The Wheel of Time 1×04 Review: “The Dragon Reborn”

A man who claims to be the Dragon Reborn causes strife in “The Dragon Reborn” (The Wheel of Time season 1 episode 4).

After a strong start, both narratively and ratings-wise, for the three-episode premiere of the long-awaited series adaptation of The Wheel of Time series, the search for the Dragon Reborn continues in the “The Dragon Reborn.” With the main group still split in separate directions, the episode divided its time between the three storylines. The majority of the episode takes place at an Aes Sedai camp where Logain (Alvaro Morte), a man claiming to be the Dragon Reborn, is imprisoned in a magical paralyzing hold.

The episode gives Nynaeve (Zoe Robins) a chance to shine, as she gets the opportunity to interact more with the Aes Sedai, grow closer to Lan (Daniel Henney), and save the lives of multiple people with a powerful spell. Nynaeve’s chemistry with Lan is exciting and getting to see her hang out with Lan and the other male partners of the Aes Sedai around a campfire is a fun moment in the episode.

In addition to featuring strong character moments, “The Dragon Reborn” also showed more of the interesting inner workings of the Aes Sedai. As Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) recovers from her long-gestating wound and focuses her attention on containing Logain’s power, we get to learn more about the sisterhood of the Aes Sedai and the close bond they have with their male partners or Warders. In addition, seeing leader Liandrin (Kate Fleewood) being called out for her ruthlessness and willingness to go against the group’s code will present an interesting conflict going forward.

Elsewhere, Rand (Josha Stradowski) and Mat (Barney Harris) continue to travel with the mysterious Thom (Alexandre Willaume). While Rand is skeptical of Thom, Thom seems like an interesting character and it’s hard not to feel sympathy for the story he tells about his tragic loss. Mat has a nice moment with both Rand and the little girl of a family that reluctantly lets them stay in their barn. Unfortunately, he makes a terrible decision of not telling Rand and Thom about the plague that is resting inside of him and the dagger he stole in the narrow escape from the abandoned city.

Meanwhile, Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) and Egwene (Madeleine Madden) join a group of travelers. While these scenes are the weakest part of the episode, it’s still nice to see the two interact with the group as they travel with them, particularly Ila (Maria Doyle Kennedy).

The episode’s main storyline culminates in Logain breaking free of Moiraine’s hold as his followers attack the camp. Once Logain is free, Moiraine informs him that his belief that he is the Dragon Reborn is due to his own madness.

Multiple members of the Aes Sedai, including Lan, are nearly killed in Logain’s anger. Nynaeve turns her grief at seeing Lan bleed out into a powerful healing spell that revives nearly everyone in the cave. The moment between Nynaeve and Lan feels earned and seeing Nynaeve save the day by showcasing more of the world’s magic is a highlight.

While not much progress is made in regard to the fight against The Dark One, “The Dragon Reborn” made up for it in solid moments of world-building and character development.

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Note: Editor and writer Farid is recording reaction and review videos for season one of The Wheel of Time over at The Geekiary’s YouTube channel.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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