough. It’s one of those TV things where I always expect it but most of the time it’s a question of when and the tease of will they are won’t they. But for a show like The Wheel of Time, it’s probably not the biggest deal that they don’t stretch that out. It’s not that plot that keeps us watching.

And let’s talk about Machin Shin. I thought that this was used really well in the ways. We haven’t had Rand in doubt or denial throughout the show. Maybe some but not as much as the books. The question in the books so often is will he or won’t he take his spot as the Dragon. Now, only with the threat of death for his friends do we see him struggle with it more. Plus the whole madness of Machin Shin is done well. The words that they hear to twist them against each other is a nice touch. Different from the books, but pushes Rand forward.

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