In Review: The Wheel of Time (S1 – EP7) The Dark Along the Ways

Synopsis: In The Dark Along the Ways. Moiraine and her charges are diverted from their path by an unexpected encounter. This diversion, though, reveals many things – Moiraine’s true goal, Lan’s past, the fractures that have grown in the group, and the identity of the Dragon Reborn.

The Story

Picking the story up from where last week left off. Moiraine and her companions get diverted from their path into the ways by an unexpected encounter with some of The Dark One’s forces. They just about manage to get out and head to a border kingdom that watches for the Dark One’s forces. As they arrive Moiraine informs the authorities that she saw the Dark One’s forces massing in The Ways and suggests that they post some extra guards. After this brief meeting, Moiraine and her party are invited to rest in the city until they can continue their journey.

The brief respite allows for Lan Mandragoran to catch up with some close friends who are as close to him as family. While Moiraine takes the opportunity to visit a seer called Min Farshaw to ask her if any of her charges could potentially be The Dragon. 

Meanwhile, Egwene, Rand, and Perrin get into a bit of a fight, which seems to focus on the decision to move on without Mat, but then gets a little more personal. Rand who felt a strong bond of friendship with Mat goes off and throws a bit of a moody. While Nynaeve decides to see what Lan is up to and finds herself introduced to his friends. After this, she decides to follow him to his bed chambers.

The Dream

Meanwhile, Rand and Egwene have a bit of a chat about their last fight and all seems to be forgiven. But while Egwene is sleeping Rand goes off on his own to visit the seer and asks her if he is the Dragon. Min Farshaw tells Rand about her first-ever vision, which was apparently about Rand’s mother fighting in a war. This pretty much references the scene that the episode opens up with. It also strongly implies that Min Farshaw believes Rand to be the Dragon.

The Acting

Kae Alexander brings a mysterious twist to the role of Seer and Bartender Min Farshaw. Her first scene with Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) is really nice bit of foreshadowing for what is to come. However, her last scene with Rand (Josha Stradowski) really sets the scene for next week’s episode.

Additionally, we also get very strong performances from Daniel Henney and Zoë Robins as Lan and Nynaeve’s relationship evolves. Indeed, it would seem that Nyneave has managed to get Lan to open up to her about his mysterious past. Further explaining why he chose to become Moiraine’s warder.

Overall

The Dark Along the Ways is pretty much mostly expositional information, which is loading the pieces on the proverbial chessboard for next week’s episode. However, it does have a few good moments, which further feed into the deeper story. It also serves to reveal some pretty important character information about Lan.