I haven’t even watched season 2. Does it get any better than Season 1?
Depends on what you expect. I liked it, but I didn't have too many problems with season 1 either (well, except for the last episode).
The show is clearly its own thing and does a lot of things differently. Imho not worse, just different. But for those who were hoping that the series would follow the books closely, I fear that the show will never be good.
Should have just did there own thing
Going into season 2, I was ready to write it off completely. That said, I thought it was a major improvement over the first.
Still deviated from the books more than I would have liked, but it was enough of a redemption that I will be watching season 3.
No
The first season felt generic and blank. I don't remember the books much, but I was expecting likeable characters in an exciting and detailed world.
The characters were bland (except Perrin), and the world was a pile of cliches (who are the Children of Light? What's with the evil ruins?). Also, Matt is no fun and angsty.
The finale felt rushed and undramatic.
I'll jump into season 3 if it gets decent reviews.
Season 2 was a significant upgrade from S1.
Evil Ruins is Shadar Logoth, a once good and prosperous city that slowly became selfish and paranoid. The effect became so powerful that the city itself became infected with an evil taint that lingers on every stone and item in the confines of the city.
The Children of the Light are an Inquisition analog. Any group that uses violence, black/white thinking and believing that any actions they perform MUST be good, because they are performing it and they are good is prime real-estate for infection by Darkfriends.
In the books, the red ruby dagger is a conduit for that evil, which is distinct from the Dark One's evil.
Padin Fain was a Darkfriend who became obsessed with the dagger, merged with it's evil and became something new entirely. He acts as a 3rd side in the Dragon vs Dark One struggle.
Making him one of the Chosen neatens the story up a little, but I think we'll miss the chaos of his presence.
I still have hope. The first two seasons were just serviceable enough that if it doesn't decline in general quality and the actors become more comfortable in their roles as you would expect, I would consider it a comparative win for fantasy adaptations. They have a chance to make something exciting with the Aeiel this season. I hope Shoreh Agdashloo is given a chance to shine as I've never seen a property that was made worse by her involvement.
I can't believe it's not canceled yet.
Same, it's so awful.
