Episode 8 of "The Wheel of Time" unfolds with a glimpse into the past, where Latra and Lews engage in a conversation steeped in the ancient tongue, contemplating the fate of the Aes Sedai. Latra casts aspersions on the men, her voice tinged with apprehension over the perilous mission to ensnare the Dark One. As the scene widens, a revelation unfolds: Lews Therin Telamon, none other than the Dragon Reborn himself, stands amidst their discourse.
Returning to the present narrative, Rand and Moiraine traverse the menacing labyrinth of The Great Blight, a dense, thorny expanse that stretches interminably, its girth swelling annually with the Dark One's burgeoning power. Meanwhile, Egwene hastily gathers her belongings, driven by an urgent desire to join their ranks. Yet, Nyn holds the ace in the hole, confessing to Lan that she possesses the means to track Moiraine via a Tell—a capability that seemingly came out of nowhere, leaving viewers puzzled. When did Nyn acquire this ability to trace her mentor's steps? And how could Lan, with his sharp instincts, remain oblivious to this Tell?
Lan, gripping her hands warmly, praises Nyn as an exceptional woman before embarking on a mission to locate Rand and Moiraine. However, their wait is cut short by a dramatic turn of events. The air resounds with the blaring of horns as sixty Fades and a multitude of Trollocs march towards their location. The Gap, their fragile barrier, stands on the brink of collapse, and their imminent defeat looms large. Yet, the inhabitants of the Fortress brace themselves for the impending clash, whimsically dubbed the Last Battle.
Lady Amalisa and Lord Agelmar steel themselves for the oncoming struggle, vowing to defend The Gap with unwavering resolve. Should it fall, the women of the city must shoulder the responsibility of its protection. However, Agelmar's confidence masks a grim reality—the Dark One's power is an insurmountable force, vast and unquantifiable. Despite this knowledge, he presses forward, intending to confront the encroaching armies, hoping to at least stem the tide of this pervasive evil that is consuming the world.
Meanwhile, Rand finds himself confronted in isolation by an enigmatic figure known as "The Man." Emerging from the shadows with sinister deliberation, this being plunges a blade through Moiraine's mouth, leaving her lifeless form in a grisly pool of blood upon the floor. He addresses Rand by the name Lews, his tone laced with amusement as Rand brandishes the blade once wielded by his father. The Man mocks Rand about his hidden lineage and teases the revelation of secrets concerning the Dragon. However, it transpires that this harrowing scene is but a grim dream, as Rand plunges the blade into his own chest and awakens with a start.
Undeterred, Moiraine and Rand continue their journey, eventually arriving at a yawning abyss, framed by descending stairs. With no guards in sight, Rand ventures to the Eye, a Yin-Yang symbol etched upon the floor, an isolated island circumscribed by a tranquil pool of water. Upon touching it, Rand is ensnared by a vivid vision. Trapped within this dreamscape, the Dark One manifests before Moiraine, taunting her with his omnipotent might and enticing Rand with frozen images of him and Egwene, urging him to wield his nascent power to reshape the world as he envisions.
Back in the city, the ominous march of Trollocs draws near. Nyn and Egwene steel themselves for battle, deciding to harness their abilities to aid their fellow Channellers. Perrin and Loial, completing the troupe, align with a contingent of soldiers in the grand chamber. Beneath the throne lies the Horn of Valere, prophesied to be discovered on the eve of the Last Battle. Its true purpose remains shrouded in mystery, a revelation yet to unfold.
Outside the city walls, the chaos of "The Wheel of Time" escalates to a fever pitch akin to "Game of Thrones." The Trollocs advance swiftly, their forms barely discernible through the flickering flames that cast a fleeting illumination. Nevertheless, these relentless foes are soon vanquished by a coalition of five untrained Channellers, who unite their forces and unleash a devastating blast, annihilating the entire Trolloc horde.
Regardless, the overwhelming force is beyond the women's endurance, and as they burn out and perish one by one, Nyn and Egwene remain standing, with Egwene harnessing the unspoken power of love (a concept left somewhat vague in its explicit manifestation) to mend Nyn and snatch her back from the jaws of death. Meanwhile, Rand taps into the One Power and delivers an impassioned speech, professing his love for Egwene. In that moment, he marshals the force and repels the Dark One with a powerful surge. As he fades from sight, Rand gasps, "I did it!" his disbelief palpable.
Deciding it's time to depart, Rand strides away from Moiraine without disclosing his destination. When he vanishes, Lan catches up to Moiraine, who, following her fleeting confrontation with the Dark One, stands helpless and powerless. She acknowledges that this battle marks merely the prelude to many more conflicts yet to unfold.
Back at the fortress, Perrin has been reduced to a mere observer throughout the episode, until he beholds Padan Fain stealthily seizing the horn and apparently slaying Loial as well. Perrin stands frozen, powerless to intervene as Fain departs.
Elsewhere, on the western shores, a fleet of ships swiftly converges, led by a multitude of Channelers who conjure an immense wave, threatening to engulf the young girl entirely in its tidal fury.
