The long wait is nearly over, and almost a full year after we first saw Rosamund Pike impressively depict Moraine Damodred of the White Tower’s Blue Ajah and the royal house of Cairhien, #WheelOfTimeOnPrime has decided to bless us with another stunning trailer, this one of season two of the Wheel of Time.
Another much-awaited instalment of the Wheel of Time TV is finally here, and the fandom is just as excited about it as they were in the months and weeks leading up to the 19th of November, 2021. Season 1 was generally disappointing, as it became clear from the first few episodes that Rafe Judkins would deviate mightily from the source material. Indeed, the entire thing seemed rushed, and several gaping plotholes would ensure it had average to poor ratings from various critics.
Now, the fandom approaches the verge of Wheel of Time season 2 with just as much excitement but also an ironic mix of trepidation and resignation. In truth, expectations aren’t very high, but interest has barely waned. No matter how poor the screenplay or directing may have been in the past, the Wheel of Time as an institution cannot fail. Amazon made sure of that when they picked arguably the biggest series in epic fantasy to adapt for a motion picture. They have the bucks to spend on high-end on-screen effects and top-class off-screen promotion. Bad publicity, after all, is still publicity.
Nevertheless, hopeful fans like myself remain optimistic that Wheel of Time season 2 will be better than the first instalment. It remains to be seen whether or not we are wrong.
What We Know So Far About Wheel of Time Season 2
The first episode of Wheel of Time season 2 will air on the 1st of September, 2023. The season trailer premiered on the 19th of July, 2023 (#WheelOfTimeWednesday), and the initial visuals are unsurprisingly stunning. This time, there’s hardly any unbridled orgasmic gushing by the fanbase, as the failures of season 1 have not yet faded from memory.
However, some of the casting calls are cause for excitement of some sort. The alluring Ayoola Smart headlines the latest ensemble in her role as Aviendha, while Ceara Coveney and Arnas Fedaravicius will play Elayne Trakand and Masema Dagar, respectively. More controversially, Dónal Finn has replaced Barney Harris as Matrim Cauthon. It’s an interesting choice, and one wonders the motive behind this decision by the showrunners. Still, given that Mat is arguably the most exciting character in the books, one can speculate that the showrunners must have had valid reasons for their choice, whatever the motive.
What to Expect From Wheel of Time Season 2
The Wheel of Time has turned, and we’re about to enter the Second Age of Amazon’s reign. The official trailer teases much, even as many questions remain answered. Not even the most fanatic, avid and rabid WoT-er truly knows the direction Rafe Judkins and co will be steering this plot. Still, fans can reasonably expect the following from Wheel of Time season 2:
Lots of special effects
Amazon spent an eye-boggling $80 million on season 1, and the resulting motion picture had movie critics purring in satisfaction at the stunning effects and costumes, even if the storytelling left much to be desired.
In Wheel of Time season 2, we’re bound to see even more visually stunning graphics and, judging from the trailer, even more brilliant costumes as the Seanchan come to claim Randland for their own.
Extreme deviations from the source material
I’ve said many times that it would be silly for the showrunners to attempt to cover the story in all 14 books of the Wheel of Time, and it would be unrealistic for the fandom to expect the same. Each book is a massive tome in its own right, and the final book, A Memory of Light, is over a thousand pages long.
Combining Robert Jordan’s characteristic slow-paced, description-heavy storytelling with a parallel screenplay without mixing things up is virtually impossible. Unfortunately, this means the fandom must make do with even more plot blasphemy from the showrunners.
More mushy moments
The Wheel of Time season 2 official trailer hints at plenty of spicy, steamy moments. We’ve already been treated to a spicy moment between Siuan Sanche and Moiraine Damodred.
I’m also quite keen to see what the showrunners do with Elayne, Lanfear, Rand and Aviendha (Team Aviendha says hi!)
A highly complex plot (and possibly more plot holes)
The decision to mix things up will most likely see a vastly different story from what happened in the source material. Wheel of Time season 2 is intent on heralding The Great Hunt as its unofficial theme for this latest instalment. However, there’s little to suggest that they will follow the book’s plot to the letter.
With the sheer amount of plot holes in Wheel of Time season 1, season 2 will possibly follow the same trend, particularly given just how many plot threads will be squeezed into the latter.
Improved critical ratings
Although there is no guarantee that Wheel of Time season 2 will do better than its prequel, the ratings will likely be much better. Rafe Judkins and Co. will most likely have learned from the errors of season 1, and despite the lack of fanfare that characterised the buildup to season 1, there’s genuine hope for Wheel of Time season 2.
Final Thoughts
The fandom can expect more snippets on every #WheelOfTimeWednesday till the 1st of September, 2023, and the showrunners should brace themselves for even more critical scrutiny. Still, there are some awesome characters to look forward to, including Natasha O’Keefe, who will play my favourite character in the entire series, the Forsaken Lanfear!
Let The Great Hunt begin!
