I do not particularly mind the plot lines that were in the book and are so far missing here, because I guess changing the order that things happen is not going to be too much of an issue. However, there are things that do happen in this episode which are done poorly - especially in Perrin and Egwene's arc: not only is the idea of Whitecloak persecutions right outside the walls of Tar Valon a bit problematic at this stage, but the whole deal with Perrin is shown as some completely random thing, with just a bit of foreshadowing but no real justification. In fact, the Whitecloaks as a whole are a bit misplaced, because the series has barely touched on their motivations, as the concept of Darkfriends - or for that matter, the Dark One - has only been very, very briefly depicted. I keep thinking that not beginning the series with the Prologue scene from the first book was a very poor decision, you need to establish worldbuiliding with the very basics.
Other that that the episode was not bad - Loial looks a bit weird but the characterisation is on point, Tar Valon looks good, and Stepin's storyline had some meaning for not-too-direct exposition purposes.
My main concern is that like so many other film/series adaptations, it seems to be preaching to the choir. It is not made with the new fan in mind, it does not attempt to establish the world properly, but does the basics and sort of depends on a 'you are probably watching this with someone who's read it, they can fill in the gaps' mentality.