The Wheel of Time Season 1 Episode 1 review: The story can keep you engaged

Story:

Based on Robert Jordan’s best-selling fantasy novels, which have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide, The Wheel of Time was adapted for television by executive producer/showrunner Rafe Judkins. The series stars Rosamund Pike, Josha Stradowski, Marcus Rutherford, Zoë Robins, Barney Harris, Madeleine Madden and Daniel Henney. It follows the story of Moiraine (played by Rosamund Pike), a member of a powerful all-female organisation Aes Sedai. She embarks on a dangerous journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn.   

Review:

The first episode opens in a small town called Two Rivers. It soon introduces the characters in the town and the powers they hold. The entry of Moiraine on a thundering night along with her aid looks intense. It introduces the couple Egwene (Madeleine) and Rand (Josha) who soon split as Egwene decides to become a Wisdom, a village healer as she believes she could listen to the wind with practice. But before she could gain all expertise that she needs, the village gets attacked by Trolloc, the Dark One's army.    

Trolloc takes Nynaeve, who located the Bowls of the Winds to stop the unnatural seasons, away. She is presumed to be dead by all villagers. The village is then saved by Moiraine, who uses her power of light to destroy the dark one's army. She convinces four of the villagers including Egwene to leave with her to the White Tower as the army is after their lives.

The highlight of the series is that it is led by women. The powerful portrayal of women, who fight and save the entire village, wins your heart.

The pilot episode of the fantasy series can make for an engaging watch. An ambitious project, the cinematography and direction are at par. It starts well with the introduction of characters but explores too many events in one hour-long episode, without giving a breather or time to soak in what's happening on screen.

The performances are commendable. Mat Cauthon, played by Barney Harries tries to bring in some humour to an otherwise dark tale.

Verdict:

The pilot episode of the fantasy series can make for an engaging watch but you cannot afford to miss even a scene as each gives away a lot of information.