Hello, Logain
Last week's episode of The Wheel of Time, "The Dragon Reborn," had a lot of excitement. It introduced us fully to the False Dragon Logain Ablar and showed a bit of the war in Ghealdan we've been hearing about in the series. Plus Nynaeve bonded with Warders, Egwene and Perrin got cozy with the Tuatha'an, and Mat and Rand encountered more danger.
***From this point, spoilers ahead for episode four***
If you're a non-book reader watching the series and wondering about the differences, here's a big one for you: a lot about Logain's introduction. In the books, we know Logain Ablar proclaimed himself as Dragon and got captured by the Aes Sedai. We first see him when the caged man is taken on a parade through a city. Rand sees him from a distance. We don't get nearly anything like the thoughtful backstory in The Wheel of Time series.
But do not look up Logain on a fan wiki, please! Don’t spoil yourself on his book future if you don’t know it.
First of all, Álvaro Morte brings Logain to the screen so soulfully. And this is a Logain of nuance. Yes, he's hearing voices and likely going a bit mad because the male half of the One Power is corrupted. But he shows mercy, leadership, and power. Logain believes he is the Dragon Reborn (spoiler-free explainer of the Dragon Reborn here) and he wants to save the world instead of breaking it. He opens his hand to the king of Ghealdan and gains a bigger army from the act. Even if the Aes Sedai do capture and ultimately gentle him.
I just saw such heart from Logain that I felt terrible for him when the Aes Sedai gentled him, a.k.a. cut him off from ever touching the One Power again. His misery and pain in that moment made me forget about any misery and pain his actions have caused, even though he killed Kerene moments before.
And speaking of Kerene. I could stay in that Aes Sedai camp, hanging around the Warders’ fire for ages. Yes, those scenes helped Nynaeve get to know more about the bond between an Aes Sedai and her Warder(s) and they helped the audience understand it too. Stepin’s reaction to Kerene’s death cemented the connection. Again, my heart.
Tuatha'an and The Way of the Leaf
Elsewhere in the world, Egwene and Perrin settled into a rhythm with the Tuatha'an, a.k.a. the Traveling People, a.k.a. Tinkers. The nomadic people wander the land in search of The Song—a song that supposedly will bring peace and harmony to all. That fits with their pacifist way of life, as the Tuatha’an follow the Way of the Leaf.
In the books, Aram says: "The leaf lives its appointed time, and does not struggle against the wind that carries it away. The leaf does no harm, and finally falls to nourish new leaves. So it should be with all men. And women."
The Tuatha'an harm no humans or creatures, not even in self defense or to save the life of another. Vegetarians (in the books at least), Tuatha'an try to hide or leave if someone attempts violence upon them. They tend to avoid larger cities where physical conflicts may be more likely.
Quote of the Week
“And a strong as you are, your power is a trickle. It's a pinprick of candlelight against the raging sun that will be the Dragon Reborn.” - Moiraine
Moiraine, who, if you’ll remember, has been questing to find the Dragon Reborn, uses a quiet moment with Logain to ask questions. She acknowledges his power while pointing out it’s nothing compared to what the actual Dragon Reborn’s power will be.
Logain later recalls that line when Nynaeve channels. He cannot see Nynaeve’s weaves of the One Power, but clearly he can see the results. It doesn’t take a trained Aes Sedai to know that a single person healing a room full of severely injured people is a person capable of tapping quite a bit of the One Power. Logain says, “Like a raging sun…”
His comment could mean something else from the books but spoilers so 🤐.
A Chat with Nynaeve
Nynaeve al’Meara is coming to life before my eyes thanks to Zoë Robins. Between channeling an impressive amount of the One Power and getting more friendly with Lan, Nynaeve had quite the episode. I chatted with Zoë Robins about Nynaeve’s journey so far, filming that big moment at the end of episode four, and more. You can read it here.
If you feel like exploring a bit once you’ve seen the newest episode, I have an interview with Madeleine Madden (Egwene) about the newest episode up at Nerdist, as well as a chat with showrunner Rafe Judkins about Loial.
Next Time
Stay tuned for more cast interviews and an interview with Rafe about the latest episode.
Otherwise: I’d love to know what you’re thinking about the series so far! Reply and share your thoughts or questions. Until next time, the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.