The Wheel of Time Season 2 Review: Weaves a More Confident Tale

by Haley November 7, 2023

Amazon Prime’s “The Wheel of Time” spins into its second season with a more assured step, weaving a tale that is both grander in scope and more intimate in its exploration of character. The sophomore season of the series, adapted from Robert Jordan’s beloved novels, embarks on a journey that is as much about the internal struggles of its protagonists as it is about the external forces that threaten their world.

The season unfurls with a sense of newfound confidence, shedding some of the initial hesitancy that marked its debut. The narrative threads, once disparate, begin to intertwine with a defter touch, as the central figures—Moiraine, Rand, Egwene, Nynaeve, Perrin, and Mat—find themselves both literally and figuratively scattered to the winds of fate. The characters are hunted not only by the tangible specters of their universe but also by the phantoms of their pasts and the uncertainty of their destinies.

The production design, a critical pillar of any fantasy series, stands out with a richness that belies the show’s television roots. The world of “The Wheel of Time” is rendered with a meticulousness that is both visually arresting and narratively compelling. The costumes and sets, while occasionally betraying their fabricated nature, more often than not contribute to the immersion, with the Aes Sedai’s garb deserving particular mention for its stunning detail.

Yet, for all its visual splendor, the series sometimes stumbles under the weight of its own seriousness. The tone, striving for gravitas, occasionally veers into the overwrought, and the pacing can be erratic, with moments of intense action giving way to stretches of languid exposition. This is a show that demands patience and attention from its viewers, rewarding those willing to invest in its complex tapestry of lore and character.

The performances, too, have ripened with the show’s progression. The cast, now more comfortable in their roles, navigate the intricate plot with a palpable sense of stakes. The introduction of new faces and the deepening of established relationships—particularly between Moiraine and her Warder, Lan—add layers to the emotional core of the series.

Still, ‘The Wheel of Time” does not possess the raw brutality of “Game of Thrones” nor the storied legacy of “The Lord of the Rings,” leavings its storytelling a bit more confounding to the uninitiated. The One Power, central to the lore of “The Wheel of Time,” is treated with a sense of mystery and awe. Its depiction is both fluid and enigmatic, inviting viewers to ponder its nature rather than laying bare its mechanics.

“The Wheel of Time” Season 2 is a solid attempt at storytelling in the fantasy genre. It is a season that builds upon its foundation, expanding its world while delving deeper into the hearts of its characters. It is not without its flaws—no epic of this scale could be—but it is a worthy continuation of the journey that began with such promise.