The Road to the Spear

This is one of the most important, profound and best written parts of the books, and it needed to be that for the show. They have absolutely achieved what I didn't think was possible. Going into it, I said the most important thing was to give this episode time with each scene/vision and they did that. I felt the magnitude of every scene just as much as in the books. Every vision got to breathe. Josha absolutely killed it by giving each of his ancestors nuance and character. The direction and cinematography were outstanding. Rafe wrote a beautiful episode that's going down as an all-time great.

A no spoiler review from a book fan.

For 33 years fans of the Wheel of Time have read this particular plotline thousands and thousands of times. It is one of the most memorable and emotionally charged pieces in the entire Wheel of Time. This is where many fans said "Robert Jordan is truly great" reading this plotline.

For 33 years readers have dreamed of seeing this play out, most of us never thought it could be done.

It has been done, and it was spectacular. There are not enough words to describe this episode and do it justice. For both book and show fans alike this is truly a masterpiece.

My first ever written review, because I feel I need to express how great this moment is. Josha Stradowski, Rosamund Pike. They understood and I felt it. That is the best compliment I can give. They knew what it meant. It is the best thing I have watched in a long time and I am ever so grateful to all the crew and cast who brought this to life and really poured their souls into it.

This episode was beyond any of my expectations coming in. This is best of television. Top tier acting, writing, directing, cinematography, everything in it's combined effort was magnificent. The culture of one people, split in two. The chain reactionary effect of history and the lineage of one man across the weaving of the Pattern. I am gagged, no words can explain the feeling of this episode. Watch and experience this masterpiece everyone. Rafe Judkins you seriously redeemed yourself. Bless your writing, you did Robert Jorden justice. He is watching us from above proud. Thank you and all the cast.

Each step forward has certainly not been a step backwards for WoT S3, where it has certainly felt that way in the past. This is now 4 eps in a row of near perfection and Ep4 might just the most WoT ep till date. Josh's steps up to the plate and delivers impeccable range. Rosamund is has brilliant as ever. The pacing is strong and this is an area that the show has struggled with in the past.

Finally, the story is delivered so well and it's one of the most important moments in the books for me. It sets up so much particularly for Rand and Moiraine relationship (if they go in a similar fashion to the books). Nonetheless I think the writers have cleverly set up a deviation from the book that will actually go down well. So well done Rafe and co, credit where it is due.

Best of all episodes so far - all seasons. Have read the books, many, many times since 1990 and I often skip this part in rereads. However, it was an awesome experience visually. They translated the words to pictures in an excellent way. It explains what women will see when entering the rings in Rhuidean - many possible futures, and what Rand will experience - going back in time with every step taking him further and further into the past until we see the origin of the Aiel. It really is a Rand focussed episode for those that think the show has so far been focussing on the women leads. An equal oppportunity show.