The Wheel of Time, season 3 review: fantasy fans rejoice, this series is finally starting to soar
In the post-Game of Thrones race to be declared television's biggest fantasy franchise, The Wheel of Time has rounded a corner and is picking up speed. Prime Video's adaptation of Robert Jordan's 14-volume door-stopper-to-end-all-door-stoppers has gradually found its way after a first series blighted by iffy costuming and atrocious special effects. Having at last persuaded Amazon to whip out the chequebook, season three features drastically improved production values while Rosamund Pike appears to be finally enjoying herself as sorceress Moiraine – a sort of Lady Gandalf with inferior taste in hats but a much better line in whiz-bang magic.
There's one colossal caveat, however: you really do need to like this kind of thing. Where Game of Thrones won over sceptics by pretending to be about the politics rather than dragons (a ruse that worked almost right up until the end), The Wheel of Time is fantasy for people who enjoy fantasy. Five minutes into the latest run of episodes, it's already swords-and-sorcery pedal to the metal. Olivia Williams turns up as a scheming queen merrily slitting the throats of her rivals. Elsewhere, messiah-in-waiting (and Ed Sheeran lookalike) Rand al'Thor (Josha Stradowski) is moodily resisting mentor Moiraine's advice that he set off in search of a magical sword that will cement his status as the 'Dragon' of ancient prophecy – a figure destined to stand against the Sauron-like Dark One.
You have to admire the Wheel of Time for not being afraid to scare off the sort of people who gave up on Lord of the Rings the minute it stopped being about hobbits drinking themselves into a stupor. Yet, for those who enjoy a protein-packed hero's journey, it delivers quite a punch. The action kicks off with the outbreak of civil war in the headquarters of Moiraine's Aes Sedai – a school of esoteric nuns who are the sole wielders of magic in this world.
Rand, meanwhile, has woes of his own. He has come to the attention of the Aiel – a race of desert fighters who believe the farm boy turned mystical warrior could lead them to salvation. If that sounds a lot like the dilemma presented to Timothée Chalamet's character in Dune, it's because Jordan pinched ideas from all over. The Aes Sedai bear a strong resemblance to Dune's Bene Gesserit; Rand's ascent to power draws on Arthurian legend – Rand al'Thor being a wink to 'Arthur Pendragon'.
Fantasy has had a tough time since Game of Thrones imploded in an anticlimactic final season. Tolkien's legacy has been blemished by the appalling Rings of Power; Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon spiralled worryingly in its second year. Amid such disappointments, The Wheel of Time is coming into its own as the slow and steady saga that could well finish top of the class. It (finally) looks great, and the cast has committed to the silliness. True, the weird names and labyrinthine mythology will put many viewers off – but for those open to the show's grandiose charms, it might just cast a spell.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
‘I tried Olivia Attwood's go-to deodorant—it was a lifesaver in the heatwave'
Shopping Writer Meghan has put Olivia Attwood's favourite sustainable deodorant to the test during the heatwave to see if it really keeps you smelling fresh on hot days Refillable deodorants have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their sustainability, with brands like Wild pioneering the trend. But Wild is not the only brand offering shoppers the chance to pick their preferred deodorant case and scents while benefiting the planet—and Olivia Attwood's a fan. Olivia Attwood recently told fans that she's been loving sustainable brand Fussy and its refillable deodorant sticks —so I thought I'd put it to the test. I recently spent a weekend in Bath, which involved travelling by train and walking around the city during 25-degree heat, so I wanted to try a deodorant that promised to keep me smelling fresh without the need for a top-up while I'm on the go. And by the end of the weekend, I was very impressed. Much like the cult-favourite brand Wild, Fussy offers a reusable plastic casing and refills of your preferred scented deodorant. Olivia shared her recommendations to fans, sharing her favourite fragrance is Jasmine Bloom, a calming aroma combining floral jasmine and fresh green tea. Shoppers can try this refillable deodorant without breaking the bank, as it already has an affordable price tag. The refillable case and four refills of your chosen scent cost £32 directly from Fussy, or you can pick up a three-pack of the scent Peppermint, Eucalyptus & Sage on Amazon for £26. If you want to test out the deodorant without bulk buying, you can grab the case and one refill from Boots for £12. Of the three aromas I chose, the Coconut Milk scent carried me through my warm-weather weekend. This deodorant promises 24-hour protection and boasts all-natural ingredients for those who love a floral and fresh fragrance. It is also vegan and cruelty-free. I applied the deodorant at 8 a.m. before boarding my first train, after a four-and-a-half-hour journey with multiple changes. I spent the day walking all around Bath in high temperatures and very sunny weather, and then went for a fancy dinner without much of a chance to freshen up. By the time I made it home that night, after midnight, my friends were quick to note that I still smelled incredibly. Join our Shopping & Deals WhatsApp for the best bargains and fashion news WHATSAPP: Get the best deals and exclusive discount codes straight to your phone via our WhatsApp group. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Some of these articles will contain affiliate links where we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from them. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The notes of the fragrance were still noticeable, and there was no trace of that sweaty smell that lingers after a long day. It was even pointed out that the aroma was still present the following morning. Without the chance to top up at any point throughout the day, the hot weather conditions, and a lot of walking and carrying heavy bags, I got through the day without losing the sweet and fresh scent Fussy offered. Needless to say, I'm impressed. This deodorant has claimed pride of place in my go-to products this summer - it promised twenty-four-hour protection and scent that won't get damp no matter what you're doing, and it lived up to that declaration. I can easily see why Olivia Attwood raves about the brand so much. And it's not just me and Liv, shoppers love this brand, as over 25000 reviews pour in. One 5-star rater beams: "I was very sceptical as I had tried a similar product. Thought I would give it a try. I am now a convert. There are no white marks on my clothes, and it works for me. Great product, and my daughter also now uses it." Another shares: "I'd seen lots of influencers recommending Fussy, and when I mentioned it to my son, he told me he'd already started using Fussy and was impressed! He gave me his discount code, and a few days later, I received mine. I chose the coconut fragrance based on his recommendation, and it's very nice! So far, I've been pleased, so I hope this continues when the warmer, sweaty weather eventually comes! For my next order, I've chosen a couple of different scents to try, so I hope they're as appealing as the coconut! Give them a go if you're yet to try! Oh, and yes, they're better for the environment and for your body, no harsh chemicals and recyclable." More love comes in this comment: "I started using Fussy around two months ago, and it's the best ever! It smells incredible, and there is no smell at all, unlike when I tried every other deodorant with all the chemicals, and trust me when I say I have tried every single one out there. I love Jasmine Bloom and Parma Violet; I'll never go back to anything else!"
Spectator
2 hours ago
- Spectator
What happened to Piers Morgan?
There was great fanfare when Piers Morgan re-entered the world of television three years ago to front a new prime-time show on Rupert Murdoch's TalkTV. Morgan framed the move as a fightback against cancel culture, a return to free speech, and a declaration of independence from the constraints of legacy media. 'I'm delighted to now be returning to live television,' he announced in the show's trailer, promising to 'cancel the cancel culture' and to bring 'lively, vigorous debate' and even, in his words, the increasingly taboo three-letter word: fun. What began as an ambitious, if characteristically self-aggrandising, venture has since devolved into something much darker and altogether more degraded. TalkTV itself has folded as a linear broadcast channel, unable to match the traction of rival GB News. Morgan was given advance leave to migrate his programme to his own YouTube channel, an arrangement that let him present the move as an embrace of the future, aligning himself with the likes of Joe Rogan or the post-Fox Tucker Carlson.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE REVEALED: The luxury Italian venue Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have booked for their wedding celebrations
The historical Italian venue billionaire Jeff Bezos, 61, has booked as part of his wedding celebrations to Lauren Sanchez, 55, later this month can be revealed by the MailOnline. The Amazon boss has booked the Scuola Grande della Misericordia, one of the largest and grandest buildings in the historical centre of Venice, as part of the weekend-long extravaganza of celebrations. When built in 1310 it represented the 'Seven Scuole Grandi' whose members were high society dignitaries in Venice, who reached a level of such wealth and influence they were given leading roles in the state. Its walls are decorated by the city's greatest Renaissance artists. The Lonely Planet travel guides says of the large venue: 'One of Venice's seven grand confraternities, the Misericordia was the seat of the wealthy silk weavers guild that commissioned this enormous classical hall.' 'In 1532 Jacopo Sansovino was brought on board, brainstorming the idea of a Roman basilica within a traditional Venetian frame. No expense was spared on the interiors either, which were frescoed by Veronese, Zanchi, Pellegrini and Tintoretto. In 1914 it was taken over by the Reyer Sports Club, providing a beautiful backdrop to their basketball competitions.' The couple's highly-anticipated nuptials are set to take place the weekend of June 24 in the Floating City, much to the frustration of Venetians who have accused the billionaire of turning their home into a 'playground' for the ultra-wealthy - and are now planning protests to push back. A-list celebrities, politicians, and business leaders are expected to attend, which will mean beefed-up security, closed streets and airspace, and a strong police presence, just as Venice's peak tourist season gets underway. With an eye-popping price tag of $10million and a star-studded guest list that includes the Kardashians, actress Eva Longoria, and pop star Katy Perry - who all attended Sanchez's bachelorette party in Paris earlier this month - the wedding promises to opulence on overdrive. While President Donald Trump isn't expected to make an appearance, his children Ivanka and Don Jr are set to attend with their respective partners, husband Jared Kushner and new girlfriend Bettina Anderson. Guests are likely to land at nearby airports in gas-guzzling private planes - Bezos owns four Gulfstream jets - although the 61-year-old can't dock his $500million superyacht Koru as it's too big to anchor anywhere close to Venice. The massive carbon footprint of Bezos and his loaded guests will irk locals further, as Venice is blighted with polluted canals and mass tourism is destroying the fragile lagoon the city sits in. The Laboratorio Occupato Morion - a self-described 'anti-fascist, anti-capitalist, anti-racist and trans-feminist political space' - is already planning on hosting a protest event in the city on Friday at its social center, a short walk from the historic St. Mark's Square. The group has already begun advertising the protest online - sharing a flyer with an image of Bezos' head atop a rocket alongside the slogan: 'No space for Bezos, No space for oligarchs!' 'Jeff Bezos thinks he can buy the entire city - let's throw him a party!', the flyer reads, alongside details of Friday's demonstration. A lengthy adjoining caption reads : 'Venice is transformed into yet another playground for billionaires, while those who live it every day are left with discomfort, exclusion and precariousness.'
