Television series and long-running book series have at least one thing in common. Every so often, they must explore new characters and perhaps new places to keep the story fresh. This is especially true for the fantasy genre. The Wheel of Time season 3 episode 2 does that, but “A Question of Crimson” returns to familiar places and faces as well. This makes for an entertaining piece of the overall story.
It was a pleasure to watch Rand (Josha Stradowski) and his friends spend time together in the first episode of this season. Prior to reuniting for the fight against Ishamael in the second season finale, they had been separated, going through their own struggles. Rand’s stress at being the Dragon Reborn seems to ease with Egwene (Madeleine Madden) and the others around. They can’t stop the future from coming, however, so now their paths diverge again. The next phase of their journeys must be completed as individuals.
If The Wheel of Time 3×02 is any indication, those journeys are going to be interesting. That’s because this episode recognizes the value of interpersonal relationships. The writers give the audience a bit of humor to enjoy, too, while also allowing new characters the impact they need.
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“Those we call heroes only did what they had to do.”
One of my favorite things about this show is how the storytelling lends so much power to many of the female characters. This has always been true regarding magic, but this episode expands that to include political power. Elayne (Ceara Coveney) joined the Initiates of the Aes Sedai in season 2. She became friends with Egwene, but adjusting to her new surroundings was difficult because Elayne is the heir to the throne of Andor. “A Question of Crimson” introduces Elayne’s family. Queen Morgase (Olivia Williams) arrives to check on her daughter and brings Elayne’s brothers Galad (Callum Kerr) and Gawyn (Luke Fetherston).
The Queen has come to take her daughter back home but Elayne wants to stay. The opening scene of the episode shows that Morgase was ruthless about consolidating her power when she took the throne. Elayne exhibits a bit of the same steely determination when she tells her mother she will stay to be an Aes Sedai. Besides that character development, Elayne’s brothers’ presence in the White Tower provides some good comedy in this episode. Let’s just say the other Initiates like what they see when these two guys practice sword fighting. And poor Mat (Donal Finn) is stuck with a room between them!
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“You have to embrace the bitter and the sweet.”
Another new character who comes to the White Tower with Elayne’s family is Elaida, an Aes Sedai played by the legendary Shoreh Agdashloo. One episode is enough to prove she will be a catalyst for conflict. That’s another thing TV shows must regularly replenish, I suppose, and her interaction with Siuan (Sophie Okenedo), the leader of the Aes Sedai, is set up to be a significant plot arc of this season. These two actresses make me excited for that to unfold.
Elsewhere, Rand is now thinking strategically about avoiding the Forsaken. Since the servants of the Dark One are now loose and hunting him, he decides to go where they won’t expect. He also intends to build an army. So he goes to the Aiel Waste, where he can do that, and where part of his heritage lies. This traveling also allows the production to capture striking cinematography.
As for Perrin (Marcus Rutherford), he returns home to the Two Rivers. He finds both a pleasant and unpleasant surprise. The religious zealot White Cloaks have taken up residence in the area, while Aes Sedai Alanna (Priyanka Bose) has also arrived. Perrin’s run-ins with the White Cloaks in both past seasons added to their general nastiness so we thoroughly hate them now. It is nice he will have Alanna’s magical support, though, especially after what she has been through. The Wheel of Time 3×02 is a bit of a transitional episode but its combination of the new and the familiar keeps the storytelling moving forward.
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The Wheel of Time is streaming on Prime Video.
