Best hour of Fantasy Television since the heyday of Game of Thrones. Absolutely heartbreaking and breathtaking at the same time. Give Madeleine Madden an Emmy!
Fingers crossed this can become a huge hit like GOT but without the rubbish last season. I want 10 seasons of ten episodes. And I agree on the acting this episode!
I thought it was interesting that channelers we've seen fight so far have mostly thrown fire with occasional blasts of earth and air, but when we see Ryma the Yellow fight she causes horrible wounds with the Power, making burns and boils and snapping and folding bones. The books mention it being dangerous to get healing weaves wrong, I like the idea of the Yellows knowing how to unleash some terrifying body horror weaves as a side effect of all their studying Healing.
I just wanted to point out that after talking to the Blue Sitter, the look on Egwene’s face says a lot. Let’s just say that Seanchan has captured the wrong woman. They just made a very dangerous enemy. Spoilers for Wheel of Time Book 12 ahead . . . . . “Egwene stood at an open hole in the side of the White Tower, wind pulling at her white dress, tugging at her hair, howling as if in accompaniment to her rage.” “Each faceless Seanchan that Egwene struck down seemed to be Renna in her mind's eye.” “Egwene was part of the fires that burned in the Tower, bloodying the sky with their flames, painting the air with their smoke.” “The White Tower, the sacred dwelling of the Aes Sedai, was under attack. They were all in danger, a danger greater than death.” “Egwene defended herself and each woman in the Tower. She would MAKE the Seanchan withdraw.” “This raid had to cost them.” Chapter 41 A Fount of Power, The Gathering Storm
Over 40 year old man, cried several times and at most of the same points as you did. Best episode of the entire series, hands down, and as good as a lot of the other episodes this season have been, it doesn't really even feel close. This is why I fell in love with these characters in the books, and it feels so much like that now in the show, too.
I finished the episode 10 minutes ago. I'm just sitting in front of the TV because I feel so exhausted That was such a good episode, so many emotions. We knew everyone on the cast was incredible, but Madeleine just... wow I can't even put it to words Amazon, pay your actors and writers because they deserve the WORLD. Their talent is just irreplaceable
@@KritterXD I was mesmerazed by your cat reactions (really enjoy that) and your reactions created tenderness for you Kritter. When we are spectator of brutality and violence, we become traumatize, speachless and knock out, almost numb. We become powerless and victimes as another level of this unhuman violence. I followed all your WoT reactions, love your intensity, reflexions and love for Robert Jordan creation. This show and reaction from books reader make me start reading the books !!
For a non-book reader that was hooked by the show after episode 4 of the first season, this was an amazing episode. Absolutely brutal scenes with Egwene. Great acting.
An emotional rollercoaster, i almost cried at several points. So much to love even if it was painful to watch at times, amazing acting from Madeleine, brilliant portrayal of lanfear. Mats mannerisms are perfect. They even managed to make me feel for liandrin.
The whole Siuan in Cairhien thing... I can't help but thing they're basically going to do the Fal Dara scenes from the beginning of book 2 that they couldn't do because of how they ended season 1. Even the number of Aes Sedai in her escort, and the fact that Liandrian and Alanna are among those, matches up to those chapters! Oh and if that is indeed the case we may very well get some Rand & Lan sword action ;) Fingers crossed!
since Mat jokingly commented on Rand's missing hair and looking awful, I think it was a lost opportunity for them to have made a joke about how Mat looked so different 😂 just to lighten things a wee bit, can still feel my heavy heart
This episode was so devastating. Egwene and her sul’dam ought to get Emmys for their performances here, they are absolutely incredible. Ryma too, finally an Aes Sedai who behaves as a servant of all.
Love love loved it - had to take screen shots of Mat & Rand reuniting. Every single actor in this just brought it 100 fold, poor Daniel Henny not allowed to show too much emotion on face in comparison. But wow wow wow the nuances, the easter eggs (Maigan saying I was a Sitter of the Blue Ajah - basically saying Egwene is above that) omg Maddie & Xenia, Nyokabi (Ryma), Natasha, Kate, Kae, Donal. Just BRILLIANT. Kudos to the writers, directors, costume designers and especially Rafe.
Mat giving Rand a little 'Dragon Reborn' pep was a wonderful moment. Arghh so much to love. Egwene scenes break my heart, the part where Renna looks genuinely hurt after 'they' set the tree on fire and Egwene does not return her connection or show gratefulness was so well acted. I'm absolutely living for Lanfear. Ruthless MF. Also I would not be opposed to a certain doorway scene between Liandrin and Lanfear instead of M and Lanfear....
This one has me ugly crying - watching Ryma fight and be collared (knowing her remaking as Pura) side by side with Egwene’s “training” was gut wrenching.
For such a crybaby I held up surprisingly well for most of the episode! But the Rand and Mat reunion got me sniffly and then Ryma, after being so shaken by the realization that Black Ajah exist and that what the sisterhood meant to her has been betrayed, to turn to Nyneave and ask if she can trust her? Trust her to honor her misision, her sacrifice, and her last wish? Yeah, I cried. Then she neatly folded up that Seanchan woman in a fit of rage and grief and I cried some more. By the time Egwene was pouring that cup I was just full on sobbing. The silence when she puts her hand on the jug is so goddamn effective. The confused whiplashing range of emotions on her face when she realizes what happened 😭😭😭Madeline was already bringing her A game from the get go but I genuinely have no words for how good she is in this ep.
I just LOVE how your Kitty made itself comfortable on your WHEEL OF TIME bookset... Cried for most of this episode, hate that I can now add Renna to the growing list of bad guys I can't help but actually like (her and Egwene need ALL the awards for this episode), love that we got to see the Song. This was by far the best episode so far in both seasons. Can't wait to see what they get up to for the rest of the season.
how has Ryma and Basan able to make me feel scared for them before their battle and be devastated after. It's a testament to both the writing and acting to make viewers care for minor characters who had short screen times, like they were there for a lot longer
Incredible acting! Truly Servant of All. It was sooooo good to see that deep Aes Sedai/Warder bond again, with Moiraine and Lan being so weird this season. Their chemistry (L&M) was so much of what I loved about Season 1. Heartbreaking watching Basan struggle to kill Ryma and her pain at watching him die instead before the collar goes on 😭😭😭
@@kalikadevi amazing writing too. Actors can only do so much with a crappy script. Writer and actor team work is kinda like Aes Sedai and Warder too when in sync
@@bevssabado3460 and the music. Loved at Egwene's breaking there was silence. Nothing. No music playing with our emotions, just silence, empty silence. Perfection.
Broke my heart seeing Egwene lying with her cheek pressed against that horrible kennel floor struggling against that infernal collar contrasted with how peacefully she washed up on the riverbank after surrendering to the flow of the river during her Women’s Circle initiation.
I think I cried like 20 times--When Mat and Rand reunited, when Ny and Elayne held hands, when Moiraine wrote she was "stilled" not shielded--and of course basically any scene that involved Egwene---what makes this show so impactful is the characters and what we feel for them and I agree that this one was the worst yet--I thought it was bad at the end of season 1 when Moiraine got SHIELDED by Ishy--this was ten times worse than that--I even felt bad for Liandrin after hating her last episode--just the whole time I wanted to just keep bawling--props to the writers, the actors & actresses, to everyone involved in the show--they are all slaying it--I cannot wait to see what Siuan has in mind next episode and is she aware of the Seanchan and everything that has gone on--will she want to rescue Egwene? I think so much is going to happen in these next two episodes it's gonna be wild
That's the problem for book readers. There's sooooooo much that has to happen in just 2 episodes. All fans need to launch a campaign for more episodes in future seasons!!!
I am going to start listening to The Eye of the World narrated by Rosamund Pike soon and I am almost scared to cause it just sounds like soooo much more happens in the books I dunno if I can handle it lol @@nard1000
@@mikasaacker297 Yay! However, you may end up in the crowd that endlessly critiques the show vs the books. Personally, I can enjoy both because of context. When you read the books, you may come to understand Rafe's dilemma- too much material for 8 episodes. You may find some characters less interesting in the books than the show and vice-versa. Enjoy!
That last scenes were really an emotional rollercoaster😢 I heard from another reaction that the show tends to parallel women channeling to water. Egwene pouring a cup of water for Renna is like her relinquishing her Power to another. The two most heart retching scenes for me are when Egwene was broken and she realized it, and when Ryma was collared on top of losing her Warder. But I just realized after watching your reaction, Egwene seems to have a determined look on her face after she heard what Maigan said.
They might as well have called this episode "The Breaking of the Fans". Like, holy shit >< I think Siuan bringing 14 Aes Sedai with her... well, she knows The Dragon is there, thanks to Lan, and apparently knows that Moiraine is there.... Siuan, a Witness, and 13 Aes Sedai to Sever Rand, Moiraine, or both?
Also, can we just talk about how gods damned OBSCENELY TOUGH that black haired Damane is?! "The Damane feels the pain of her Sul'Dam twice over, even unto death" Her Sul'Dam is being twisted like a rubix cube and folded into a pretzel, and she's just slightly bent forwards going "Oh my, my stomach hurts, I think I ate something dodgy"
@@darrensanderson1031 she had mouth piece in her mouth , so she can’t make any sound anyway , and she was also suffering , feeling the pain is different from being in pain and being crushed
I rarely cry for media, be it actors in a performance (even spectacularly good ones) or novels, bc it's fiction and my ability to separate myself from fiction is pretty robust. It's not never, but it is rare. BUT. Watching reactors cry makes me cry bc that's not fiction. My empathy response to real people being actually upset is much, much stronger. So, no, I didn't cry at any point watching this episode myself. But did I shed tears rewatching it with you? Yes. Yes I did.
💙 I’m a sympathetic crier too. I hope your experience wasn’t so much negative as it was cathartic. 💙 I sometimes can’t separate myself from media I’m consuming, which is probably why the hardest part of this whole thing was at the end when Egwene fully broke down. She’s my girl. I love her as a character. And actually seeing that and hearing it instead of just reading it was absolutely heartbreaking for me.
@@KritterXD Oh yes! It's a positive experience! 😊Partly, simply I love to watch reactors as a way to experience content again "for the first time" through someone else's lens. And I love to find a mix of super fans, casual fans, and totally blind noobs. Your connection to the characters gives me more of a sense of connection thru that empathy pull. It's good. I also love to hear people's interpretations and take-aways when they roll into reaction/breakdown mode. Seeing what I also caught or if I took it differently or completely missed something. It all adds to the community experience, but instead of chatting around the water cooler at work we get the whole world of people who want to share their experience of content with each other. It's great! Came for the Vox Machina, as a big critter myself, you're one of the blind reactors I sought out for that; stayed for the WoT, as someone who has not read the books, so you're one of my super fan rectors on this one.
I finished the episode and I had to sit there and take a few moments to compose myself. Ryma's part in the show felt so much more devastating than what happened in the book. Although this show is different in so many ways to the books, it is hitting all the things and I honestly must say that I love this show.
There are so many incredible moments in this episode. Mat and Rand reuniting made me so happy i was literally cheering "best friends forevaaaa" on my couch 😅...those ending moments where they're cutting back and forth between Ryma and Egwene were so intense i had that same feeling at the end where i was juat stunned and couldnt think of anything else in the episode but that ending. Madeleine Madden's performance was absolutely Emmy worthy and honestly the actress for Renna was incredible too. Anyone that can make you hate them that much is doing thier job as a villain. I haven't wanted to be so violent to an antagonist character on tv since Ramsey Bolton going to town on Reek in GoT.
I am soooo glad I found your channel Kritter! I love that you, as a die-hard book fan, allow yourself to enjoy the show. You invest fully in the moments that are happening and squeal over the little book nuggets throughout the season It's a joy to watch because I also react similarly. Yes, they do things differently from the books but I am enjoying this season so much and have been disappointed by other YT WOT book hardies who do nothing but s*** on the show. Thank you! Keep being amazing!
Madeleine Madden is a powerhouse! I honestly can't imagine any other actor pulling that off so convincingly. The body contortions, the looks of anguish, despair, hatred for her captor blended with self-loathing. Unreal. We felt that. That was not a TV show. It was real! All I can say is if they are knocking out of the park in season 2, I really hope they give them more room and budget to fully tell the story because it's only going to get even better! Mat clinging to Rand like a lifeline was such a hit to the feels! Loial treesinging! Agh! So heartbreaking and yet such a powerful episode. If they keep topping themselves these last 2 episodes are going to be insane!
Agreed with you @twig8523, this is what I wrote for Kritter XD "I was mesmerazed by your cat reactions (really enjoy that) and your reactions created tenderness for you Kritter. When we are spectator of brutality and violence, we become traumatize, speachless and knock out, almost numb. We become powerless and victimes as another level of this unhuman violence. I followed all your WoT reactions, love your intensity, reflexions and love for Robert Jordan creation. This show and reactions from books readers make me start reading the books !!"
I am gonna say it, this is the closest fantasy we had to GoT, it reminds me so much of it, in terms of characters and thier suffering, world building, phenomenal acting, packed with alot of surreal moments 👏 🙌 👌
Great episode and great reaction as usual. Hard topics can be some if the best storytelling. Maddie twisting her hand while trying to touch the pitcher was amazing
These 8 episodes seasons Amazon insists on are a huge mistake. With such a low episode count, especially with a broad ranging story/cast, you cannot have even one "off pace" or focused episode (like the breaking of Egwene here) without compromising important threads of the story. Even the 10 episode seasons some others have opted for leave very little room for natural pacing variation and experimentation (Strange New Worlds had 2 novelty episodes out of 10 this season and even though they were good, it was hurt by that). Clearly the bean counters have decided that the golden days of 22-26 episodes are never coming back but in order to leave room to breathe and experiment complex stories require 10 minimum, probably 13. These accountants are fatally compromising their IP with these strictures.
@@danhenley9495 Me Too,.. it's just a shame that after paying all the up front costs of setting up a show, they scrimp on the small additional costs, hurting the story, and hurting their revenue earning airtime. Entertainment accounting is a black art.
Best episode yet! I think the fact that Loial's treesinging only merits a passing mention in all the videos I've seen says a lot about the quality of the episode. I doubt if anyone, anywhere, saw that coming, and in most other episodes it would have been a major highlight of the episode. I agree it's time for a renewal announcement.
I watched the first season of WOT and was not into it at first but by the end I thought it was ok. (never read the books) I re-watched the first season to ready for the second and realized it is actually a really good show. (especially in world building, costumes, all the crafts) Watching the second season I'm blown away... terrific story telling and compelling character development. So now I'm looking for spoiler free reviews.
Yes, it took me more than one hour to be able to watch this video, and yes I still feel exhausted just from watching and listening to what happened to Egwene. Such incredible performance
OMG this episode. I've cried multiple moments on both watches and even on watching the reaction videos. Definitely teared up with the Mat and Rand reunion. Poor Mat, so unsure of his welcome and almost pathetically grateful that Rand didn't reject him. Liandrin really did a number on him.
Im fragile today and cried more wathhing someone elses reaction lol Season 1 was very middling and every good moment in this season gives me so much hope. Theres so much world to build on, the show NEEDS 10 episodes a season. Excited to see how they pull this together for the end of the season, but disgusted there isnt more episodes. Subscribed, really enjoyable watch!
There was a lot of trauma here in this episode, but I noticed 2 absolutely wonderful things that happened: 1- Nynaeve and Elayne hold hands to support each other for what they will need to do and 2- the renewed resolve showing in Egwene's face before it cuts to credits, just because the woman in the cell next to her finally speaks to her, trying to give her comfort. Hard episode to watch, but oh my.
Lots of tears at various spots! An absolutely awesome episode, painful as it was. We got such a great portrayal of the cruelty and depravity of the Seanchan in just a few scenes thanks to some really concise writing. Loved it!
6:30 I feel like Alanna compelled Lan with the warder bond in that scene. & at the end, what are you talking about with Egwene being "fully" broken. That was just the first battle of a long war of attrition. I'm buoyed by the spreading realization on Egwene's face regarding the "affinity" between her & the sul'dam, as well as what looked to me like renewed resolve after learning who her cell-neighbor is. Yes I cried this episode... at the loss of the tree & pouring thr water. That's the 3rd & 4th time this season Madeleine has done that to me.
Love your WoT videos. Thank you for sharing, and pointing out the hand holding moment. I also liked the quick friendly look Nynaeve gives Elayne when she reinforces that they aren’t leaving without Egwene. Their friendship is one of many I really enjoy throughout the series
I'm enjoying Rafe's inclination to expand on bookfans' reaction to [redacted]'s 'redemption arc' by alluding to similar arcs for more Darkfriends. Giving more of them potential for redemption (even if they don't achieve it, or even pursue it) affords us more empathy for the choices that led each one to take those oaths. As much as I enjoyed book-Liandrin's arc, show-Liandrin is much more complex, and I'm loving it. Also, f*** the Seanchan.
I love that it's getting more dark. I hope the quality keeps going up. I have high hopes for season 3, I really hope they get some better directors, but I'm enjoying season 2 a lot more than season 1. Love your reaction vids :D I look forward to it every week
Love, love, loved the episode, even if it was painful to watch - the book was dark, but they're clearly not afraid to go there! I'm sure it's no coincidence that Siuane has brought 14 Aes Sedai with her - 13 is the magic number in the books for major rituals, and she may already know about Liandrin's betrayal via Verin and be preparing to bring her to justice. Or are they here to break the shield on Moiraine, perhaps with Rand's help - since Ishy shielded her using saidin, presumably they can't see his weave and that's why M thinks she's been stilled? Whatever it is, I'm so excited for Episode 7!
I was so distracted by your gorgeous feline friend making himself comfortable on top of your WoT bookset right behind you. Orange tabbies are my favorite creatures.
Me too! My husband, a non-book reader, thought that Renna calling her a good "girl" didn't make sense if the Seanchan truly believe that channellers are pretty much like animals. But my son and I, both avid book fans, argued that animals are also gendered. It's no different than us saying good girl to our dog. :( And Ryma Sedai sacrificing herself for Elayne & Nynaeve broke my heart. When she is encountered in the books, she has already been broken, and it made me wonder if she had sacrificed herself to try and save any other channellers. 🤷♀️
Madeleine Madden's performance at the end there was absolutely gut-wrenching; a mesmerizing performance. Don't remember seeing one quite like it since a young Jennifer Garner (circa 2001) in her breakout lead role in the first episode of "Alias". Makes me wonder just how far MM's star will rise.
Best hour of Fantasy Television since the heyday of Game of Thrones. Absolutely heartbreaking and breathtaking at the same time. Give Madeleine Madden an Emmy!
GIVE IT TO HER RIGHT NOW
NOW!
That série is just a travesty of the Books.
Fingers crossed this can become a huge hit like GOT but without the rubbish last season.
I want 10 seasons of ten episodes. And I agree on the acting this episode!
PREACH ❤
Ryma is the best Aes Sedai we've met so far in this show. Truly a Servant Of All.
Incredible. A testament to the yellow ajah
@@KritterXDIt may also be why Nynaeve chooses the yellow.
absolutely!
When she just folded up that Seanchan like a roll of toilet paper. God damn.
I really love the "It's okay" to Nynaeve. It's not, even a little, but it was an accident and she knew she was on borrowed time anyway.
Did you catch Siuane's weave when she thought somebody was attacking her? She had a Crown of Swords
Someone pointed out that when she turned, it behaved like a school of fish. Whoa!
Egwene did NOT break, she stumbled - she'll get back up.
Yupppp
YES
you could see her back straighten that wee bit right at the end
They did an amazing job with Renna. Hubby is a non reader and all he kept saying is “please tell me she kills that B--“
My partner asked me the same thing. I told her that I wouldn't answer the question, but that there are worse things than death.
Tell him, no she doesn't but what happens to her is far worse.
@@Harldin I went with something like “just wait. You’ll be pleased”
@@nephtys369 I went and listened to ch 46 of TGH today to remind myself and all they have to do is film that scene word for word.
@@Harldin oh that would be perfect
I watched this episode twice last night. I've now watched 4 reactions this morning. I've cried every single time.
Yup.
Same.
I thought it was interesting that channelers we've seen fight so far have mostly thrown fire with occasional blasts of earth and air, but when we see Ryma the Yellow fight she causes horrible wounds with the Power, making burns and boils and snapping and folding bones. The books mention it being dangerous to get healing weaves wrong, I like the idea of the Yellows knowing how to unleash some terrifying body horror weaves as a side effect of all their studying Healing.
It's one thing to read it, but to see it, actually see it, it makes it so much more real.
That's how I feel too.
Agreed
Crushing.
I just wanted to point out that after talking to the Blue Sitter, the look on Egwene’s face says a lot. Let’s just say that Seanchan has captured the wrong woman. They just made a very dangerous enemy.
Spoilers for Wheel of Time Book 12 ahead
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.
.
.
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“Egwene stood at an open hole in the side of the White Tower, wind pulling at her white dress, tugging at her hair, howling as if in accompaniment to her rage.”
“Each faceless Seanchan that Egwene struck down seemed to be Renna in her mind's eye.”
“Egwene was part of the fires that burned in the Tower, bloodying the sky with their flames, painting the air with their smoke.”
“The White Tower, the sacred dwelling of the Aes Sedai, was under attack. They were all in danger, a danger greater than death.”
“Egwene defended herself and each woman in the Tower. She would MAKE the Seanchan withdraw.”
“This raid had to cost them.”
Chapter 41 A Fount of Power, The Gathering Storm
I just got chills
Yeah but...
The foreshadowing is PEAK
I knew the Ryma scene was going to kill me, I was balling.
Over 40 year old man, cried several times and at most of the same points as you did. Best episode of the entire series, hands down, and as good as a lot of the other episodes this season have been, it doesn't really even feel close. This is why I fell in love with these characters in the books, and it feels so much like that now in the show, too.
I finished the episode 10 minutes ago. I'm just sitting in front of the TV because I feel so exhausted
That was such a good episode, so many emotions. We knew everyone on the cast was incredible, but Madeleine just... wow I can't even put it to words
Amazon, pay your actors and writers because they deserve the WORLD. Their talent is just irreplaceable
Ryma taking out 2 Sul’dam had me screaming- particularly folding the second one up like an old tent.
Your cat laying across those gorgeous wheel of time books should be painted as a portrait!
He was definitely NOT supposed to be there, but not that you mention it, that would be an amazing piece of art
Do it next time before you shoo him away😂
@@KritterXD I was mesmerazed by your cat reactions (really enjoy that) and your reactions created tenderness for you Kritter. When we are spectator of brutality and violence, we become traumatize, speachless and knock out, almost numb. We become powerless and victimes as another level of this unhuman violence. I followed all your WoT reactions, love your intensity, reflexions and love for Robert Jordan creation. This show and reaction from books reader make me start reading the books !!
For a non-book reader that was hooked by the show after episode 4 of the first season, this was an amazing episode. Absolutely brutal scenes with Egwene. Great acting.
Me halfway through: Hmm this is kinda slow.
Me at the end: I'm traumatized.
Maddy is absolutely incredible in this episode. Holy hell.
An emotional rollercoaster, i almost cried at several points. So much to love even if it was painful to watch at times, amazing acting from Madeleine, brilliant portrayal of lanfear. Mats mannerisms are perfect. They even managed to make me feel for liandrin.
Ripping our hearts out from multiple angles
@@KritterXD yup and the actress playing renna managed to make me truly hate her within minutes.
Hell, I'll admit it, Madeleine made me tear up twice this episode, that's times 3 & 4 she's made me cry this season!
"I WAS a Sitter."
The Seanchan broke her so thoroughly that she doesn't even believe it anymore. Which is why she's able to say it.
Dang I didn't even think of that 😮 Even as damane the oaths still apply.
The whole Siuan in Cairhien thing... I can't help but thing they're basically going to do the Fal Dara scenes from the beginning of book 2 that they couldn't do because of how they ended season 1. Even the number of Aes Sedai in her escort, and the fact that Liandrian and Alanna are among those, matches up to those chapters!
Oh and if that is indeed the case we may very well get some Rand & Lan sword action ;) Fingers crossed!
I agree that the Lan-Rand connection is underwhelming
Verin is one of those 14 too
@@seav80 Ah of course how did I miss this the first time! Yup all of the key players are there😛
I was thinking the same thing about the Fal Dara scenes being mirrored! Love that Verin is there too
And I hope we do get Lan training Rand.
@@ShafiqaIdris if you watch the Ep7 preview it does seem we get Lan teaching Rand how to meet with Suian.
since Mat jokingly commented on Rand's missing hair and looking awful, I think it was a lost opportunity for them to have made a joke about how Mat looked so different 😂 just to lighten things a wee bit, can still feel my heavy heart
Omg that would’ve been hilarious
@@KritterXD right? lol a short comedic respite before we allow them to break our hearts 💔 again 😭😭😭
Mat, "Your hair..."
Rand, "Your face..."- lol
@@nard1000 🤣😹🤣😹 exactly! Too bad they missed that chance
I was waiting for it!!
This episode was so devastating. Egwene and her sul’dam ought to get Emmys for their performances here, they are absolutely incredible.
Ryma too, finally an Aes Sedai who behaves as a servant of all.
The acting is phenomenal. And the writing is heavily astounding the same way.
Love love loved it - had to take screen shots of Mat & Rand reuniting. Every single actor in this just brought it 100 fold, poor Daniel Henny not allowed to show too much emotion on face in comparison. But wow wow wow the nuances, the easter eggs (Maigan saying I was a Sitter of the Blue Ajah - basically saying Egwene is above that) omg Maddie & Xenia, Nyokabi (Ryma), Natasha, Kate, Kae, Donal. Just BRILLIANT. Kudos to the writers, directors, costume designers and especially Rafe.
Mat giving Rand a little 'Dragon Reborn' pep was a wonderful moment. Arghh so much to love. Egwene scenes break my heart, the part where Renna looks genuinely hurt after 'they' set the tree on fire and Egwene does not return her connection or show gratefulness was so well acted. I'm absolutely living for Lanfear. Ruthless MF. Also I would not be opposed to a certain doorway scene between Liandrin and Lanfear instead of M and Lanfear....
This one has me ugly crying - watching Ryma fight and be collared (knowing her remaking as Pura) side by side with Egwene’s “training” was gut wrenching.
I really hope they turn away from the books and redeem Ryma…
For such a crybaby I held up surprisingly well for most of the episode! But the Rand and Mat reunion got me sniffly and then Ryma, after being so shaken by the realization that Black Ajah exist and that what the sisterhood meant to her has been betrayed, to turn to Nyneave and ask if she can trust her? Trust her to honor her misision, her sacrifice, and her last wish? Yeah, I cried. Then she neatly folded up that Seanchan woman in a fit of rage and grief and I cried some more. By the time Egwene was pouring that cup I was just full on sobbing. The silence when she puts her hand on the jug is so goddamn effective. The confused whiplashing range of emotions on her face when she realizes what happened 😭😭😭Madeline was already bringing her A game from the get go but I genuinely have no words for how good she is in this ep.
Yeah that sound editor needs some awards too. The silence was deafening
@@KritterXD AMEN!
Also thank you so much for giving us such a personal and emotional reaction. It was heartbreaking but it was unfiltered and raw. We ♥️ you for this!
I just LOVE how your Kitty made itself comfortable on your WHEEL OF TIME bookset... Cried for most of this episode, hate that I can now add Renna to the growing list of bad guys I can't help but actually like (her and Egwene need ALL the awards for this episode), love that we got to see the Song. This was by far the best episode so far in both seasons. Can't wait to see what they get up to for the rest of the season.
Oh see I like a lot of the bad guys in WoT but Renna is not one of them
how has Ryma and Basan able to make me feel scared for them before their battle and be devastated after. It's a testament to both the writing and acting to make viewers care for minor characters who had short screen times, like they were there for a lot longer
Incredible acting! Truly Servant of All. It was sooooo good to see that deep Aes Sedai/Warder bond again, with Moiraine and Lan being so weird this season. Their chemistry (L&M) was so much of what I loved about Season 1. Heartbreaking watching Basan struggle to kill Ryma and her pain at watching him die instead before the collar goes on 😭😭😭
@@kalikadevi amazing writing too. Actors can only do so much with a crappy script. Writer and actor team work is kinda like Aes Sedai and Warder too when in sync
@@bevssabado3460 and the music. Loved at Egwene's breaking there was silence. Nothing. No music playing with our emotions, just silence, empty silence. Perfection.
@@Ayeshteni yeah, there really is a right time for everything
This episode hurt my soul, but when Egwane gets her revenge… shit I bet it’s going to be _EPIC_
Broke my heart seeing Egwene lying with her cheek pressed against that horrible kennel floor struggling against that infernal collar contrasted with how peacefully she washed up on the riverbank after surrendering to the flow of the river during her Women’s Circle initiation.
I think I cried like 20 times--When Mat and Rand reunited, when Ny and Elayne held hands, when Moiraine wrote she was "stilled" not shielded--and of course basically any scene that involved Egwene---what makes this show so impactful is the characters and what we feel for them and I agree that this one was the worst yet--I thought it was bad at the end of season 1 when Moiraine got SHIELDED by Ishy--this was ten times worse than that--I even felt bad for Liandrin after hating her last episode--just the whole time I wanted to just keep bawling--props to the writers, the actors & actresses, to everyone involved in the show--they are all slaying it--I cannot wait to see what Siuan has in mind next episode and is she aware of the Seanchan and everything that has gone on--will she want to rescue Egwene? I think so much is going to happen in these next two episodes it's gonna be wild
That's the problem for book readers. There's sooooooo much that has to happen in just 2 episodes. All fans need to launch a campaign for more episodes in future seasons!!!
I am going to start listening to The Eye of the World narrated by Rosamund Pike soon and I am almost scared to cause it just sounds like soooo much more happens in the books I dunno if I can handle it lol @@nard1000
@@mikasaacker297 Yay! However, you may end up in the crowd that endlessly critiques the show vs the books. Personally, I can enjoy both because of context. When you read the books, you may come to understand Rafe's dilemma- too much material for 8 episodes. You may find some characters less interesting in the books than the show and vice-versa. Enjoy!
That last scenes were really an emotional rollercoaster😢 I heard from another reaction that the show tends to parallel women channeling to water. Egwene pouring a cup of water for Renna is like her relinquishing her Power to another. The two most heart retching scenes for me are when Egwene was broken and she realized it, and when Ryma was collared on top of losing her Warder. But I just realized after watching your reaction, Egwene seems to have a determined look on her face after she heard what Maigan said.
That's a beautiful parallel I hadn't caught at all. Thank you!!
They might as well have called this episode "The Breaking of the Fans".
Like, holy shit ><
I think Siuan bringing 14 Aes Sedai with her... well, she knows The Dragon is there, thanks to Lan, and apparently knows that Moiraine is there.... Siuan, a Witness, and 13 Aes Sedai to Sever Rand, Moiraine, or both?
Also, can we just talk about how gods damned OBSCENELY TOUGH that black haired Damane is?!
"The Damane feels the pain of her Sul'Dam twice over, even unto death"
Her Sul'Dam is being twisted like a rubix cube and folded into a pretzel, and she's just slightly bent forwards going "Oh my, my stomach hurts, I think I ate something dodgy"
She felt the pain , but it’s not her bones crushing
Yeah she should have gone a bit crazy from that for a bit
@@peymanyaghoubi6560 She should still be writhing on the floor and screaming, not just slightly hunched over.
@@darrensanderson1031 she had mouth piece in her mouth , so she can’t make any sound anyway , and she was also suffering , feeling the pain is different from being in pain and being crushed
@@peymanyaghoubi6560 "Feeling the pain is different from being in pain"
WTF??
I rarely cry for media, be it actors in a performance (even spectacularly good ones) or novels, bc it's fiction and my ability to separate myself from fiction is pretty robust. It's not never, but it is rare. BUT. Watching reactors cry makes me cry bc that's not fiction. My empathy response to real people being actually upset is much, much stronger. So, no, I didn't cry at any point watching this episode myself. But did I shed tears rewatching it with you? Yes. Yes I did.
💙 I’m a sympathetic crier too. I hope your experience wasn’t so much negative as it was cathartic. 💙 I sometimes can’t separate myself from media I’m consuming, which is probably why the hardest part of this whole thing was at the end when Egwene fully broke down. She’s my girl. I love her as a character. And actually seeing that and hearing it instead of just reading it was absolutely heartbreaking for me.
@@KritterXD Oh yes! It's a positive experience! 😊Partly, simply I love to watch reactors as a way to experience content again "for the first time" through someone else's lens. And I love to find a mix of super fans, casual fans, and totally blind noobs. Your connection to the characters gives me more of a sense of connection thru that empathy pull. It's good. I also love to hear people's interpretations and take-aways when they roll into reaction/breakdown mode. Seeing what I also caught or if I took it differently or completely missed something. It all adds to the community experience, but instead of chatting around the water cooler at work we get the whole world of people who want to share their experience of content with each other. It's great!
Came for the Vox Machina, as a big critter myself, you're one of the blind reactors I sought out for that; stayed for the WoT, as someone who has not read the books, so you're one of my super fan rectors on this one.
@@pemberliegh very happy to have you here 💙
I finished the episode and I had to sit there and take a few moments to compose myself. Ryma's part in the show felt so much more devastating than what happened in the book. Although this show is different in so many ways to the books, it is hitting all the things and I honestly must say that I love this show.
There are so many incredible moments in this episode. Mat and Rand reuniting made me so happy i was literally cheering "best friends forevaaaa" on my couch 😅...those ending moments where they're cutting back and forth between Ryma and Egwene were so intense i had that same feeling at the end where i was juat stunned and couldnt think of anything else in the episode but that ending. Madeleine Madden's performance was absolutely Emmy worthy and honestly the actress for Renna was incredible too. Anyone that can make you hate them that much is doing thier job as a villain. I haven't wanted to be so violent to an antagonist character on tv since Ramsey Bolton going to town on Reek in GoT.
Such an incredible episode. Can’t wait to rewatch but also scared to lol
I am soooo glad I found your channel Kritter! I love that you, as a die-hard book fan, allow yourself to enjoy the show. You invest fully in the moments that are happening and squeal over the little book nuggets throughout the season It's a joy to watch because I also react similarly. Yes, they do things differently from the books but I am enjoying this season so much and have been disappointed by other YT WOT book hardies who do nothing but s*** on the show. Thank you! Keep being amazing!
I was so intent on the story I didn’t cry during my first watch, but totally did during my rewatch during the Rand and Matt reunion scene.
Madeleine Madden is a powerhouse! I honestly can't imagine any other actor pulling that off so convincingly. The body contortions, the looks of anguish, despair, hatred for her captor blended with self-loathing. Unreal. We felt that. That was not a TV show. It was real! All I can say is if they are knocking out of the park in season 2, I really hope they give them more room and budget to fully tell the story because it's only going to get even better! Mat clinging to Rand like a lifeline was such a hit to the feels! Loial treesinging! Agh! So heartbreaking and yet such a powerful episode. If they keep topping themselves these last 2 episodes are going to be insane!
This episode was *brutal!* I could never call it my "favorite" so far or even that I "liked" it... but godsdamn was it incredible. 😮
Agreed with you @twig8523, this is what I wrote for Kritter XD "I was mesmerazed by your cat reactions (really enjoy that) and your reactions created tenderness for you Kritter. When we are spectator of brutality and violence, we become traumatize, speachless and knock out, almost numb. We become powerless and victimes as another level of this unhuman violence. I followed all your WoT reactions, love your intensity, reflexions and love for Robert Jordan creation. This show and reactions from books readers make me start reading the books !!"
I'm an emotional wreck, what an episode!
I cried the hardest in this episode
I am gonna say it, this is the closest fantasy we had to GoT, it reminds me so much of it, in terms of characters and thier suffering, world building, phenomenal acting, packed with alot of surreal moments 👏 🙌 👌
This book was written six years before game of thrones existed.
Didn't Daes Dae'mar offer some inspiration for Game of Thrones?
@@kalikadevi yes
Great episode and great reaction as usual. Hard topics can be some if the best storytelling. Maddie twisting her hand while trying to touch the pitcher was amazing
That was wild to see but so powerful
These 8 episodes seasons Amazon insists on are a huge mistake. With such a low episode count, especially with a broad ranging story/cast, you cannot have even one "off pace" or focused episode (like the breaking of Egwene here) without compromising important threads of the story. Even the 10 episode seasons some others have opted for leave very little room for natural pacing variation and experimentation (Strange New Worlds had 2 novelty episodes out of 10 this season and even though they were good, it was hurt by that). Clearly the bean counters have decided that the golden days of 22-26 episodes are never coming back but in order to leave room to breathe and experiment complex stories require 10 minimum, probably 13. These accountants are fatally compromising their IP with these strictures.
I'm just glad there is a show.
@@danhenley9495 Me Too,.. it's just a shame that after paying all the up front costs of setting up a show, they scrimp on the small additional costs, hurting the story, and hurting their revenue earning airtime. Entertainment accounting is a black art.
Best episode yet! I think the fact that Loial's treesinging only merits a passing mention in all the videos I've seen says a lot about the quality of the episode. I doubt if anyone, anywhere, saw that coming, and in most other episodes it would have been a major highlight of the episode. I agree it's time for a renewal announcement.
Given the way TV works, I wonder if it's foreshadowing. Maybe he'll use the roots on the tree to break Egwene out of her cell?
@@christophermcdonough3915 oooooooh this is a fun theory!
Love your reactions...thank you for doing these!
Thank you for watching and commenting! ❤
I watched the first season of WOT and was not into it at first but by the end I thought it was ok. (never read the books)
I re-watched the first season to ready for the second and realized it is actually a really good show. (especially in world building, costumes, all the crafts)
Watching the second season I'm blown away... terrific story telling and compelling character development.
So now I'm looking for spoiler free reviews.
Anyone else said it with Elayne? “Every single one.”
Just think on the bright side: Elayne and Nynaeve have green and yellow rings to use, now.
I held my tears until the very end, Egwene’s scream absolutely broke me.
Me too, goddamn that was visceral
Yes, it took me more than one hour to be able to watch this video, and yes I still feel exhausted just from watching and listening to what happened to Egwene. Such incredible performance
Her scream at the end, oh my God I felt that in my stomach. Gut wrenching
OMG this episode. I've cried multiple moments on both watches and even on watching the reaction videos.
Definitely teared up with the Mat and Rand reunion. Poor Mat, so unsure of his welcome and almost pathetically grateful that Rand didn't reject him. Liandrin really did a number on him.
sobbed through the whole thing...
Im fragile today and cried more wathhing someone elses reaction lol
Season 1 was very middling and every good moment in this season gives me so much hope. Theres so much world to build on, the show NEEDS 10 episodes a season. Excited to see how they pull this together for the end of the season, but disgusted there isnt more episodes.
Subscribed, really enjoyable watch!
Thank you!
There was a lot of trauma here in this episode, but I noticed 2 absolutely wonderful things that happened: 1- Nynaeve and Elayne hold hands to support each other for what they will need to do and 2- the renewed resolve showing in Egwene's face before it cuts to credits, just because the woman in the cell next to her finally speaks to her, trying to give her comfort. Hard episode to watch, but oh my.
Agreed loved both of those things
I was so worried about the actor change for Matt, but Dónal Finn has completely won me over.
Wow did I cry at the end of this episode. Why are we crying so bad when we already know what happends. Insane performance from Madeleine
Lots of tears at various spots! An absolutely awesome episode, painful as it was. We got such a great portrayal of the cruelty and depravity of the Seanchan in just a few scenes thanks to some really concise writing. Loved it!
Egwene 😭😭😭
If I had an Emmy I would give to Madeleine Madden immediately
You’re orange baby in the background helped me while rewatching these scenes. So brutal! Madeleine did amazing!
6:30 I feel like Alanna compelled Lan with the warder bond in that scene.
& at the end, what are you talking about with Egwene being "fully" broken. That was just the first battle of a long war of attrition.
I'm buoyed by the spreading realization on Egwene's face regarding the "affinity" between her & the sul'dam, as well as what looked to me like renewed resolve after learning who her cell-neighbor is.
Yes I cried this episode... at the loss of the tree & pouring thr water. That's the 3rd & 4th time this season Madeleine has done that to me.
The actress portraying Liandrin should be nominated for something. I’m liking her story arc and the actress is pulling it off magnificently
Who ever thought we’d love Liandrin? Not me! But I do!
Siuan and 14 sisters come to Fal Dara at the beginning of TGH. I'm pretty sure we're getting that, just in Cairhien.
I can’t get enough of this episode. I cried, laughed, and cried again! Watching your reactions made me cry some more!
I..loved the episode but I dont think I can watch it again anytime soon. Egwene, Maigen and Rema :( I want Egwene to go all nuclear on the Seanchan.
When Elayne said she'd never had a friend before, i got a little choked up. Then Egwene opened the flood gates.
Love your WoT videos. Thank you for sharing, and pointing out the hand holding moment. I also liked the quick friendly look Nynaeve gives Elayne when she reinforces that they aren’t leaving without Egwene. Their friendship is one of many I really enjoy throughout the series
I was in that cell with Egwene fighting and screaming I was ready to die with her, this episode had me glued.
Great Video Kritter - Thank you and sending hugs
🫂 🫂
I'm enjoying Rafe's inclination to expand on bookfans' reaction to [redacted]'s 'redemption arc' by alluding to similar arcs for more Darkfriends. Giving more of them potential for redemption (even if they don't achieve it, or even pursue it) affords us more empathy for the choices that led each one to take those oaths. As much as I enjoyed book-Liandrin's arc, show-Liandrin is much more complex, and I'm loving it.
Also, f*** the Seanchan.
Love the reactions of your Critter (pun intended) in the background.
I realized they had to do the Mat and Rand reunion then because our hearts were about to be ripped.
I enjoyed watching your cat sleeping on your set of WOT books!
Mac & Cheese. eating the entire bowl. yep.
ngl watching this was highkey therapeutic, cried with you :,)
💙💙💙
I love that it's getting more dark. I hope the quality keeps going up. I have high hopes for season 3, I really hope they get some better directors, but I'm enjoying season 2 a lot more than season 1. Love your reaction vids :D I look forward to it every week
I absolutely love how Lanfear calls him Ishy! lol
I know Lanfear is crazy but have a type😂😂😂😂
I meannnnn
Love, love, loved the episode, even if it was painful to watch - the book was dark, but they're clearly not afraid to go there!
I'm sure it's no coincidence that Siuane has brought 14 Aes Sedai with her - 13 is the magic number in the books for major rituals, and she may already know about Liandrin's betrayal via Verin and be preparing to bring her to justice. Or are they here to break the shield on Moiraine, perhaps with Rand's help - since Ishy shielded her using saidin, presumably they can't see his weave and that's why M thinks she's been stilled? Whatever it is, I'm so excited for Episode 7!
I knew that was going to hurt, but damn. Just...
Egwene, man. Defiance in the eyes.
You know I’m not a fan of reaction videos but I like you so watching 100% to support you!
I see your cat is a fan of the Books too! She even sleeps on them!
I was so distracted by your gorgeous feline friend making himself comfortable on top of your WoT bookset right behind you. Orange tabbies are my favorite creatures.
There are gonna be tears...
There are
If they’re writing Lanfear this good, I can’t wait for Muggy!! She was my favorite forsaken in the books EASILY.
You can honestly tell people your cat loves the Wheel of Time books. Great napping spot.
Not Kritter and i having the same exact reaction to good girl
Yeahhhhh f*** them
Me too! My husband, a non-book reader, thought that Renna calling her a good "girl" didn't make sense if the Seanchan truly believe that channellers are pretty much like animals. But my son and I, both avid book fans, argued that animals are also gendered. It's no different than us saying good girl to our dog. :(
And Ryma Sedai sacrificing herself for Elayne & Nynaeve broke my heart. When she is encountered in the books, she has already been broken, and it made me wonder if she had sacrificed herself to try and save any other channellers. 🤷♀️
best episode!!!! Give Maddy her EMMY
I cried for 10 minutes , so shocking , our poor little egwayn😭😭
So many outstanding performances in this episode.
Do you think Ishy was really there in TAR before Lanfear waved him away? Or did she just make it look like he was?
Everything made me cry.
Madeleine Madden's performance at the end there was absolutely gut-wrenching; a mesmerizing performance. Don't remember seeing one quite like it since a young Jennifer Garner (circa 2001) in her breakout lead role in the first episode of "Alias". Makes me wonder just how far MM's star will rise.
Given the choice, would you rather be the Amyrlin Seat (Wheel of Time) or head of MI5 (Slow Horses)?
I’m not familiar with Slow Horses, but if I were, I imagine I’d still say the Amyrlin Seat because being an Aes Sedai is my dream
You are the best, great episode "mostly", hard to watch also... your cat lying o the Books is funny.
Thank you!!