We're kicking off a new series with The Wheel of Time Episode 1 "Leavetaking". John and Derek are discussing the first episode of the show based on the novels by Robert Jordan in spoiler filled detail, so make sure you've watched the episode on Amazon Prime before listening to the podcast.

The Wheel of Time Episode 1 "Leavetaking" Synopsis and Details

Based on the book series The Wheel of Time created by Robert Jordan

Showrunner: Rafe Judkins

Episode Written by: Rafe Judkins

Episode Directed by: Uta Briesewitz

The remote mountain village of Emond’s Field, nestled between the mighty Two Rivers, are preparing for a celebration. As the community gathers together Rand al’Thor and his father Tam head down from their sheep farm high up in the mountains and he meets with his friends Mat Cauthon, the lovable rogue whose disjointed family is struggling to make ends meet and Perrin Aybara, the village blacksmith whose marriage is strained.

Close by, Egwene al’Vere is initiated into the Women’s Circle as an apprentice for the town’s Wisdom, Nyneave al’Meara, to learn and hold the social protocols of the community.

At the Winespring inn, Rand, Mat and Perrin are joined by Egwene as they share beers and the festive mood begins to take hold, but the arrival of a strange noblewoman, Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai and her Warden, Lan Mandragoran, interrupt the festivities in more ways than one.

Moiraine and Lan are here to discover the holder of an ancient power, the Dragon Reborn, who once destroyed the world and is foretold to return. She believes he resides in Emond’s Field and is certain that it is one of the youths in her sight at that moment at the Winespring Inn - Rand, Mat or Perrin. However, they are not the only ones looking for the Dragon Reborn, other darker forces are on the prowl in the Twin Rivers to discover their master.

As the evening draws to a close at the inn Rand and his father head off home, where they are attacked by a Trollic. In the fight the Trollic is killed but Rand must get back to the village urgently as his father has been badly injured. But Emond’s Field has not escaped the Trollics and their leader, a Myrddraal.

While they were beaten back by Moiraine using energy from the True Source, the Village lies in ruins, Perrin’s wife has been killed and the town's Wisdom Nyneave has been taken, presumed dead.

In the aftermath, Rand, Mat, Perrin and Egwene realise that the only way to save themselves, their loved ones and the village is to leave Emond’s Field for the White Tower, to discover their destiny and place their trust in strangers.

The Wheel of Time Episode 1 Cast

* Moiraine Damodred played by Rosamund Pike* Lan Mondragoran played by Daniel Henney*...