Prime-Video - Wheel of time : Our opinion on the first two episodes

By Marianne Velma, 18 november 2021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11ZozKfRqvA

Everyone is looking for their Game of Thrones. Since the end of the HBO series, all the platforms are dreaming of finding the new fantasy nugget. The first tool in this internecine war: adaptation rights. While Netflix offered us last spring the nice, but a little bit light, Shadow and Bone, Amazon Prime Video is taking its turn with The Wheel of time, a well-known saga for fantasy literature fans, signed by the American author Robert Jordan. On the back cover, nothing is missing: a chosen one, thwarted loves, a world of magic controlled by women and villains with a grumpy face. 

To introduce us to this universe that extends over a number of novels, the series, created by Rafe Judkins (Uncharted), doesn't bother with anything superfluous.  A few seconds at the beginning of the first episode are graciously given to the spectators about the stakes of this universe. Just remember that you have to search for the reincarnation of a very powerful dragon among a group of charming young people. We then find ourselves catapulted into this universe of heroic fantasy which obviously leans more towards Tolkien than J.R.R. Martin. Understand that the sun powders there and the grass greens there. In short, The Winter is not coming... at least for now.

Once the presentations are (too) briefly made, we are plunged into the middle of the action. And on this side, the series succeeds perfectly its bet. The tension points the tip of its nose behind each camera movement. It even offers, at the bend of an epic battle, a drama that will have repercussions for the rest of the events. Once caught in this narrative whirlwind, the viewer's attention is conquered. The second episode continues in this hectic lineage offering little respite to the characters. As far as special effects are concerned, the digital palette remains wise and elegant but does not yet impose a personality on the show.

After this great start, the penalty falls. The Wheel of Time appears to be entertaining but needs to improve a few details to really take off. In our wish list, we hope for a little more material to flesh out the substance of our young heroes, a more in-depth exploration of this world and the development of deeper themes than the eternal struggle between good and evil. Given the richness of the basic material (22 novels already published), this should not be too difficult.

Synopsis: 
In a world where magic exists but can only be used by women, Moiraine, a member of an influential but mysterious feminist organization, embarks with five young men and women on an epic journey to save humanity... or destroy it!

The Wheel of time
Based on the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.
Developed by Rafe Judkins
Starring Rosamund Pike, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Barney Harris, Madeleine Madden and Daniel Henney.
Composer: Lorne Balfe
Executive Producers: Rafe Judkins, Rick Selvage, Larry Mondragon, Ted Field, Mike Weber, Darren Lemke
Production companies : Sony Pictures Television, Amazon Studios
Original Network : Amazon Prime Video
Broadcast : from November 19th on Amazon Prime Video
Running time : 60 minutes

Photos : Copyright Sony Pictures Television Inc. and Amazon Content Services LLC