Review: The Wheel of Time – Season 1, Episode 1: Leavetaking

Introduction

Premiering on November 19, 2021, The Wheel of Time is a high-fantasy television series adapted from Robert Jordan’s legendary book series of the same name. Developed by Rafe Judkins and produced by Amazon Studios, the show seeks to bring Jordan’s intricate world of magic, destiny, and conflict to life.

The pilot episode, "Leavetaking," introduces audiences to the world of the Wheel, where the forces of Light and Shadow are locked in an eternal struggle. The episode sets the stage for an epic adventure, following a group of young villagers whose lives are upended when they are drawn into a battle far greater than they ever imagined. While the episode does a solid job of establishing the series’ tone, characters, and central conflict, it also grapples with the challenge of adapting such a massive and beloved book series for the screen.

評論：《時光之輪》——第一季，第 1 集：「啟程」

介紹

《時光之輪》（The Wheel of Time）於 2021 年 11 月 19 日首播，是一部高奇幻電視劇，改編自羅伯特·喬丹（Robert Jordan）傳奇性的同名小說系列。本劇由瑞夫·賈金斯（Rafe Judkins）開發，並由 Amazon Studios 製作，試圖將喬丹筆下錯綜複雜的魔法世界、宿命糾葛與史詩衝突呈現在螢幕上。

首集 《啟程》（Leavetaking） 向觀眾介紹了這個奇幻世界的運作方式，在這個世界裡，光明與黑暗勢力處於無止境的對抗之中。本集為一場宏大的冒險故事奠定了基礎，講述了一群年輕村民的生活在一夜之間天翻地覆，他們被捲入了一場遠超自身想像的戰爭。

雖然本集在建立故事基調、塑造主要角色和鋪陳核心衝突方面表現出色，但在將如此龐大且受人喜愛的小說系列改編成影視作品的過程中，仍然面臨著挑戰。

Plot Summary

The episode begins with an introduction to the powerful and enigmatic Aes Sedai, a group of women who wield magic known as the One Power. Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike), a formidable Aes Sedai, and her warder Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) arrive in the remote village of Emond’s Field, searching for a prophesied figure known as the Dragon Reborn. According to legend, this individual has the power to either save or destroy the world.

In Emond’s Field, we are introduced to the primary protagonists:

Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski) – A shepherd with a strong connection to his father and the idyllic countryside.

Matrim “Mat” Cauthon (Barney Harris) – A mischievous and cunning young man with a complicated family situation.

Perrin Aybara (Marcus Rutherford) – A gentle giant, struggling with his own inner demons and sense of responsibility.

Egwene al’Vere (Madeleine Madden) – A bright and ambitious young woman eager to carve out her own destiny.

Nynaeve al’Meara (Zoë Robins) – The village’s strong-willed Wisdom, who plays a significant role in guiding and protecting the villagers.

The peace of Emond’s Field is shattered when terrifying creatures known as Trollocs—beastly soldiers of the Dark One—invade the village in a brutal attack. Moiraine and Lan fight to defend the villagers, but it quickly becomes clear that the Trollocs are hunting something—or someone. Believing that one of the four youths is the prophesied Dragon Reborn, Moiraine convinces them that their only hope of survival is to leave their home and journey with her. Thus, they embark on a dangerous quest, setting the stage for the grand adventure to come.

劇情概要

本集開場介紹了強大而神秘的兩儀師（Aes Sedai），這是一群能夠操控無極力（One Power）的女性法師。來自藍宗的兩儀師——沐瑞·達歐崔（Moiraine Damodred，蘿莎蒙·派克 飾），與她的守護者嵐·人龍（Lan Mandragoran，丹尼爾·海尼 飾）來到了偏遠的小村莊——伊蒙村（Emond’s Field）。他們此行的目的，是尋找一位被預言中的人物——轉生真龍（Dragon Reborn）。傳說中，這個人擁有足以拯救或毀滅世界的強大力量。

在伊蒙村，觀眾認識了幾位主要角色：

蘭德·亞瑟（Rand al’Thor，喬沙·斯特拉多斯基 飾）——一名牧羊人，與父親關係深厚，熱愛這片寧靜的鄉村。

麥崔·考松（Matrim "Mat" Cauthon，巴尼·哈里斯 飾）——聰明狡猾、充滿幽默感的年輕人，但家庭環境複雜。

佩林·艾巴亞（Perrin Aybara，馬庫斯·拉瑟福德 飾）——身材高大、性格溫和，卻時常受到內心的掙扎與責任感折磨。

艾雯·艾威爾（Egwene al’Vere，瑪德琳·麥登 飾）——聰穎且充滿野心的年輕女子，渴望為自己創造一個不同於傳統的未來。

奈妮薇·愛米拉（Nynaeve al’Meara，柔伊·羅賓斯 飾）——村莊的鄉智（Wisdom），她性格堅毅，肩負著保護與指導村民的責任。

然而，伊蒙村的平靜很快被殘忍的**獸魔人（Trollocs）打破。這些兇猛可怕的怪物是闇帝（Dark One）**的爪牙，他們突然襲擊村莊，造成嚴重的毀滅與混亂。沐瑞與嵐奮力對抗獸魔人，試圖保護村民，但很快意識到這群怪物是在尋找某個特定的目標。

沐瑞堅信，村莊中的這四名年輕人中，其中一人便是轉生真龍。為了活命並尋找自己的真正命運，蘭德、麥特、佩林與艾雯被說服離開家園，與沐瑞一同踏上未知的旅程。

至此，史詩般的冒險正式展開，為整部劇奠定了激動人心的基礎。

Themes and Analysis

Destiny vs. Free Will

One of the core themes of The Wheel of Time is the struggle between fate and choice. Moiraine believes that one of the villagers is the reincarnation of the Dragon, bound to a destiny they cannot escape. However, the young protagonists wrestle with their own doubts and desires, reluctant to leave behind their homes and loved ones. This tension between personal agency and cosmic destiny is a recurring motif throughout the series.

Power and Responsibility

The episode explores the weight of power—both magical and personal. Moiraine wields immense magical abilities, but her power comes with great responsibility. Similarly, the young villagers are thrust into a world where they must confront their potential and decide what kind of people they will become.

The Corrupting Influence of Darkness

The presence of the Trollocs and the looming threat of the Dark One introduce the idea that evil is always lurking, ready to consume the world. However, the series also suggests that darkness is not just an external force—it can reside within people, influencing their choices and desires.

主題與解析

命運 vs. 自由意志

《時光之輪》的核心主題之一，便是命運與選擇之間的掙扎。沐瑞深信，村莊中的某位年輕人是轉生真龍，註定要承擔世界興亡的重責大任，無法逃避這個命運。然而，這些年輕主角們卻在內心掙扎——他們有著自己的夢想與渴望，對未來充滿不確定性，並且不願輕易拋下家園與摯愛。這種個人意志與宇宙命運之間的對立，貫穿整個故事，成為重要的敘事基礎。

力量與責任

本集深入探討了力量的重量——無論是魔法還是個人的影響力。作為一名兩儀師，沐瑞擁有強大的無極力，但這種力量伴隨著極大的責任，並非單純的恩賜。同樣地，這群年輕人也被迫踏入未知的世界，開始直面自己的潛能，並做出關乎自身未來的重要選擇。他們必須決定，究竟要成為怎樣的人，並承擔這份力量所帶來的後果。

黑暗的腐蝕力量

獸魔人的來襲以及闇帝的威脅，突顯出邪惡勢力無時無刻都在潛伏，伺機吞噬世界。然而，劇情並未將黑暗描繪成單純的外部敵人，而是暗示黑暗同樣存在於人心深處，能夠影響個體的選擇與慾望。這不僅僅是一場光明與黑暗的戰爭，更是一場關於內心善惡交戰的較量。

Performances and Production

Acting

Rosamund Pike delivers a commanding performance as Moiraine, bringing gravitas and wisdom to the role. Her portrayal captures the character’s enigmatic and formidable nature, making her a compelling figure from the start. Daniel Henney’s Lan Mandragoran is equally strong, exuding quiet strength and loyalty.

Among the younger cast, Josha Stradowski (Rand), Barney Harris (Mat), and Marcus Rutherford (Perrin) provide solid performances, though some character moments feel underdeveloped in the pilot. Madeleine Madden (Egwene) and Zoë Robins (Nynaeve) stand out, particularly in their scenes showcasing inner strength and determination.

Visuals and Cinematography

The world of The Wheel of Time is beautifully realized, with breathtaking landscapes and immersive set designs. Emond’s Field feels like a lived-in, rustic village, while the sweeping shots of mountains and forests hint at the vast world beyond.

The Trolloc attack sequence is a standout moment, showcasing impressive visual effects and brutal combat. Moiraine’s use of the One Power is visually striking, with flowing weaves of energy that highlight the magic system’s complexity. However, some CGI elements—particularly the Trollocs—appear slightly inconsistent in quality.

Music and Sound Design

The score, composed by Lorne Balfe, effectively enhances the episode’s tone, blending mystical and epic elements. The music swells during action sequences and quiets during moments of tension, helping to immerse viewers in the world of the Wheel.

表現與製作

演技

羅莎蒙·派克（Rosamund Pike）在沐瑞一角的演出極具說服力，成功詮釋了角色的威嚴與智慧。她將沐瑞的神秘與強大完美呈現，使其從一開始便成為令人著迷的角色。而嵐·人龍的扮演者**丹尼爾·海尼（Daniel Henney）**同樣表現出色，展現出角色內斂而堅定的忠誠與力量。

在年輕演員中，喬夏·斯特拉多夫斯基（Josha Stradowski，飾演蘭德）、**巴尼·哈里斯（Barney Harris，飾演麥特）和馬可仕·盧瑟福（Marcus Rutherford，飾演佩林）**的表現穩健，雖然部分角色的內心戲在首集中尚顯不足。**馬德琳·麥登（Madeleine Madden，飾演艾雯）和柔伊·羅賓斯（Zoë Robins，飾演奈妮薇）**的表現尤為突出，尤其是在展現角色內心堅韌與決心的場景中，令人印象深刻。

視覺效果與攝影

《時光之輪》的世界觀被精心打造，令人驚嘆的壯闊景色與沉浸式場景設計相得益彰。伊蒙村彷彿是一個真實存在的鄉村，充滿樸實且生活化的細節，而山脈與森林的遼闊航拍畫面則成功暗示了更廣闊的世界等待探索。

獸魔人襲擊的場景堪稱本集亮點，展現了精緻的視覺特效與激烈的戰鬥場面。沐瑞施展無極力時，能量交織流動的畫面視覺衝擊力十足，成功呈現出魔法系統的獨特運作方式。然而，部分**CGI特效（特別是獸魔人）**的品質偶有不穩定之處，某些畫面略顯生硬，稍微影響沉浸感。

音樂與音效設計

由**洛恩·巴爾夫（Lorne Balfe）**譜寫的原聲音樂，成功強化了本集的氛圍，將神秘與史詩感完美結合。劇情的動作場面中，配樂激昂澎湃，而在緊張時刻，音樂則適時收斂，為觀眾帶來更強烈的情緒投入。音效設計同樣精湛，無論是獸魔人的吼聲、戰鬥中的兵刃碰撞，還是無極力的能量運行聲，都為這個奇幻世界增添了更多層次感與沉浸感。

Strengths of the Episode

Strong World-Building – The episode effectively introduces the world of The Wheel of Time, establishing its lore, history, and characters in a way that is accessible to newcomers while still intriguing for longtime fans.

Engaging Performances – Rosamund Pike leads the cast with a captivating presence, while the ensemble cast delivers solid performances that hint at deeper character arcs to come.

Epic Scale and Cinematic Visuals – The sweeping landscapes, impressive set design, and well-executed battle sequences create a grand, immersive fantasy setting.

Faithful Adaptation (with Some Changes) – While the episode condenses certain elements from the book, it maintains the essence of the story, balancing character moments with action.

本集亮點

世界觀構築紮實 – 本集成功地引導觀眾進入《時光之輪》的世界，清晰地建立起其背景設定、歷史與角色，使新觀眾能夠輕鬆理解，同時也能吸引熟悉原作的粉絲，激發他們的興趣。

演員表現出色 – 羅莎蒙·派克以極具魅力的演技領導整個演員陣容，而其他主要演員的表現亦十分穩健，讓角色初步展現出各自的個性與潛在的成長弧線，令人期待後續發展。

史詩級場面與電影級視覺效果 – 壯麗的自然景觀、細緻入微的場景設計，以及精彩絕倫的戰鬥場面，共同營造出一個宏大且沉浸感十足的奇幻世界。

忠於原作（但有所改編） – 雖然本集對部分書中內容進行了濃縮與調整，但整體上仍然保留了故事的核心精神，並在角色塑造與動作場面之間取得了良好的平衡。

Weaknesses of the Episode

Pacing Issues – The episode rushes through certain introductions and character moments, making it difficult for viewers to fully connect with some of the protagonists right away.

CGI Inconsistencies – While some effects (such as Moiraine’s magic) are stunning, others, particularly the Trollocs, can feel slightly unpolished in certain scenes.

Limited Character Development – Given the large cast, some characters—such as Perrin and Mat—receive less attention, making their motivations and personalities less distinct in the pilot.

本集缺點

節奏問題 – 本集在某些角色介紹與劇情鋪陳上顯得過於倉促，使觀眾難以立即與部分主角建立深厚的情感聯繫，影響角色塑造的深度。

CGI 品質參差不齊 – 雖然部分特效（例如沐瑞施展的無極力）相當震撼，但某些場景中的特效品質較為粗糙，特別是獸魔人的視覺效果，偶爾會顯得不夠精緻，影響沉浸感。

角色發展有限 – 由於劇情需要介紹大量角色，部分人物（如佩林與麥特）在本集中得到的篇幅較少，導致他們的動機與個性尚未完全展現，使得角色的初始印象略顯模糊。

Final Thoughts

"Leavetaking" is a solid introduction to The Wheel of Time, successfully establishing the series’ epic scope, key characters, and central conflict. While the episode struggles with some pacing issues and CGI inconsistencies, it effectively immerses viewers in a rich fantasy world filled with mystery, magic, and danger.

For longtime fans of the books, the episode may feel like a streamlined version of Jordan’s intricate storytelling, but it captures the spirit of the source material well. For newcomers, it serves as an accessible gateway into an expansive and compelling fantasy saga.

Final Rating: 8/10

A promising start to an ambitious fantasy adaptation, with strong performances, stunning visuals, and a captivating story that sets the stage for a grand adventure.

最終評價

《離鄉遠行》 作為《時光之輪》的首集，成功奠定了影集的史詩規模，介紹了核心角色與主要衝突，為觀眾帶來了一場充滿魔法、謎團與危機的奇幻旅程。雖然本集在節奏掌控與 CGI 呈現上存在一些問題，但整體而言，它仍是一部讓人沉浸其中的精彩開端。

對於原著書迷來說，本集的劇情或許顯得較為精簡，未能完全展現羅伯特·喬丹的複雜敘事，但影集仍成功保留了故事的核心精神與世界觀，為這場龐大的傳奇旅程奠定了良好基礎。而對於新觀眾而言，本集提供了一個相對易於理解的入門體驗，帶領他們進入這片龐大而迷人的奇幻世界。

最終評分：8/10

這是一部充滿潛力的奇幻影集開端，憑藉出色的演出、壯麗的視覺效果與引人入勝的故事，成功鋪展了一場宏偉冒險的序幕。