As the fantasy genre becomes more prominent onscreen, fans have developed specific expectations. These shows often take place in detailed worlds that viewers learn about through brief asides, and constantly build to epic, unforgettable episodes with heavy action. However, Prime Video defied these expectations with The Wheel of Time‘s best episode, “The Road to the Spear.” Though the episode explores the show’s expansive world, it delivers a story focused on character rather than action. The groundbreaking installment explores Rand al’Thor’s (Josha Stradowski) journey into the Aiel city of Rhuidean and the shocking truths he learns there.
An episode of this scale would usually be a battle sequence, but The Wheel of Time does something utterly unique by expanding the scope of the fantasy world and exposing the history of the Aiel. As Rand travels back in time, the episode’s non-linear storytelling allows for thorough and engaging worldbuilding, but in all the information about Aiel society it provides, “The Road to the Spear” never loses sight of Rand’s character. Though it is only a single hour of a much larger series, this episode pushes the boundaries of what can be done in fantasy television.
‘The Wheel of Time’s “The Road to the Spear” Thoroughly Explores Its Fantasy World
The Aiel are just one cultural group in The Wheel of Time‘s fantasy universe, but in “The Road to the Spear,” the series traces their entire history through Rand’s lineage. Offering a deep dive into their culture, the story predominantly follows Rand as he goes back thousands of years and sees how the warlike people grew from pacifists by witnessing the most significant moments in their history, like making the oath that they broke, the choice to take up weapons, and the incident that nearly destroyed the world.
Ultimately, “The Road to the Spear” demonstrates a level of worldbuilding that few fantasy series have been able to achieve, leaving the audience with a clearer understanding of the Aiel’s origins than many of the characters. The Wheel of Time is far from the first show to have an elaborate world (for proof, just look at how many prequels Game of Thrones has been able to develop), but most rely on brief references via dialogue that the audience must pay attention to. In “The Road to the Spear,” The Wheel of Time allows Rand and the fans to discover the truth together, building out the show’s broader world in the process.
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‘The Wheel of Time’ Combines Epic Scale and Individual Storytelling in “The Road to the Spear”
Many things stand out about “The Road to the Spear,” but among them is the rare combination of expansive scale and intimate storytelling. While Aviendha (Ayoola Smart), Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), and Rand travel into Rhuidean, Rand is the center of the episode, as he takes an important step in becoming recognized as the Car’a’carn, the leader who is prophesied to unite the Aiel to fight for his cause. Even as it leaps into the past, the episode follows Rand’s most emotional revelations as he learns his father’s identity and discovers the Aiel’s most painful secrets. These moments are aided by the fact that Josha Stradowski plays every one of Rand’s ancestors, showing his incredible range.
Not only does “The Road to the Spear” reveal Rand’s family history, but it tells a much larger story for his character by demonstrating how his role as the Dragon Reborn can shape entire societies. By tracing the Aiel back to before the Breaking of the World and showing how the actions of the previous Dragon, Lews Therin (Alexander Karim), changed their trajectory, the episode highlights the importance of Rand’s actions as he accepts his role in the battle against the Dark One. “The Road to the Spear” uses its epic, emotional flashbacks to depict an integral part of Rand’s journey, redefining the rules of fantasy worldbuilding and more than earning its status as the best episode The Wheel of Time has to offer.
- Release Date
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2021 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Prime Video
- Showrunner
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Rafe Judkins
