The moment I saw the forest I knew it was filmed in Czechia. There is just something abour the way our forests look, no matter what part of the coutry it is, that just gives you the feel of the one on your screen being the same one behind your house/at the edge of your town.
Look at you, getting flown out to London. When you're an uber famous film and television critic, I can't wait to be like "oh I remember when she didn't even have 100k subscribers" Seriously super proud of everything you have accomplished! Is that odd that I feel proud idk hahaha. Either way, congrats!
It's oddly affirming when you discover a great but underseen TH-camr, wonder why they aren't dominating the platform, and then watch them blow up. Same thing happened for me with Jill Bearup.
Some of the problems with the first couple episodes’ pacing and structure can probably be put down to the fact that Rafe Judkins the showrunner wanted a 2-hr pilot and a 10-episode season, but Amazon only let them have a standard 50-minute pilot and 8 episodes - so a lot had to be further condensed to fit Amazon’s constraints. On a side note, this was a brilliant talk, you guys work so well together!
Agreed. I think the pace of the episodes have consistently been slowing down a bit since E1 to E5, and i like it because its giving me more time with the characters and who they are and their feelings, but its also a bit confusing.
I found the world to be big, but I have no concept of the geography. The characters went from somewhere, to somewhere different, to somewhere else different. Game of Thrones masterfully gave us a clear idea of the world and it’s orientation through the map title sequence. This felt more like The Witcher, in that it was a world of disjointed different fantastical places with no clear sense of where they actually are in relation to each other.
@@victoriashevlin8587 She would write HP fanfics where she would use quotes/ideas from other shows, and some of her fans would also submit quotes/ideas too.
I'm not familiar with her work to say how similar her version is but in this case she could have gotten it from a lot of places - the idea of a mage-type being magically bonded to a warrior-type has been a trope in fantasy since the 70's.
What an experience! My wife is big into WOT, and I've been avoiding reading them until I watch the show. I find that if I watch it first then read, I feel like I'm learning new secrets, but if I read first then watch, I'm always sad at the changes, or the things they leave out!
You are spot on. I read the series 3 times and it is hard to watch the show without being overly critical of it's missing aspects. It's just really hard to shut off the novel so I can enjoy the show.
@@Jiambo I read Harry Potter books first, Lord of the Rings first, game of Thrones first. There were of course changes but overall those changes were pretty minor for the most part. In this show. The changes are MAJOR and EVERYWHERE. That is my main issue with the show. While the above were 95% accurate to the source material, this show is about ... 5% accurate to the source material.
I've never read one of the books in The Wheel of Time series, but I did read one of Robert Jordan's Conan the Barbarian novels for hire, and I have to say that he did a fantastic job of simultaneously having fun with the ridiculousness of the character and scenario while still delivering the Epic Fantasy Goods.
Don't read the books. The movie only the book in name only . They rewrote the book. It's so very sad. I will never see the book come alive. This show a joke. I love the book store line. You will like this show if you don't know the better story. The book is so much better. Three rivers is beautiful small town. There no light in this show. My 8 year old granddaughter like the books. I have the audiobook. She watched very little of the first episode of the show . Said this is not the book story. Then went play on her game pad.I love the book storyline.
@@barbarabailey6356 wow, you won the internet today. Thank you for speaking truth. Everyone else is afraid to say it sucks. Blood and bloody ashes, it sucks
A good example of the previous ages being present is a lot of the mountain look like weathered skyscrapers. Like the stone is shaped to form doors and sun shines through what was once windows. Also at one point they ride through what looks like a fallen bridge
There was one shot with egwene and perrin in the giant open field and you see that huge wall ruin, which kinda looked like the great wall of China. Idk. But that was super cool
Which doesn't make any sense because the entire world was reshaped, whole continents sunk and others risen, mountains destroyed and risen. There should be pretty much no after-image of skyscrapers left at all.
Thom Merrilin mention stories from before the Age of Legends. Lenn who flew to the moon in the belly of an Eagle - John Glenn. His daughter Salya who walked among the stars - Sally Ride. The giants Mosk and Merc who fought with giant spears - USSR vs USA. Materese, mother of the Wondrous Ind - Mother Teresa. Anla the wise counselor - Ann Landers.
@@TechnoMinarchist my assumption is that age of legends building materials are just so strong they survived in some capacity. And it’s not like every continent was sunk into the ocean, dragonmount and the surrounding area of tar Valon were both above sea level before the breaking
I'm so happy for this cross over, what a gem you both are. I love how respectful you two are to each other, listening patiently to each other's opinion and asking questions. I'm stoked to hear your thoughts after the season is over.
I really appreciate this video! Not only had I no idea this show existed and I’m now super excited for it, but also for showing me a bit of London again. Due to Covid I haven’t been there to see my family or the sights in almost 3 years and it made me so happy to see glimpses of it, it made me kind of emotional
It’s so cool seeing Amanda collaborating with others on reviews, I know she’s done some in the past but this is a first for me. I don’t know anything the Wheel of Time but I’m interested in reading the books now. Btw has she heard of The Millennium Wolves? It’s supposed to be a Wattpad fiction that’s been getting big like 50 shades but idk beyond that. Seemed like something up her ally.
The algorithm does it right this time with the recommendation! Love you both! Watching WoT enthusiastically with 1% intention of reading all the books and 90% intention of reading at least one book.
oh man Robert Jordan created an absolute amazing world, and you'll find a character that you love. First three episodes of the show are looking really well, Matt is being my favorite so far, but he was already my book favorite, he has an amazing character arc in general. It was kind of a boomer to hear about his recast, but one can only hope for the best. This is just another turn in the wheel.
I'm on book 12, and my boyfriend is not a reader at all, but likes fantasy. We watched the first 3 episodes at release and he felt slightly confused, trying to follow all the lore being shoved at him. I feel some things could have waited, but I can see for someone rewatching this series, they will pick up on A LOT of foreshadowing they are laying down in these first 3 episodes.
Foreshadowing and the wheel of times, name a more iconic duo. They are packing so much lore in just this episodes, im really hoping the next episodes not to butcher the history too much.
I loved how just after the opening scene (with the red Sisters), they did a zoom out to show that some of the stone towers were actually overgrown, ruined skyscrapers if you looked close. It was such a great tease that it takes place in a far future.
I was so surprised to see you covering this!! My favorite series of all time! I'm actually really pleased with the first three episodes. I'm okay with most of the changes. Really excited for the rest of the season!
I am so excited to see you having a great time in my city. Pre-pandemic, I used to spend a lot of time in these areas, and this made me feel so nostalgic watching this
Aw I’m glad you had such an awesome time! I grew up in Canada but I now live in Scotland. When the panorama has settled down more I super recommend coming back for more sight seeing, it’s amazing!
My dad was reading Robert Jordan when he was writing in the early 80s, so to say this has been highly anticipated in our household is a big understatement. Definitely looking forward to him getting to see this.
This was so fun! I love both your channels and your perspectives on the first 3 episodes ❤️ I started reading the books a few years ago and have been super excited about the adaptation!! If you’re able to, it’d be so fun to see you two talk about WOT together again!
@@laurentiu.f8804 gotta be 2nd Age. Our concrete and steel won't last thousands of years like that. But cities built with the One Power would be. The 3rd Age lasts 3,000 years. If we assume the Age of Legends lasted the same, and that's a big assumption, and we know Our Age, the 1st Age, ends when Humanity discovers the One Power, that puts the books minimum 6,000 years in our future if we discovered channeling tomorrow. Likely it's far more than 6,000 years in our future
I believe that first sequence was made so we (that don't know anything about TWOT) could have the same distrust on the Aes Sedai that the other characters have. Because Moiraine is amazing, but if you have some nagging feeling brought by those red Aes Sedai you don't jump into Moiraine character so fast, you grow your trust with the four (five) young ones.
Totally unnecessary. New people to the book don't have that pre-established distrust either. I was really stoked for the show being a series fan and all, saw that first scene, and I knew I didn't want to have anything to do with the show. I really wanted to see a visual adaptation of the book. Unfortunately, we are getting seaon 5+ of Game of Thrones. At least Game of Thrones stayed true to the first book, and only gradually diverged and lost quality in doing so. This went straight to the garbage. At least in that sense I am grateful, I didn't get to waste much time to investing it in this thing.
@@theguyfromsaturn but GoT didn't say that true to the books. It changed things to make it more smooth. Also, First GoT book is better than first WoT book.
I’m sure you were just really excited about all the hype with all of this but with anyone who has eyes would know this show was horrific! I feel very bad for the actors and people who didn’t have a say in how this turned out. The writing was some of the worst I’ve heard, way too much going on, extremely confusing, it feels wooden and fake, the list goes on, and on, and on. I hope in your final review you recognize these things. I didn’t care if it stayed true to the books…a good show is a good show. This is the American Boogywoman (and all of the other horrendous movies from the same director) but of television series. It is SO bad I am SHOCKED it was released. My mind glitches out every time I think about it because you can’t stop asking yourself in a closed loop, HOW (did this get made), WHY (did anyone think this was okay), WHO (produced, wrote, edited, directed, etc. this), and back to HOW?!?! I didn’t go into this ready to hate it but I definitely left feeling like I was losing my mind…HOOOOOW?????
AHHHHH! AMANDA! Collabs are my absolute FAVORITE! I love your and Daniel's channels! I also love their live action adaptation so far! Also, it's SO freakin' cool how well they treated you all! WOO! Content Creators getting the treatment they deserve, YAY!
I love this! I've been watching both you and Daniel for awhile now, so this is so funny to me. I'm a huge Wheel of Time fan, and have been reading the books since 1995. So all of this is a big deal to me. I'm a little wary of some of the changes, but so far it's promising.
Tried reading the series when i was little, but I'll give the show a look and the books another go! Love the expert/noob watch, thanks!!!!!!!! More of these? ❤
If you're able to get through the first couple books, then buckle in for what has been dubbed "The Slog." The series has a bit of trouble with character and plot bloat, leading to an extensive middle section, the relevance of which is.... questionable.
@@georgevelis4651 it's not intended as discouragement. Just fair warning that there's a point at which it's a slog to get through, so they know what they're getting themselves into. Telling people to do a thing because if the good without mentioning the bad isn't something I vibe with.
@@georgevelis4651 face it by book 5 or 6 the good guys are just as rotten as the bad guys and the story just meanders around for the next few books and at least in my case by that point i just didnt care anymore This is the only series besides flowers in the attic I have ever started and then just put down and for similar reasons
Read the book, saw the first three episodes and was impressed by the visuals and the choices in the storytelling. There is alot of information coming at you, but it was done nice and it is solid!
The fact that this is Future Earth is not well fleshed out until much later. It's barely hinted, even if that, when they talk about the wheel turning and Ages. When Rand goes through Rhuidean they make it more clear. They could have done this easily by having the opening of the show be near identical to the books with the breaking the world. I dont understand why they didn't.
Tons of the first stories Thom tell give massive hints that this is earth. Mosk with his lance of fire that could reach around the world. Lenn riding to the moon in the belly of an eagle of fire.
It's never confirmed that it is our Earth. It is set in a world that had a very advanced techonological past but it could very well be an imaginary world. Furthermore, "Future Earth" isn't accurate, it's a neverending cycle, it could also be described as "Past Earth" from the perspective of the future "modern" people.
@@vee1766 also in the books there are company logos or references to our culture from our current time that are found by characters throughout the story
I think its great that Daniel Greene fully supports his fellow Wheel of Time Community Nerds and helps out their channels. I think my favorite part about the live streams from the premiere is just all of them huddled into one little spot nerding out together. Great collab!
Amazon's Wheel of Time show is an abomination. The changes they made to the lore are completely unnecessary and just plain crap! And for the budget available, it looks so incredibly cheap.
I haven't read the books so the first three episodes reminded me of a lot of LOTR. The baddie looks like Mouth of Sauron, there's Mountains of Mist instead of Misty Mountains, and that hot, morally ambiguous pickpocket dude gives big Pippin vibes.
Robert Jordan drops a lot of hints to LOTR, specially in the first book, the history of the rings is even mentioned by Rand as one of his favorites. But that's pretty much all they have in common. Padan Fain (the travelling merchant) got nothing in common to Gandalf, the Two Rivers people are nothing like shire folk as stubborn as they are, and even the trollocs are nothing like orcs, and the Dark One, oh wow, let leave it there ;)
@@Jane-oz7pp many classical music people will say that all modern music comes from some composer and they'll pick one Mahler, Wagner, Tchaikovsky or maybe the more orthodox ones will pick between the big names like Bethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, whatever. In fanstasy the bar is LoTR. Modern readers will pick they're candidate to be the next one, but Tolkien is always casting its shadow.
The opening shot should have just been the actual prologue in Eye of the World. It was very compelling and gave an actual vague sense of what's going on and what is to come
@@MissCaraMint hopefully. Would make for an excellent scene. Though given what happens with Rand later in the books, it can be used as a flashback with his arc.
@@MissCaraMint Dunno why they saved it. Literally was a common reason readers hit the books. They wanted to know more about the chaos of The Dragon. Wasted potential and, now that the show wrapped up, will serve no purpose and just redundancy.
Amanda you are amazing. Seriously, you absolutely deserve the success and I get pretty much all of my recommendations for media from you. You are so much better than mostly okay!!
I'm a huge book fan. Have read it many times and use the audiobooks often to help me relax and sleep. I am iffy on the show so far. There is a lot of good but there are some changes I hate so far but I am not going to say it is awful till later. They still have time to show some of the changes I don't like can still work. I am aware that changes have to be made for the show but some things were huge and can change a lot of future story but I hold my judgment till later. I do like hearing about how nun fans feel about it since it is a good reminder that one of the things that makes me happy about this show is the idea of new fans and more people to talk to about this thing that I have been a fan of for more than half my life. I have waited for this for years so I am happy to finally see it come to life. No matter what I plan on watching every moment of it good or bad. Likely I'll watch it more than once since the first time my mind can't stop going "but in the book" and that of course makes the show harder to enjoy. So like with other book-turned movies/shows it is easier to relax on that on the 2nd or 3rd watch once I'm over the shock of changes.
I love the books. I've dropped this show entirely because it gets my blood pressure up to see all the unnecessary changes. Yes, you have to change and adjust certain things to make it on screen. But when you completely break the rules of the world, Egwaine bringing Nynieve back from the dead, the Dragon Reborn possibly being a woman, men being able to see the light while a woman channels, all these break the world in way where it doesn't even feel like the Wheel of Time universe anymore.
I am a super fan and although the adaptation does and probably will contain many scenes that many people will enjoy, the overarching theme of the books have been destroyed, woman are mostly in seats of power for a reason, not just because, they hold power because there source of power is not tainted and they will not go insane using it hence superior force and moral high points, the male source of power is tainted and hence using it will erode your mind and make the men who use it insane hence the coddling, the dragon reborn is both praised and feared because he is a male channel-er and has caused extreme destruction through out history, that very power balance and moral dilemma is what drives the books, most of the character growth is driven by the every growing presence to corrupt him and turn him, and his struggle with the powers who fear him and the instituted hierarchy, this may be based off the books but it's not going to be even close and if they try to at this point it's just going to be bad writing, you can be diverse but I as a WOT fan am not into GOT or a rebranded GOT.
Glad I'm not the only one who thought it had heavy wannabe - GOT vibes. They didn't actually care about the story. They just saw how much money HBO made from Game of Thrones and looked around for another fantasy series to exploit for profit.
I've been listening to the audiobooks now for years and years. I've already created the characters in my mind over and over. All the battles, all the drama, all of the captivating stories. Although I did find some of the imagining of the locations quite stunning in the first couple of episodes, I just can't get over how they've written the characters and casted them. Trying to cast characters as 'more real' by giving them modern psychological challenges is quite against the philosophy of the books. We need them to be 'goody goody' innocents because of what comes later... all of the challenges that push against their upbringing, and how gaining power and influence changes them over time (or not). Less Game of Thrones, more Little House on the Prairie to begin with. Then, of course, things change over the course of the stories and their character arcs. Maybe someday I'll come back to the shows, but it only made me love the audiobooks more.
I literally JUST finished watching the first 3 episodes 20minutes ago. As a long time fan who has read the series 3 times, I am anxiously excited for the rest!
So i found my way back to this video and I feel the need to comment. I will not mince words, this series is hot garbage. I had all the hopes for this and wanted desperately for it to be good, but this is barely even The Wheel of Time. It plays as BAD fan fiction and it tries to shout at the top of it's lungs that the show writers think they could do a better job than the author who WROTE THE DAMN THING YOU ARE USING! THE ARROGANCE!
My best friend is a huuuuuuuuuuuuge fan of the books. And she's absolutely disappointed in the show. She literally called me to tell me not to watch it.
Amanda and Daniel crosssover!? This is one of those things I did not know I wanted but did want deep down. I love you both. 💞 Of course a crossover with Mr. Wheel-of-Time himself was a great idea. 😅
12:40 yeah my favorite book hint about it being Earth future is when Thom asks what stories the villagers want to hear and Egwene asks for the story of how Lenn flew to the moon in the belly of an eagle (reference to John Glenn) and his daughter Salya in the stars (Sally Ride, first woman in space), and Thom comments that those are old stories, some say from the Age before The Age of Legends (i.e. our Age).
I feel bad that it wasn't until I started watching all the youtube stuff about the show that I realized that there were hints to it being our future/past whatever. I've lost count of the number of times I have reread many of the books and I never once made that connection about those stories.
@@krazykatlady4227 For me, the thing that really did was the stories of the giants Mosk (Moscow) and Merc (America) with their lances of fire that could reach around the world. The cold was casts a long shadow it would seem.
@@JWK1101 Yeah that one went over my head like those lances apparantly. Probably didn't make the connection as it was city name against country name so I never connected it. Plus I never really discussed the books with anyone until the last 6 months when I found out about the TV show for the first time.
I watched this with a friend who's a big fan of the books. And after each episode, he had to explain a ton of world-building stuff and character beats just to clarify what we just saw. I thought the show was terrible. There were three episodes I genuinely enjoyed watching, which were episodes 4, 5, and 6. Everything else felt to us like the senior writers, editors, cinematographers and the episode directors had just taken a hike. The actors were super awkward outside those three eps, and the sets felt less polished than Disneyland attractions. Show became more enjoyable the further the camera got from the actors.
I remember reading Eye of the World back in high school and I got at least half way through The Great Hunt before I just stopped reading books altogether so it's interesting watching this and knowing a little bit but not a lot
That hologram billboard thing was so cool. Reminds me of the Jaws movie ad Marty saw in Back to the Future II. I honestly didn't know we have the technology for that sort of special effects. Wish I was in London right now.
Oh wow, when worlds collide! I primarly know Daniel from Merphy Napier's channel, she's my favourite BookTuber. So pleasantly surprised to see Daniel over here on my favourite commentary (?) channel!
Ah so you've confirmed it is a far future Earth. I thought it might be, there's a sweeping shot (almost right at the beginning) of ep.1 which looks over cliffs and canyons, but they kinda look like Skyscrapers. Niiice.
I hope you guys do more talks like this, maybe mid-season and post-season. It was really fun how you compared viewpoints, experiences and conclusions, what worked and what didn't. Really enjoyed the video!
Everyone keeps talking about how great Mat is. I personally think they completely destroyed his character, his father's character, and perrin's character. There are others, but those are the main 3....so far. Lol
as a Long Time Wheel of time fan, I've been mostly impressed with the show, the cast is perfect in every way, as you say some of the episodes feel very crammed/poorly paced ( i think 2 more episodes just to drag everything out a notch would have been good) but over all a 8/10 highly recommend for both TV fantasy fans and fans of the book.
I feel the same way, I was surprised to see so many people saying they didn’t like the show cuz it’s too different from the books. I feel like they did a good job all things considered
Introducing perrins wife just so she could die? I though tv had evolved from such shallow writing. They didn't even say a simple bye to their loved ones when they were leaving? Moiraine just tells them to go and they saddle up? They showed us how much mat cares for his sisters but then he abandons them with his abusive parents just because a stranger said to go with her, and in the third episode he wants to go back to them? Really in ep2 he doesn't even mention them. That's how you build a villain. A sorcerer told him he might be the chosen one so he went with her, leaving his baby sisters behind with abusive parents. Certainly sounds like a villain. Moiraine saying to lan you killed us all when they are in the city and then they escape from it in the next 30 seconds? Moiraine just showing up because of a rumour and for some reason she knows who the possible dragons are? How does she know that? Who gave ger the rumour? In the show she found the possible dragon like it was nothing and not as a result of a 20 year old search. The red ajah killing men and they dont gentle them? They're saying THEY corrupt the power? No that's not how this works. The power CORRUPTS THEM. So what happened here did they lie which is impossible for aes sedai or did they change that part and the implications are huge? Or they didn't even think about it, which is the most likely? And what I've listed here arent nitpicks but pretty big plot points. I won't go into all my nitpicks because I'll write a 1000 pg book. I'll just mention one. Rand throwing his bow to the ground. This shows to me so blatantly that the showrunners don't understand the details of the world. And if all these things happened in the first 3 episodes i dread to think what they'll do later when every thing they have changed now will create ripple effects into changing a 100 different other things.
@@RespectTheSourceMaterial I felt the same way about Perrin's wife but Daniel mentioned something in this video that made me think differently about it. Perrin's character deals with a lot of internal conflict throughout the series and killing his wife in the first episode sets the tone for the character moving forward and allows the actor to portray that conflict from the start so that the audience can key in on the actor's performance in future scenes.
@@nathanbaca5131 here is sanderson on the issue: iggest thing he and I disagreed on was Perrin's wife. I realize that there is a good opportunity here for Perrin to be shown with rage issues, and to be afraid of the potential beast inside of him. I liked that idea, but didn't like it being a wife for multiple reasons. First off, it feels a lot like the disposable wife trope (AKA Woman in the Fridge.) Beyond that, I think the trauma of having killed your wife is so huge, the story this is telling can't realistically deal with it in a way that is responsible. Perrin killing his wife then going off on an adventure really bothers me, even still. I have faith that the writers won't treat it lightly, but still. That kind of trauma, dealt with realistically and responsibly, is really difficult for an adventure series to deal with. I suggested instead that he kill Master Luhhhan. As much as I hate to do Luhhan dirty like that, I think the idea Rafe and the team had here is a good one for accelerating Perrin's plot. Accidentally killing your master steps the trauma back a little, but gives the same motivations and hesitance. One thing I don't want this WoT adaptation to try to do is lean into being a tonal Game of Thrones replacement--IE, I don't want to lean into the "Grimdark" ideas. Killing Perrin's wife felt edgy just to be edgy. That said, I really liked a LOT about this first episode. I prefer this method of us not knowing who the Dragon is, and I actually preferred this prologue. I thought it was a neat, different take on how to start the WoT. I really liked the introduction to Mat, and in screenplay form, I thought the pacing was solid--fast, catchy, exciting. People are complaining about it, though, so maybe in show form it's too choppy. When I was on set, I liked the practical effects, and what I saw of the acting--so I'm expecting both of those to be great in the finished product. EDIT: For those complaining about Abell Cauthon, I did try to get this one changed too. So at least they heard from one of us, offering complaint, before going to production. I always had a soft spot for him. I didn't expect them to change this, though, with Mat's more gritty backstory. Again, I do wish they had taken a less "grim" feel to all of this, though I do think the details of introducing Mat were interesting and a nice acceleration of his character. Which is a good thing, since the series will need to condense from the books, so moving character beats up in time is going to generally help with that.
@@RespectTheSourceMaterial "I prefer this method of us not knowing who the Dragon is". Personally i believe this is a HUGE mistake. Because now people will start having a favorite and root for him/her to be the Dragon Reborn and when it will be revealed who it is they won't like it and criticize the show. Not to mention that considering who it is it's bound to be controversial for reasons i don't have to explain...
No comments on the crappy fighting scenes and CGI…. The trollocs are a joke. Some scenes are Legend of the Seeker-bad. And I don’t understand why they rush it. I would get it if it were a movie. From what I understod it will improve so I hope it does.
I'm so happy that you got flown over and got exposed to my favorite series! You're one of my favorite TH-camrs. I'm so excited to see more of your opinions as the series goes on. And you and Daniel collaborating?! I love it!!! So awesome! So glad you had such a great time (it looks like anyway hehe). As a super fan of the series, there were some odd changes, but on the whole I'm loving it.
I’ve been reading this series for the same length of time as Daniel Greene. I’m definitely not as well versed as he, but I love the series arguably just as much. I think the first three episodes are really good and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I agree though, even if you haven’t read the books, I still think you’ll love the show. Thank you Daniel Green and Amanda the Jedi for the video. Wish you both the best!
As fan that has read all 15 books of the wheel of time nearly a million times I feel the show is terrible. In my honest opinion I wish the wheel of time series was more by the books. I wish Robert Jordan was here to direct the series or if the people that did the Witcher could be making the movie I mean they nailed that series. This show does not do Robert Jordan or the book justice. Please for the love of the GODS read the books.
"Did you pick up on that it's earth?" Oh I dunno what could have given it away. Not the skyscrapers that were covered in overgrowth in the opening establishment shots lol
Really excellent video Amanda. I’m really impressed with your ability to manage your anxiety through this trip that seemed like a lot of new experiences and changes in routine and traveling during the pandems especially after you’ve been going through so much chaos with your move & everything else. You’re doing really great and you should be proud of yourself!
After watching the first ep, I'm looking forward to the rest. The budget looks actually decent for a fantasy series for a change and makes me wish The Witcher had gone with Amazon and not Netflix. It really makes a big difference.
I just finished the first 3 -- I loved it even more than you guys -- I give it 8.5, and I wouldn't be surprised if I give it at least a 9 by the end of the season. I didn't have any issues with pacing, and I haven't read the series - but it does move very fast, especially at the beginning. I knew they were establishing a lot of things at once, so it was fine. I think what's best about the show is simply how much fun it is. I was worried it would be too "heavy", like LOTR or GOT, but it's not. It has some of the same tone as old fantasy TV shows, with lots of action and humor and wild costumes and creatures -- but it's a lot better than those shows, because of the big budget and the big plot and themes. I also loved the fact that it's not rapey like GOT, but is still kind of sexy. I think the White-clad folks are clearly meant to remind people of fundamentalist Christians and the Inquisition (which was run by the Dominican order, which wears mostly white). I noticed a lot of internet goofballs are already outraged that it's "too woke," which is really hilarious. They can't tolerate too many brown people in their TV shows! And they're probably fans of Inquisitors. The only negatives for me were also oddly positives: the CGI wasn't always the best, and sometimes minor plot issues were a bit messy. But that just makes is feel cheesy in the best possible way, like an old episode of Xena. It's much, much more fun than Witcher or Shadow and Bone, the only two recent fantasy series I've seen. By the way, I think Amanda was trying to remember the long tracking shot in Children of Men.
"I was worried it would be too "heavy", like LOTR or GOT, but it's not. It has some of the same tone as old fantasy TV shows, with lots of action and humor and wild costumes and creatures" And that's exactly why it will fail. The mainstream audience still think that fantasy is for children and will dismiss it. That's precisely why Game Of Thrones worked, because of its very adult tone and detailed "medieval" setting they could pretend it wasn't fantasy.
@@vee1766 I can't speculate on whether it will fail or not, but fantasy entered the mainstream long ago, as the success of the LOTR movies proved. This idea that GOT could only succeed if it didn't seem too much like fantasy has always seemed odd to me. If true, that would only be the case with HBO, since their biggest success had been with the Sopranos. But honestly this seems more like an issue with HBO branding, not with what audiences really want to see. I don't think it's relevant to WOT at all.
I liked it but it reminded me more of a BBC merlin than a got or Witcher. I do understand some people issues with race. I'd prefer if they kept aeil with red hair with fair skin which I appreciated. I don't mind if border men are Asian and the people to the east prob need to be a certain race as well as most of the leadership to the west. But I don't really care if cities and villages are diverse people travel and intermingle.
@@gaeron1305 As someone who loved and still loves Merlin, I think it would be great if this show gave off better budget Merlin vibes. My fave part of Merlin was the friendships and interactions between the characters and the adventures they went on. It hurt when Morgana became evil because you got to know her and her friendship with the others but you still understood how she ended up where she did.
I'm really grateful for the WOT on Prime for getting my wife hooked on the world. I had to drag her kicking and screaming through the Eye of the World. Now she is desperate for episode 4 to come out!
I read them this year... it might be my favorite series ever. Truly awesome with amazing character development and the fact that not only it has a satisfying ending but the 4 final books are all absolute BANGERS makes it stand out even more. I hope you read and enjoy it!
I really feel like the did Perrin dirty. Not even having him react and have a prober meltdown to the majorly traumatic thing he does to someone he cares immensely about at the end of episode 1? Plus, the stuff w the wolves would have been much better played out if they didn't have that first introduction scene between him and the pack where you instantly get an idea that there is a connection between him and the wolves - and this comes from someone who doesn't know about the lore or have read the books
I've been a huge Wheel of Time fan since the late 90's, read all the books and played the RPG tabletop game, but I feel like I keep having to give this show a free pass because of the content, and not because I think they're doing a great job adapting it. Matt's character should be far more charismatic, the weaves are all wrong, they're kind of like generic swirly mist, where they should be a color coded specific weave pattern which changes based on what's being spun. Like, go get a knitting book and get some ideas for cool patterns, and then color those magical threads so you know what element is being used. It's just such a simple fix and I don't know why they have overlooked such an important thing. For as often as it's described in the books, this is a must. Soft 6.5 for me
Maybe they will add the color as Egwene learns more about channeling? The show has to attract the people who have no clue about the WoT and the colors and weaves can be a bit confusing at first? IDK - that's a theory I've read.
@@MostBoringNameEver I sure hope so, and there may be indications of it already. Episode 5 there was a hint of colour, just as you're saying when a certain someone starts weaving.
I like how everyone is ignoring the fact that they state "the dragon can be a man or a woman" when that defeats the purpose of the dark one poisoning the male half of the power. As a woman it's an interesting take on the story but as a book reader it kind of creates a big plot hole unless they have an explanation for it later on.
As another super-fan, sadly I can't agree with you at all thinking this series as good or better than the books. Still glad you are able to enjoy it so much
Love the vlog portion of the video! I’m living vicariously through Amanda, being flown out to London, walking the red carpet, snatching up swag, seeing the city, just living the best life. 🥰 It’s a bit shocking to see her dressed up so professionally. Imagine wearing a fun party shirt on the red carpet with Rosamund Pike 🤣
Wait… you were recording our talk?!?!
As a huge WoT fan I'm glad I was introduced to you in this video and will be checking out your channel!
Do youtubers generally have off-camera conversations while staring at the same corner of the room and rarely making eye contact?
I truly love you on the isakai dnd your my favorite character
@@groofay yes
@@groofay obviously
Watching this show as Czech gives me great opportunity to play the game "Do you recognize that rock?"
Gave me a genuine chuckle
Beautiful country, I was asking myself where they filmed and wow, some beautiful places.
Czech needs to be the next New Zealand for fantasy films! Loved the atmosphere.
@@hashgar4762 Czechia already is common filming location. Including for fantasy. Chronicles of Narnia and Carnival Row for example were shot here.
The moment I saw the forest I knew it was filmed in Czechia. There is just something abour the way our forests look, no matter what part of the coutry it is, that just gives you the feel of the one on your screen being the same one behind your house/at the edge of your town.
I love the perspective of a non reader, but a huge genre fan.
Amanda: Twilight Expert
Daniel: Wheel Of Time Expert
Twilight of Time
@@mikekolasa6625 Unironically a cool title.
@@nathanprime2434 I'd actually read a book with that title.
@@mikekolasa6625 _Breaking of Time_
@@mikekolasa6625 I'd love a Twilight/WoT crossover. Damn..
Look at you, getting flown out to London. When you're an uber famous film and television critic, I can't wait to be like "oh I remember when she didn't even have 100k subscribers"
Seriously super proud of everything you have accomplished! Is that odd that I feel proud idk hahaha. Either way, congrats!
It's oddly affirming when you discover a great but underseen TH-camr, wonder why they aren't dominating the platform, and then watch them blow up. Same thing happened for me with Jill Bearup.
Some of the problems with the first couple episodes’ pacing and structure can probably be put down to the fact that Rafe Judkins the showrunner wanted a 2-hr pilot and a 10-episode season, but Amazon only let them have a standard 50-minute pilot and 8 episodes - so a lot had to be further condensed to fit Amazon’s constraints.
On a side note, this was a brilliant talk, you guys work so well together!
Yeah I hope we can see the original pilot some time
Damn. If that's true that explains a lot
Aw man, a 2 hour pilot would have been fucking amazing
Agreed. I think the pace of the episodes have consistently been slowing down a bit since E1 to E5, and i like it because its giving me more time with the characters and who they are and their feelings, but its also a bit confusing.
Sounds like a lack of confidence from Amazon. I can't blame them now we are 6 episodes into this turdfest.
I found the world to be big, but I have no concept of the geography. The characters went from somewhere, to somewhere different, to somewhere else different. Game of Thrones masterfully gave us a clear idea of the world and it’s orientation through the map title sequence. This felt more like The Witcher, in that it was a world of disjointed different fantastical places with no clear sense of where they actually are in relation to each other.
"Did Cassandra Claire take that from - " Yes, the answer is yes.
Cassandra Clare and not having a single original thought, name a more iconic duo.
@@Elishrae didnt her stuff come from a harry Potter fanfic?
Where did she not steal from?
@@victoriashevlin8587 She would write HP fanfics where she would use quotes/ideas from other shows, and some of her fans would also submit quotes/ideas too.
I'm not familiar with her work to say how similar her version is but in this case she could have gotten it from a lot of places - the idea of a mage-type being magically bonded to a warrior-type has been a trope in fantasy since the 70's.
What an experience! My wife is big into WOT, and I've been avoiding reading them until I watch the show. I find that if I watch it first then read, I feel like I'm learning new secrets, but if I read first then watch, I'm always sad at the changes, or the things they leave out!
I might try that because I totally failed trying to read the Novels
You are spot on. I read the series 3 times and it is hard to watch the show without being overly critical of it's missing aspects.
It's just really hard to shut off the novel so I can enjoy the show.
Reading the book after watching the show: "Oh, so that's what they changed."
Watching the show after reading the book: "WHY DID THEY CHANGE THAT?"
me with Dune, im gonna have to wait yeeaars
@@Jiambo I read Harry Potter books first, Lord of the Rings first, game of Thrones first. There were of course changes but overall those changes were pretty minor for the most part.
In this show. The changes are MAJOR and EVERYWHERE.
That is my main issue with the show. While the above were 95% accurate to the source material, this show is about ... 5% accurate to the source material.
I've never read one of the books in The Wheel of Time series, but I did read one of Robert Jordan's Conan the Barbarian novels for hire, and I have to say that he did a fantastic job of simultaneously having fun with the ridiculousness of the character and scenario while still delivering the Epic Fantasy Goods.
Don't read the books. The movie only the book in name only . They rewrote the book. It's so very sad. I will never see the book come alive. This show a joke. I love the book store line. You will like this show if you don't know the better story. The book is so much better. Three rivers is beautiful small town. There no light in this show. My 8 year old granddaughter like the books. I have the audiobook. She watched very little of the first episode of the show . Said this is not the book story. Then went play on her game pad.I love the book storyline.
Gotta comment!
@@barbarabailey6356 wow, you won the internet today. Thank you for speaking truth. Everyone else is afraid to say it sucks. Blood and bloody ashes, it sucks
@@Raistlinsdragonclaw I've enjoyed it so far. It's just another turning of the wheel
@@Echidna23Gaming it's called a Portal Stone world.
A good example of the previous ages being present is a lot of the mountain look like weathered skyscrapers. Like the stone is shaped to form doors and sun shines through what was once windows. Also at one point they ride through what looks like a fallen bridge
Oh yeah, now that you mention it. I was thinking, “Those are some weird-ass mountains.”
There was one shot with egwene and perrin in the giant open field and you see that huge wall ruin, which kinda looked like the great wall of China. Idk. But that was super cool
Which doesn't make any sense because the entire world was reshaped, whole continents sunk and others risen, mountains destroyed and risen. There should be pretty much no after-image of skyscrapers left at all.
Thom Merrilin mention stories from before the Age of Legends. Lenn who flew to the moon in the belly of an Eagle - John Glenn. His daughter Salya who walked among the stars - Sally Ride. The giants Mosk and Merc who fought with giant spears - USSR vs USA. Materese, mother of the Wondrous Ind - Mother Teresa. Anla the wise counselor - Ann Landers.
@@TechnoMinarchist my assumption is that age of legends building materials are just so strong they survived in some capacity. And it’s not like every continent was sunk into the ocean, dragonmount and the surrounding area of tar Valon were both above sea level before the breaking
I'm a Goblin, came from Daniel's channel to watch a non-reader's perspective! I'm here for your spoiler episode reviews I you do them!
I'm so happy for this cross over, what a gem you both are. I love how respectful you two are to each other, listening patiently to each other's opinion and asking questions. I'm stoked to hear your thoughts after the season is over.
I really appreciate this video! Not only had I no idea this show existed and I’m now super excited for it, but also for showing me a bit of London again. Due to Covid I haven’t been there to see my family or the sights in almost 3 years and it made me so happy to see glimpses of it, it made me kind of emotional
After all why not?
Why shouldn't I click every Amanda video that shows up in my feed?
It’s so cool seeing Amanda collaborating with others on reviews, I know she’s done some in the past but this is a first for me. I don’t know anything the Wheel of Time but I’m interested in reading the books now. Btw has she heard of The Millennium Wolves? It’s supposed to be a Wattpad fiction that’s been getting big like 50 shades but idk beyond that. Seemed like something up her ally.
The algorithm does it right this time with the recommendation! Love you both! Watching WoT enthusiastically with 1% intention of reading all the books and 90% intention of reading at least one book.
I would recommend the audio books if that's your thing. The voice actors do a great job.
Absolutely no idea what you're both talking about. Enjoyed every minute.
Go try the show!
@@Shanehudson27 I'm gonna do just that...
oh man Robert Jordan created an absolute amazing world, and you'll find a character that you love. First three episodes of the show are looking really well, Matt is being my favorite so far, but he was already my book favorite, he has an amazing character arc in general. It was kind of a boomer to hear about his recast, but one can only hope for the best. This is just another turn in the wheel.
It's nice seeing an in-person collab. and I didn't think anyone else on the planet enjoyed heights! Looks like an awesome time had. 🤗🤗
I'm on book 12, and my boyfriend is not a reader at all, but likes fantasy. We watched the first 3 episodes at release and he felt slightly confused, trying to follow all the lore being shoved at him. I feel some things could have waited, but I can see for someone rewatching this series, they will pick up on
A LOT of foreshadowing they are laying down in these first 3 episodes.
Foreshadowing and the wheel of times, name a more iconic duo. They are packing so much lore in just this episodes, im really hoping the next episodes not to butcher the history too much.
@@erreh_ I am from the future... if the lore was a cheese, Rafe made it Swiss with the amount of holes.
I loved how just after the opening scene (with the red Sisters), they did a zoom out to show that some of the stone towers were actually overgrown, ruined skyscrapers if you looked close. It was such a great tease that it takes place in a far future.
I was just binge watching a bunch of your old videos so this is perfect.
You guys are good at both letting each other talk and taking over from each other when appropriate. Good chemistry.
As a subscriber of both channels, this is a big crossover for me!
Same I'm so excited!
I was so surprised to see you covering this!! My favorite series of all time! I'm actually really pleased with the first three episodes. I'm okay with most of the changes. Really excited for the rest of the season!
So happy for you! AND you’ve sold me the show, I’m definitely watching.
I am so excited to see you having a great time in my city. Pre-pandemic, I used to spend a lot of time in these areas, and this made me feel so nostalgic watching this
Aw I’m glad you had such an awesome time! I grew up in Canada but I now live in Scotland. When the panorama has settled down more I super recommend coming back for more sight seeing, it’s amazing!
My dad was reading Robert Jordan when he was writing in the early 80s, so to say this has been highly anticipated in our household is a big understatement. Definitely looking forward to him getting to see this.
Sorry the show took such a big shit all over your dad's heroes
So. It's been a month now. On a scale of stilled Siuan to The Dark ones own power unleashed, how dissapointed is your father?
This was so fun! I love both your channels and your perspectives on the first 3 episodes ❤️ I started reading the books a few years ago and have been super excited about the adaptation!! If you’re able to, it’d be so fun to see you two talk about WOT together again!
4 min into the first episode, you can see the "mountains" in the background are actually ruined skyscrapers! WoT is minimum 6,000 years in our future!
way more.
Wow. I didn’t realise that.
Just checked that bit and I somehow completely missed that lol.
I dont know where you got the 6000 years nunber. We dont even know if those skyscrapers are from the first age or second age
@@laurentiu.f8804 gotta be 2nd Age. Our concrete and steel won't last thousands of years like that. But cities built with the One Power would be. The 3rd Age lasts 3,000 years. If we assume the Age of Legends lasted the same, and that's a big assumption, and we know Our Age, the 1st Age, ends when Humanity discovers the One Power, that puts the books minimum 6,000 years in our future if we discovered channeling tomorrow. Likely it's far more than 6,000 years in our future
Definitely gonna check this one out after watching your video! What an awesome looking trip, so glad to see you having fun and the channel thriving!
I believe that first sequence was made so we (that don't know anything about TWOT) could have the same distrust on the Aes Sedai that the other characters have. Because Moiraine is amazing, but if you have some nagging feeling brought by those red Aes Sedai you don't jump into Moiraine character so fast, you grow your trust with the four (five) young ones.
Totally unnecessary. New people to the book don't have that pre-established distrust either. I was really stoked for the show being a series fan and all, saw that first scene, and I knew I didn't want to have anything to do with the show. I really wanted to see a visual adaptation of the book. Unfortunately, we are getting seaon 5+ of Game of Thrones. At least Game of Thrones stayed true to the first book, and only gradually diverged and lost quality in doing so. This went straight to the garbage. At least in that sense I am grateful, I didn't get to waste much time to investing it in this thing.
@@theguyfromsaturn but GoT didn't say that true to the books. It changed things to make it more smooth. Also, First GoT book is better than first WoT book.
I’m sure you were just really excited about all the hype with all of this but with anyone who has eyes would know this show was horrific! I feel very bad for the actors and people who didn’t have a say in how this turned out. The writing was some of the worst I’ve heard, way too much going on, extremely confusing, it feels wooden and fake, the list goes on, and on, and on. I hope in your final review you recognize these things. I didn’t care if it stayed true to the books…a good show is a good show. This is the American Boogywoman (and all of the other horrendous movies from the same director) but of television series. It is SO bad I am SHOCKED it was released. My mind glitches out every time I think about it because you can’t stop asking yourself in a closed loop, HOW (did this get made), WHY (did anyone think this was okay), WHO (produced, wrote, edited, directed, etc. this), and back to HOW?!?! I didn’t go into this ready to hate it but I definitely left feeling like I was losing my mind…HOOOOOW?????
this show is a CW mockery of the wheel of time.
AHHHHH! AMANDA! Collabs are my absolute FAVORITE! I love your and Daniel's channels! I also love their live action adaptation so far! Also, it's SO freakin' cool how well they treated you all! WOO! Content Creators getting the treatment they deserve, YAY!
I love this! I've been watching both you and Daniel for awhile now, so this is so funny to me. I'm a huge Wheel of Time fan, and have been reading the books since 1995. So all of this is a big deal to me. I'm a little wary of some of the changes, but so far it's promising.
Tried reading the series when i was little, but I'll give the show a look and the books another go! Love the expert/noob watch, thanks!!!!!!!! More of these? ❤
Read the books and finish it till the end.
If you're able to get through the first couple books, then buckle in for what has been dubbed "The Slog." The series has a bit of trouble with character and plot bloat, leading to an extensive middle section, the relevance of which is.... questionable.
@@pyrosianheir why are you trying to discourage someone from reading WoT? Books 7-10 might have a lot of issues but 1-6 and 11-14 are all truly great
@@georgevelis4651 it's not intended as discouragement. Just fair warning that there's a point at which it's a slog to get through, so they know what they're getting themselves into. Telling people to do a thing because if the good without mentioning the bad isn't something I vibe with.
@@georgevelis4651 face it by book 5 or 6 the good guys are just as rotten as the bad guys and the story just meanders around for the next few books and at least in my case by that point i just didnt care anymore This is the only series besides flowers in the attic I have ever started and then just put down and for similar reasons
Read the book, saw the first three episodes and was impressed by the visuals and the choices in the storytelling. There is alot of information coming at you, but it was done nice and it is solid!
I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS COLLAB!!!!!
The fact that this is Future Earth is not well fleshed out until much later. It's barely hinted, even if that, when they talk about the wheel turning and Ages. When Rand goes through Rhuidean they make it more clear. They could have done this easily by having the opening of the show be near identical to the books with the breaking the world. I dont understand why they didn't.
For a future earth they do not know how to dress.
Tons of the first stories Thom tell give massive hints that this is earth. Mosk with his lance of fire that could reach around the world. Lenn riding to the moon in the belly of an eagle of fire.
It's never confirmed that it is our Earth. It is set in a world that had a very advanced techonological past but it could very well be an imaginary world. Furthermore, "Future Earth" isn't accurate, it's a neverending cycle, it could also be described as "Past Earth" from the perspective of the future "modern" people.
@@vee1766 Aside from... ya know... the author confirming it.
@@vee1766 also in the books there are company logos or references to our culture from our current time that are found by characters throughout the story
I think its great that Daniel Greene fully supports his fellow Wheel of Time Community Nerds and helps out their channels. I think my favorite part about the live streams from the premiere is just all of them huddled into one little spot nerding out together. Great collab!
Amazon's Wheel of Time show is an abomination. The changes they made to the lore are completely unnecessary and just plain crap! And for the budget available, it looks so incredibly cheap.
I was gifted the first book for an exchange, and it was the BEST gift Ive received as an adult.
I haven't read the books so the first three episodes reminded me of a lot of LOTR. The baddie looks like Mouth of Sauron, there's Mountains of Mist instead of Misty Mountains, and that hot, morally ambiguous pickpocket dude gives big Pippin vibes.
First book is very similar to Lotr, which is deliberate. Probably first season as a whole will remind Lotr to many people.
Robert Jordan drops a lot of hints to LOTR, specially in the first book, the history of the rings is even mentioned by Rand as one of his favorites. But that's pretty much all they have in common. Padan Fain (the travelling merchant) got nothing in common to Gandalf, the Two Rivers people are nothing like shire folk as stubborn as they are, and even the trollocs are nothing like orcs, and the Dark One, oh wow, let leave it there ;)
There is a fan theory that it started out as a LotR fanfic. But a LOT of fantast from that era started as basically LotR fanfic
@@Jane-oz7pp many classical music people will say that all modern music comes from some composer and they'll pick one Mahler, Wagner, Tchaikovsky or maybe the more orthodox ones will pick between the big names like Bethoven, Chopin, Mozart, Bach, whatever.
In fanstasy the bar is LoTR. Modern readers will pick they're candidate to be the next one, but Tolkien is always casting its shadow.
The opening shot should have just been the actual prologue in Eye of the World. It was very compelling and gave an actual vague sense of what's going on and what is to come
I think they are saving that for something.
@@MissCaraMint hopefully. Would make for an excellent scene. Though given what happens with Rand later in the books, it can be used as a flashback with his arc.
@@potentatewags they've definitely cast Lews Therin, so I'd be v surprised if they don't show it.
@@MissCaraMint Dunno why they saved it. Literally was a common reason readers hit the books. They wanted to know more about the chaos of The Dragon. Wasted potential and, now that the show wrapped up, will serve no purpose and just redundancy.
Amanda you are amazing. Seriously, you absolutely deserve the success and I get pretty much all of my recommendations for media from you.
You are so much better than mostly okay!!
Awesome to see you get to London, Amanda! And to hang with Daniel too!
I'm a huge book fan. Have read it many times and use the audiobooks often to help me relax and sleep. I am iffy on the show so far. There is a lot of good but there are some changes I hate so far but I am not going to say it is awful till later. They still have time to show some of the changes I don't like can still work. I am aware that changes have to be made for the show but some things were huge and can change a lot of future story but I hold my judgment till later. I do like hearing about how nun fans feel about it since it is a good reminder that one of the things that makes me happy about this show is the idea of new fans and more people to talk to about this thing that I have been a fan of for more than half my life. I have waited for this for years so I am happy to finally see it come to life. No matter what I plan on watching every moment of it good or bad. Likely I'll watch it more than once since the first time my mind can't stop going "but in the book" and that of course makes the show harder to enjoy. So like with other book-turned movies/shows it is easier to relax on that on the 2nd or 3rd watch once I'm over the shock of changes.
I love the books. I've dropped this show entirely because it gets my blood pressure up to see all the unnecessary changes. Yes, you have to change and adjust certain things to make it on screen. But when you completely break the rules of the world, Egwaine bringing Nynieve back from the dead, the Dragon Reborn possibly being a woman, men being able to see the light while a woman channels, all these break the world in way where it doesn't even feel like the Wheel of Time universe anymore.
I just found this video and realised you were probably in his premiere night video. I'm pumped for the team up
I am a super fan and although the adaptation does and probably will contain many scenes that many people will enjoy, the overarching theme of the books have been destroyed, woman are mostly in seats of power for a reason, not just because, they hold power because there source of power is not tainted and they will not go insane using it hence superior force and moral high points, the male source of power is tainted and hence using it will erode your mind and make the men who use it insane hence the coddling, the dragon reborn is both praised and feared because he is a male channel-er and has caused extreme destruction through out history, that very power balance and moral dilemma is what drives the books, most of the character growth is driven by the every growing presence to corrupt him and turn him, and his struggle with the powers who fear him and the instituted hierarchy, this may be based off the books but it's not going to be even close and if they try to at this point it's just going to be bad writing, you can be diverse but I as a WOT fan am not into GOT or a rebranded GOT.
Glad I'm not the only one who thought it had heavy wannabe - GOT vibes. They didn't actually care about the story. They just saw how much money HBO made from Game of Thrones and looked around for another fantasy series to exploit for profit.
I'm in the same situation with my GF. Shes loved the show so far and so have I. Really excited. Never thought this series could be adapted.
I've been listening to the audiobooks now for years and years. I've already created the characters in my mind over and over. All the battles, all the drama, all of the captivating stories. Although I did find some of the imagining of the locations quite stunning in the first couple of episodes, I just can't get over how they've written the characters and casted them. Trying to cast characters as 'more real' by giving them modern psychological challenges is quite against the philosophy of the books. We need them to be 'goody goody' innocents because of what comes later... all of the challenges that push against their upbringing, and how gaining power and influence changes them over time (or not). Less Game of Thrones, more Little House on the Prairie to begin with. Then, of course, things change over the course of the stories and their character arcs. Maybe someday I'll come back to the shows, but it only made me love the audiobooks more.
I really appreciate the contrasting prospective between you two. Can you do another video for the whole season once it is all out?
Found out about this series through Álvaro Morte (who plays Logain). Excited to watch it!
What an amazing opportunity! So many congratulations, and thank you, thank you for sharing with us!
Also… LOVE LOVE LOVE the pic at 23:33! You rock
I literally JUST finished watching the first 3 episodes 20minutes ago. As a long time fan who has read the series 3 times, I am anxiously excited for the rest!
So i found my way back to this video and I feel the need to comment. I will not mince words, this series is hot garbage. I had all the hopes for this and wanted desperately for it to be good, but this is barely even The Wheel of Time. It plays as BAD fan fiction and it tries to shout at the top of it's lungs that the show writers think they could do a better job than the author who WROTE THE DAMN THING YOU ARE USING! THE ARROGANCE!
My best friend is a huuuuuuuuuuuuge fan of the books. And she's absolutely disappointed in the show. She literally called me to tell me not to watch it.
Amanda and Daniel crosssover!? This is one of those things I did not know I wanted but did want deep down. I love you both. 💞 Of course a crossover with Mr. Wheel-of-Time himself was a great idea. 😅
Right? Feels like words colliding
I'm pretty sure they've collaborated before
y'all are 2 of my favourite youtubers, I'm so happy to see you connect! I'd love to see a similar video on your perspectives on the dune franchise! :)
12:40 yeah my favorite book hint about it being Earth future is when Thom asks what stories the villagers want to hear and Egwene asks for the story of how Lenn flew to the moon in the belly of an eagle (reference to John Glenn) and his daughter Salya in the stars (Sally Ride, first woman in space), and Thom comments that those are old stories, some say from the Age before The Age of Legends (i.e. our Age).
I feel bad that it wasn't until I started watching all the youtube stuff about the show that I realized that there were hints to it being our future/past whatever. I've lost count of the number of times I have reread many of the books and I never once made that connection about those stories.
@@krazykatlady4227 For me, the thing that really did was the stories of the giants Mosk (Moscow) and Merc (America) with their lances of fire that could reach around the world. The cold was casts a long shadow it would seem.
@@JWK1101 Yeah that one went over my head like those lances apparantly. Probably didn't make the connection as it was city name against country name so I never connected it. Plus I never really discussed the books with anyone until the last 6 months when I found out about the TV show for the first time.
Dude, I cannot expression my excitement for this collab
I watched this with a friend who's a big fan of the books. And after each episode, he had to explain a ton of world-building stuff and character beats just to clarify what we just saw. I thought the show was terrible. There were three episodes I genuinely enjoyed watching, which were episodes 4, 5, and 6. Everything else felt to us like the senior writers, editors, cinematographers and the episode directors had just taken a hike. The actors were super awkward outside those three eps, and the sets felt less polished than Disneyland attractions. Show became more enjoyable the further the camera got from the actors.
I'm so psyched You and Daniel teamed up. Also really glad you dug WoT :)
I remember reading Eye of the World back in high school and I got at least half way through The Great Hunt before I just stopped reading books altogether so it's interesting watching this and knowing a little bit but not a lot
Well that's season 1 complete. As we say over here, that was absolutely bobbins.
That hologram billboard thing was so cool. Reminds me of the Jaws movie ad Marty saw in Back to the Future II. I honestly didn't know we have the technology for that sort of special effects. Wish I was in London right now.
Aww Amanda on the red carpet is so adorable!
Oh wow, when worlds collide! I primarly know Daniel from Merphy Napier's channel, she's my favourite BookTuber. So pleasantly surprised to see Daniel over here on my favourite commentary (?) channel!
Ah so you've confirmed it is a far future Earth. I thought it might be, there's a sweeping shot (almost right at the beginning) of ep.1 which looks over cliffs and canyons, but they kinda look like Skyscrapers. Niiice.
Another book and series to add to my reading and watch list. Thank y'all
I hope you guys do more talks like this, maybe mid-season and post-season. It was really fun how you compared viewpoints, experiences and conclusions, what worked and what didn't. Really enjoyed the video!
I’ve read 8 of those damn Wheel of Time books and now your telling me it all takes place in the Future!!!
And in the past. The wheel turns, never ending, it's a cycle.
I was so nervous about the show but you can tell a lot of love and thought went into this production and as a wheelie nerd I appreciate it!!
Damn, Amazon is going all out with their marketing. I'm not complaining, I hope it succeeds, I love the books.
Sadly they didn't put any effort at all into the story
Two such amazing people reviewing the show. I love the read the book/ haven’t read it yet contrast
Everyone keeps talking about how great Mat is. I personally think they completely destroyed his character, his father's character, and perrin's character. There are others, but those are the main 3....so far. Lol
They did Abel Cauthon super dirty...like they skinned him alive and poured salt all over the raw flesh of his character
aaaa im so happy you guys filmed a video together!!
as a Long Time Wheel of time fan, I've been mostly impressed with the show, the cast is perfect in every way, as you say some of the episodes feel very crammed/poorly paced ( i think 2 more episodes just to drag everything out a notch would have been good) but over all a 8/10 highly recommend for both TV fantasy fans and fans of the book.
I feel the same way, I was surprised to see so many people saying they didn’t like the show cuz it’s too different from the books. I feel like they did a good job all things considered
Introducing perrins wife just so she could die? I though tv had evolved from such shallow writing.
They didn't even say a simple bye to their loved ones when they were leaving? Moiraine just tells them to go and they saddle up?
They showed us how much mat cares for his sisters but then he abandons them with his abusive parents just because a stranger said to go with her, and in the third episode he wants to go back to them? Really in ep2 he doesn't even mention them. That's how you build a villain. A sorcerer told him he might be the chosen one so he went with her, leaving his baby sisters behind with abusive parents. Certainly sounds like a villain.
Moiraine saying to lan you killed us all when they are in the city and then they escape from it in the next 30 seconds?
Moiraine just showing up because of a rumour and for some reason she knows who the possible dragons are? How does she know that? Who gave ger the rumour? In the show she found the possible dragon like it was nothing and not as a result of a 20 year old search.
The red ajah killing men and they dont gentle them? They're saying THEY corrupt the power? No that's not how this works. The power CORRUPTS THEM. So what happened here did they lie which is impossible for aes sedai or did they change that part and the implications are huge? Or they didn't even think about it, which is the most likely?
And what I've listed here arent nitpicks but pretty big plot points. I won't go into all my nitpicks because I'll write a 1000 pg book. I'll just mention one. Rand throwing his bow to the ground. This shows to me so blatantly that the showrunners don't understand the details of the world.
And if all these things happened in the first 3 episodes i dread to think what they'll do later when every thing they have changed now will create ripple effects into changing a 100 different other things.
@@RespectTheSourceMaterial I felt the same way about Perrin's wife but Daniel mentioned something in this video that made me think differently about it. Perrin's character deals with a lot of internal conflict throughout the series and killing his wife in the first episode sets the tone for the character moving forward and allows the actor to portray that conflict from the start so that the audience can key in on the actor's performance in future scenes.
@@nathanbaca5131 here is sanderson on the issue:
iggest thing he and I disagreed on was Perrin's wife. I realize that there is a good opportunity here for Perrin to be shown with rage issues, and to be afraid of the potential beast inside of him. I liked that idea, but didn't like it being a wife for multiple reasons. First off, it feels a lot like the disposable wife trope (AKA Woman in the Fridge.) Beyond that, I think the trauma of having killed your wife is so huge, the story this is telling can't realistically deal with it in a way that is responsible. Perrin killing his wife then going off on an adventure really bothers me, even still. I have faith that the writers won't treat it lightly, but still. That kind of trauma, dealt with realistically and responsibly, is really difficult for an adventure series to deal with.
I suggested instead that he kill Master Luhhhan. As much as I hate to do Luhhan dirty like that, I think the idea Rafe and the team had here is a good one for accelerating Perrin's plot. Accidentally killing your master steps the trauma back a little, but gives the same motivations and hesitance. One thing I don't want this WoT adaptation to try to do is lean into being a tonal Game of Thrones replacement--IE, I don't want to lean into the "Grimdark" ideas. Killing Perrin's wife felt edgy just to be edgy.
That said, I really liked a LOT about this first episode. I prefer this method of us not knowing who the Dragon is, and I actually preferred this prologue. I thought it was a neat, different take on how to start the WoT. I really liked the introduction to Mat, and in screenplay form, I thought the pacing was solid--fast, catchy, exciting. People are complaining about it, though, so maybe in show form it's too choppy. When I was on set, I liked the practical effects, and what I saw of the acting--so I'm expecting both of those to be great in the finished product.
EDIT: For those complaining about Abell Cauthon, I did try to get this one changed too. So at least they heard from one of us, offering complaint, before going to production. I always had a soft spot for him. I didn't expect them to change this, though, with Mat's more gritty backstory. Again, I do wish they had taken a less "grim" feel to all of this, though I do think the details of introducing Mat were interesting and a nice acceleration of his character. Which is a good thing, since the series will need to condense from the books, so moving character beats up in time is going to generally help with that.
@@RespectTheSourceMaterial "I prefer this method of us not knowing who the Dragon is". Personally i believe this is a HUGE mistake. Because now people will start having a favorite and root for him/her to be the Dragon Reborn and when it will be revealed who it is they won't like it and criticize the show. Not to mention that considering who it is it's bound to be controversial for reasons i don't have to explain...
I almost tuned out in the first few minutes when they said the Dragon could be a woman.
No comments on the crappy fighting scenes and CGI…. The trollocs are a joke. Some scenes are Legend of the Seeker-bad.
And I don’t understand why they rush it. I would get it if it were a movie. From what I understod it will improve so I hope it does.
Thank you for sharing! What a wonderful experience ❤
I'm so happy that you got flown over and got exposed to my favorite series! You're one of my favorite TH-camrs. I'm so excited to see more of your opinions as the series goes on. And you and Daniel collaborating?! I love it!!! So awesome! So glad you had such a great time (it looks like anyway hehe).
As a super fan of the series, there were some odd changes, but on the whole I'm loving it.
I’ve been reading this series for the same length of time as Daniel Greene. I’m definitely not as well versed as he, but I love the series arguably just as much. I think the first three episodes are really good and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I agree though, even if you haven’t read the books, I still think you’ll love the show. Thank you Daniel Green and Amanda the Jedi for the video. Wish you both the best!
As fan that has read all 15 books of the wheel of time nearly a million times I feel the show is terrible. In my honest opinion I wish the wheel of time series was more by the books. I wish Robert Jordan was here to direct the series or if the people that did the Witcher could be making the movie I mean they nailed that series. This show does not do Robert Jordan or the book justice. Please for the love of the GODS read the books.
"Did you pick up on that it's earth?"
Oh I dunno what could have given it away. Not the skyscrapers that were covered in overgrowth in the opening establishment shots lol
Really excellent video Amanda. I’m really impressed with your ability to manage your anxiety through this trip that seemed like a lot of new experiences and changes in routine and traveling during the pandems especially after you’ve been going through so much chaos with your move & everything else. You’re doing really great and you should be proud of yourself!
Brilliant banter between you two!
After watching the first ep, I'm looking forward to the rest. The budget looks actually decent for a fantasy series for a change and makes me wish The Witcher had gone with Amazon and not Netflix. It really makes a big difference.
Tbf, judging from the trailer for the second season, the budget seems bigger.
So happy you got this opportunity, and it looks like you had so much fun!
I just finished the first 3 -- I loved it even more than you guys -- I give it 8.5, and I wouldn't be surprised if I give it at least a 9 by the end of the season. I didn't have any issues with pacing, and I haven't read the series - but it does move very fast, especially at the beginning. I knew they were establishing a lot of things at once, so it was fine. I think what's best about the show is simply how much fun it is. I was worried it would be too "heavy", like LOTR or GOT, but it's not. It has some of the same tone as old fantasy TV shows, with lots of action and humor and wild costumes and creatures -- but it's a lot better than those shows, because of the big budget and the big plot and themes. I also loved the fact that it's not rapey like GOT, but is still kind of sexy.
I think the White-clad folks are clearly meant to remind people of fundamentalist Christians and the Inquisition (which was run by the Dominican order, which wears mostly white).
I noticed a lot of internet goofballs are already outraged that it's "too woke," which is really hilarious. They can't tolerate too many brown people in their TV shows! And they're probably fans of Inquisitors.
The only negatives for me were also oddly positives: the CGI wasn't always the best, and sometimes minor plot issues were a bit messy. But that just makes is feel cheesy in the best possible way, like an old episode of Xena.
It's much, much more fun than Witcher or Shadow and Bone, the only two recent fantasy series I've seen.
By the way, I think Amanda was trying to remember the long tracking shot in Children of Men.
"I was worried it would be too "heavy", like LOTR or GOT, but it's not. It has some of the same tone as old fantasy TV shows, with lots of action and humor and wild costumes and creatures"
And that's exactly why it will fail. The mainstream audience still think that fantasy is for children and will dismiss it. That's precisely why Game Of Thrones worked, because of its very adult tone and detailed "medieval" setting they could pretend it wasn't fantasy.
@@vee1766 I can't speculate on whether it will fail or not, but fantasy entered the mainstream long ago, as the success of the LOTR movies proved. This idea that GOT could only succeed if it didn't seem too much like fantasy has always seemed odd to me. If true, that would only be the case with HBO, since their biggest success had been with the Sopranos. But honestly this seems more like an issue with HBO branding, not with what audiences really want to see. I don't think it's relevant to WOT at all.
I liked it but it reminded me more of a BBC merlin than a got or Witcher. I do understand some people issues with race. I'd prefer if they kept aeil with red hair with fair skin which I appreciated. I don't mind if border men are Asian and the people to the east prob need to be a certain race as well as most of the leadership to the west. But I don't really care if cities and villages are diverse people travel and intermingle.
@@gaeron1305 As someone who loved and still loves Merlin, I think it would be great if this show gave off better budget Merlin vibes. My fave part of Merlin was the friendships and interactions between the characters and the adventures they went on. It hurt when Morgana became evil because you got to know her and her friendship with the others but you still understood how she ended up where she did.
@@katiewright3309 that's true
I'm really grateful for the WOT on Prime for getting my wife hooked on the world. I had to drag her kicking and screaming through the Eye of the World. Now she is desperate for episode 4 to come out!
just watched the 2nd episode and now i want to buy all the books!!
Be warned, there are a lot of them and the series does have a bit of a slow burn, but the payoffs......ARE WORTH IT!
@@nathanprime2434 yeah, those the are the exact two reasons i have not started reading them, but i really might give it a try after the 1st season!
@@Gon_Din Well good luck then. I wish you patience and perseverance.
I read them this year... it might be my favorite series ever. Truly awesome with amazing character development and the fact that not only it has a satisfying ending but the 4 final books are all absolute BANGERS makes it stand out even more. I hope you read and enjoy it!
Wow, I’m amazingly envious of your trip! Congratulations on being Walk the Red Carpet famous and important!
I really feel like the did Perrin dirty. Not even having him react and have a prober meltdown to the majorly traumatic thing he does to someone he cares immensely about at the end of episode 1? Plus, the stuff w the wolves would have been much better played out if they didn't have that first introduction scene between him and the pack where you instantly get an idea that there is a connection between him and the wolves - and this comes from someone who doesn't know about the lore or have read the books
i love this video, you talk to each other so well. polite and fun and interesting
I've been a huge Wheel of Time fan since the late 90's, read all the books and played the RPG tabletop game, but I feel like I keep having to give this show a free pass because of the content, and not because I think they're doing a great job adapting it.
Matt's character should be far more charismatic, the weaves are all wrong, they're kind of like generic swirly mist, where they should be a color coded specific weave pattern which changes based on what's being spun. Like, go get a knitting book and get some ideas for cool patterns, and then color those magical threads so you know what element is being used.
It's just such a simple fix and I don't know why they have overlooked such an important thing. For as often as it's described in the books, this is a must.
Soft 6.5 for me
Maybe they will add the color as Egwene learns more about channeling? The show has to attract the people who have no clue about the WoT and the colors and weaves can be a bit confusing at first? IDK - that's a theory I've read.
@@MostBoringNameEver I sure hope so, and there may be indications of it already. Episode 5 there was a hint of colour, just as you're saying when a certain someone starts weaving.
I like how everyone is ignoring the fact that they state "the dragon can be a man or a woman" when that defeats the purpose of the dark one poisoning the male half of the power. As a woman it's an interesting take on the story but as a book reader it kind of creates a big plot hole unless they have an explanation for it later on.
@@paigejones7116 Spoiler: they will never have an explanation for anything
@@customsongmaker exactly 😂😂
I have adhd and i really like when shows rush you with information and it’s done well. I hate having questions that are never answered
As another super-fan, sadly I can't agree with you at all thinking this series as good or better than the books. Still glad you are able to enjoy it so much
Love the vlog portion of the video! I’m living vicariously through Amanda, being flown out to London, walking the red carpet, snatching up swag, seeing the city, just living the best life. 🥰 It’s a bit shocking to see her dressed up so professionally. Imagine wearing a fun party shirt on the red carpet with Rosamund Pike 🤣