I actually saw some reviews from other book readers before I watched this episode. The impression there was, to put it mildly, negative, which is why I started with some worries.

In my eyes, however, this is absolutely wrong. A frequently mentioned point is how the relationship between Rand and Lanfear is still portrayed so positively. I actually have to agree with that. Just as I was rather critical of the one between Egwene and Rand a few episodes ago. I really hope they turn it around here, but maybe the last scene actually offers the opportunity to finish both in one go. I hope so.

But apart from that, this is another absolutely great episode:

To stay with Rand's women: We see the first beginnings between him and Aviendah this episode. Yes it's all subtle and yes she hates him but that's the way it has to be and the chemistry between them is starting to show up
The girls and Mat on the boat were also great and, admittedly, simply entertaining.
And wow, the wind finders. Absolutely great, especially the representation almost like northern lights. The presentation actually surpassed all the scenes in my head.
We found out why Allana is at the two rivers.
Faile is absolut spot on.
The scene between Morraine and Suan really got to me personally and was in great contrast to the one with Lan before. They were both very well realized.
Mat & Min: I kind of ship them now, I like their scenes together

Those where my thoughts for now. Maybe I'll add to the list if I think of anything else.

[–] Aielman15@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Minor correction: it's Aviendha (not Aviendah), Moiraine (not Morraine), Alanna (not Allana) and Siuan (not Suan).

Thanks for these posts btw. I can't contribute much because I'm not watching the show, but it's been fun reading some rando's opinions on it, and as a book reader, extrapolating what the show runners are doing from your short summaries or other references scattered in the comments.

[–] ardorhb@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Thanks for the corrections. I'm really not good at writing names correctly and I didn't look it up this time. I promise I'll learn it at some point. Light, help me.

And you're welcome. I'm happy to share my thoughts somewhere (I don't have any WoT readers/watchers around me here), and even better if someone actually reads them.

[–] Aielman15@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago)

Ahah don't worry, the written form of names in these books sometimes makes no sense at all. Why is Egwene pronounced that way? What is wrong with Nynaeve? Did Moghedien's parents hate their child or something? Are we sure that's Tear's pronunciation? And WHY DID ROBERT JORDAN USE "DAMANE" AND "DOMANI" IN THE SAME BOOK SERIES?

It's funny because, as a book reader, I frequently mispronounce names (I've read all 14 books thinking that Gawyn was pronounced the same as Gawain, for example), and watchers/audiobook listeners have the opposite problem. Back in the Reddit days, it made for fun realizations on both parts.