So I guess I will throw out my thoughts on the first three episodes. Not sure it will add anything to the discussion.
There were some problems but am hopeful. Overall, I was not overwhelmed, but the bones are there for a great show. I'm not overly concerned because it typically takes a few episodes and even a season before a show finds it stride. I am going to watch every episode regardless of how bad it is, but this is not bad, just not great.
Negatives
1) everyone has said it, but the pacing is really fast. Just moved so fast. If the show is successful, they will have plenty of time to add the layers we want to see without rushing through them. I am excited to see the world building in pieces at a time. But, for example, the reasoning and explanation to leave Emonds Field felt so rushed and made little sense.
2) casting is meh. As stated above, they didn't have to go multiculturalist with the main 5 as Jordan interwove plenty of different cultures throughout the books. It's off putting. Egwene is certainly not pretty enough. As it stands, none of the cast will replace the images in my head for the main 5. But moiraine and lan are close to what I imagined except Lan was a little bulkier in my mind. And of course moiraine shorter.
3) wow factor. Just not overwhelmed with any aspect, yet. I was purposely keeping my expectations down, but still felt like a single instead of a home run. I have heard that episode 4 really is great and we will find out soon enough. And we have the climax at the end of season 1 to look forward to. So hopefully we see the grand slam at the eye of the world or tarwin gap.
Positives
1) the acting has been great. While I am disappointed with appearances, the actors are hitting the rights notes with me.
2) story changes. As a super fan, I really do not mind the changes they have made. I like that they added some depth to each character to better understand motivations. It feels more fresh than a straight adaptation.
3) CGI I actually thought they did a good job. The trollocs looked great. Mydraal looked frightening. Other than there be more colors representing each weave, the one lower use looks great! It's not marvel movie quality, but it definitely get the job done.
4) It's wheel of time on TV!!! I was always going to be lenient with this. I'm just so happy that a story that has meant so much to me is finally on TV. I've read this series probably 20 times.
My brother who is also a big fan of the books was more disappointed than me. He will still watch it through the end, but he gives it a 5/10. His and my wife bith loved it as non readers. Overall I am in the 6.5,7/10 so far.
Here's to hoping that episode 4 is a solid entry as rumored.
