The Road to the Spear

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.

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.

No spoilers ahead of a user, who has read the books multiple times.

An amazing adaptation and Rafe indeed succeeded with one of the most important early plot points in the development of Car'a'carn.

The adaptation stayed mostly true to the books, even word by word at some points.

It was engaging, breathtaking and exactly what I would like to see as a book fan.

Truly for me, one of the best pieces of TV I have seen recently and this episode specifically, even tho the overall tone of the season is amazing, raised the bar of the show.

Josha was amazing. Truly my Rand al'Thor!

I hope the show gets renewed. The cast and crew deserve it.

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.

I owe Rafe Judkins a massive apology. I didn't trust him to write the Trial of Rhuidean after he wrote s1e8 and s2e8, which were two of the worst episodes of the series in my opinion, but this was one of the most beautifully-crafted, moving hours of television I've ever watched, and absolutely blew me away. Josha Stradowski delivers an Emmy-worthy performance. Rosamund, Ayoola and Natasha are all excellent. Visually, the show has never been more stunning: from the costumes in the various flashbacks and flash-forwards to the visual effects and set design for the Glass Columns. A phenomenal episode that should earn the series more critical acclaim and viewership!