6 scenes we can’t wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

As a long-time fan of Robert Jordan’s epic series, I eagerly anticipate the unfolding of events in season 3 of The Wheel of Time TV adaptation. Among the many intriguing storylines, the capture of Asmodean and the coup at the White Tower stand out as particularly captivating.

Last year saw the airing of the second season of “The Wheel of Time,” which brought to life the major plotlines from Robert Jordan’s novels, “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn.” Characters like Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), Moiraine (Rosamund Pike), Egwene al’Vere (Madeleine Madden), and their companions found themselves battling the forces of darkness. The second season of “The Wheel of Time” significantly enhanced the series, particularly through its portrayal of the Seanchan warriors from across the sea. These invading forces aimed to enslave magic users and impose their imperial rule over the world.

Ever since “The Wheel of Time” concluded its run last August, we’ve been eagerly anticipating the sequel. Filming for its third season wrapped up in March, which suggests that it will air sometime in 2025. With two-year gaps being commonplace for big-budget fantasy series, it’s still a considerable wait. To stave off the restlessness that comes with our longing for more “Wheel of Time”, we need to find creative ways to fill the void until then.

Lucky for us, when we need something to read while waiting, there’s always the book series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson to lose ourselves in. The upcoming third season of “The Wheel of Time” will delve into one of the series’ standout novels, “The Shadow Rising,” where Rand al’Thor embarks on a journey into the dry Aiel homeland, aiming to secure their support for his battle against the Dark One. With a total of 15 books in “The Wheel of Time” saga, “The Shadow Rising” is often praised as one of the series’ finest entries. This means we can expect some memorable moments ahead – and that doesn’t even factor in any additional material from other books.

Today, we’re delving into six captivating scenes from “The Wheel of Time” series that fans are eagerly anticipating in season 3. The following discussion contains significant spoilers from “The Shadow Rising,” which also means it pertains to the third season of “The Wheel of Time.” Proceed with caution!

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

1. The Battle of the Two Rivers

In the concluding episode of season 2 of The Wheel of Time, there was a massive confrontation in the city of Falme between the Seanchan and a religious faction known as the Children of the Light, also called the Whitecloaks. These zealous individuals aim to combat the shadow, sometimes to an extreme degree. Interestingly, after their loss at Falme, the Seanchan temporarily recede from focus in the story, while the Whitecloaks grow increasingly menacing.

In “The Shadow Rising”, the deceitful Padan Fain cleverly tricks the Whitecloaks into journeying to Emond’s Field, with the intention of drawing Rand there. However, it is Perrin who makes an appearance, resolute on preventing them from harming his loved ones. Simultaneously, a massive horde of Trollocs descends upon the Two Rivers region, causing destruction throughout the surrounding countryside.

The events unfold with repeated attacks on Emond’s Field, where Perrin emerges as a community leader in the face of dual threats – the fearsome Trollocs and the harsh Whitecloaks. In preparation for season 3, Amazon extensively renovated the Two Rivers set, and showrunner Rafe Judkins hinted at New York Comic-Con 2023 that this season would heavily feature Rand and Perrin. The looming Battle of the Two Rivers promises to be intense, and we’re far from prepared.

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

2. Rand passing through the pillars at Rhuidean

Regarding Rand, I wholeheartedly agree with Judkins that season 3 is set to be momentous for the Dragon Reborn. In our previous encounter at Falme, we witnessed him being publicly declared as the Dragon amidst an astonished crowd, a flaming dragon encircling him on the city’s tallest tower. Among those spectators was Aviendha, a Maiden of the Spear, who will play a crucial role in guiding Rand towards the Three-Fold Land, or as it’s also known, the Aiel Waste.

In “The Shadow Rising,” readers delve deeply into the lives of the Aiel, offering an intimate understanding of their culture rather than relying on external rumors. The Aiel culture, a fascinating aspect of Robert Jordan’s literature, is poised to come alive on-screen, promising an exciting experience for viewers.

One pivotal moment in Rand’s adventure unfolds at the enigmatic city of Rhuidean, a venerated ruin where Aiel leaders must undergo a test to demonstrate their readiness for high-ranking roles. Given that Rand is being recognized as the foretold Car’a’carn, or “leader of leaders,” he is obliged to participate in this ritual if he wishes the Aiel to follow him.

The subsequent events are captivating as Rand and Mat venture into the city, where Rand experiences visions of Aiel history via a special ter’angreal – a glass column. It’s likely that these columns at Rhuidean were among Judkins’ thoughts when he spoke about an important season for Rand and Perrin. This scene is expected to be one of the highlights fans have eagerly anticipated seeing on screen for quite some time.

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

3. Mat goes through the door

Let’s reconnect with the third young man from Emond’s Field: Mat Cauthon. In the final scene of the season, The Wheel of Time presented Mat (Dónal Finn) a significant moment as he sounded the Horn of Valere, recalling his heroic past lives where he battled against legendary figures repeatedly. Even now, I find it difficult not to feel moved when I think about that instant when he gazes at the Horn, his eyes brimming with tears, and whispers “I remember.

Mat is set for an intriguing journey in the upcoming series, following closely behind Rand throughout much of The Dragon Reborn’s adventures in the Aiel Waste and Rhuidean. While there might be some changes to the details of his journey in the show, given recent sightings of him on the Tanchico set, a location he doesn’t visit in the books. However, I’m confident that key moments like Mat passing through a redstone door ter’angreal, encountering the enigmatic Eelfinn, getting hung from a tree in Rhuidean, having his memories altered with past knowledge, and receiving a protective medallion and his signature weapon, the ashandarei, will be preserved.

Although it’s somewhat simplified, the story involves Mat passing through two doorways called ter’angreal, one at the beginning of the narrative and another just before his execution. He also interacts with characters from two distinct races: Eelfinn and Aelfinn. Given that there are only eight episodes, it raises questions about how the series will manage to cover all these elements. However, I believe we can anticipate seeing Mat’s interactions with either the Aelfinn or Eelfinn (ideally both), his hanging and subsequent “rebirth,” as described in the source material. The show has hinted at this event during Mat’s vision in season 2, so it might be wise to psychologically prepare for this upcoming development.

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

4. Nynaeve vs Moghedien

In the books, Mat doesn’t make a trip to Tanchico, but characters such as Nynaeve al’Meara (played by Zoë Robins) and Elayne Trakand (portrayed by Ceara Coveney) frequently visit this city. These young Aes Sedai are dispatched to the city in search of Black Ajah sisters, a group of Aes Sedai who work for the Dark One. Rafe Judkins, the showrunner, has mentioned Tanchico quite a bit, describing it as a unique “tropical” setting unlike any other on the show. The investigations of Nynaeve and Elayne in Tanchico are a significant part of The Shadow Rising, so I’m eagerly anticipating these scenes.

Among all the anticipated events from the Tanchico storyline, I’m most eager for none other than Nynaeve’s duel against the Forsaken Moghedien. In the closing scenes of The Wheel of Time season 2, we were introduced to Moghedien (Laia Costa), who left a chilling impact on Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe). As we move forward into season 3, it promises to be exhilarating to see this intriguing character step more into the limelight.

In the story, Nynaeve eventually encounters Moghedien and is compelled to engage in combat with her. To their shared astonishment, Nynaeve proves an equal opponent to the Dark One’s servant. This event sets the stage for a prolonged animosity between the two characters. The television adaptation of “The Wheel of Time” has thus far excelled at portraying the Forsaken, making this scene a potential highlight for the series.

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

5. The capture of Asmodean

In addition to Moghedien, we can expect to see more of the forsaken in season 3, including Lanfear who was quite significant in season 2 and is likely to reappear. Furthermore, “The Shadow Rising” brings forth a couple of other Forsaken, with Asmodean playing a particularly notable part.

Similar to Lanfear, Asmodean is a cunning deceiver. In “The Shadow Rising,” he infiltrates Rand’s travel group undercover, posing as a humble bard while secretly trailing them across the Aiel Waste. His disguise is eventually exposed dramatically, setting the stage for a tense showdown between Rand and Asmodean within the ruins of Rhuidean. Aside from Moghedien, Asmodean is another Forsaken character I anticipate will have significant screen time in season 3 – although we might not recognize him initially.

In the novel “The Fires of Heaven”, Asmodean’s conflict with Rand results in significant consequences for the Forsaken, as he is eventually captured. This book may not be included in the TV series adaptation of “The Wheel of Time” or its events might be integrated into subsequent books’ plotlines such as “Lord of Chaos”. Regardless, Asmodean’s tutelage of Rand on the mysteries of Saidin is crucial and the series has already hinted at Rand’s urgent need for a teacher to master his powerful magical skills. This journey begins with Rand’s encounter with Asmodean in “The Shadow Rising”.

6 scenes we can't wait to see in The Wheel of Time season 3

6. The White Tower coup

In our final scene from The Wheel of Time season 2, we reach the White Tower Siege involving the Aes Sedai. Throughout the season, there were signs of discord among these sorceresses, such as conflicts between Siuan and Moiraine regarding Rand’s destiny, and Liandrin’s (Kate Fleetwood) clandestine machinations as a member of Black Ajah. As we last saw in the second-to-last episode, Amyrlin Seat Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo), now lies injured on the ground following her defeat by Lanfear, with an ominous feeling that she faces danger not only from outside but also within the tower, where safety should be guaranteed.

Those issues will come to fruition during season 3. In the story, Siuan is overthrown in a coup at the White Tower, and afterwards, she’s subjected to the most severe punishment for an Aes Sedai – stilling, which renders her incapable of using magic. This punishment is so dire that many would rather die than endure it. Although it’s done through a questionably legal process orchestrated by Siuan’s adversaries, the essence is clear: her tenure as leader of the White Tower is drawing to a close, and time is running out.

It’s been a relatively open secret for some time now that The Expanse star Shohreh Aghdashloo is joining The Wheel of Time for its third season. She is believed to be playing the Red Ajah sister Elaida, the leader of the coup against Siuan, so bringing her into the show at this juncture is necessary. The signs are there that the White Tower coup is coming in season 3, so even if it shakes out slightly differently, it seems very likely that we’ll see some dramatic events go down at the White Tower.

2024-10-12 17:42