Well, it’s gone by too fast. But the third season of The Wheel of Time is now at an end. Prime Video’s epic fantasy series has produced its best episodes this season. The storytelling has been special, and I wondered if they would stick the landing. The Wheel of Time Season 3, episode 8 is a finale that showcases the high quality and emotional tone of the whole season.
Now that Perrin’s (Marcus Rutherford) storyline has resolved this season, it’s time for the other characters’ plots to reach a stopping place. Rand (Josha Stradowski) is at the lowest point we’ve ever seen him. He and Egwene (Madeleine Madden) just had a tearful breakup over Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe), while he also accidentally killed a little Aiel girl when fighting another Forsaken, Sammael (Cameron Jack). Things also look grim for Nynaeve (Zoe Robins), Elyane (Ceara Coveney), and Mat (Donal Finn). They haven’t had any luck stopping the Black Ajah’s plan to find a collar and bracelets that will let them control Rand.
That’s the balance that has defined this season: make it angst but well-written. You could describe “He Who Comes With The Dawn” exactly that way. The Wheel of Time season 3 episode 8 is a strong ending to an excellent season of fantasy television. And I say that as someone who isn’t a big fan of angst most of the time!
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“You want what I want.”
The flashback that opens this episode finally shows the backstory between Siuan (Sophie Okenedo) and Elaida (Shoreh Agdashloo). As we watch the moment Siuan became the leader of the Aes Sedai, we understand that Elaida has been waiting a long time to do what she’s been doing this season. She’s been undermining Siuan’s authority. She wants to take Siuan’s place as the Amyrlin Seat. As Elaida gains support in this episode, I questioned how these powerful women could be persuaded to act against their own best interests. But then I remembered that’s unfortunately not such a mystery to us Americans now, is it? The politics in the White Tower have always been intriguing on this show, and this episode is a game-changer for that plot.
Elaida thinks the Aes Sedai should find Rand and cage his ability to channel magic, which is the same thing the Black Ajah wants to do. Nynaeve, Elayne, and Mat are still trying to stop them. Despite losing one of the bracelets, they find out where the collar is and go after it. That’s something I love about all of the good guys on this show. They don’t give up easily. However, the Black Ajah tracks down the collar, too, and of course, that means confrontations. This sequence is exciting. And it will have repercussions in future seasons that I am looking forward to. Especially between Nyneave and her former mentor, Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood).
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“This is what I was born to do.”
Speaking of confrontations, now that Rand knows Lanfear has been attacking Egwene in her dreams. He finally tells the Forsaken servant of the Dark to step off. Lanfear reacts to this about as well as you’d expect. But other things also demand Rand’s energy. He needs to prove to a huge gathering of Aiel that he is the Car’a’carn, as they will be a valuable army in the Last Battle. Lanfear is helping another Aiel warrior claim to be Car’a’carn, but thankfully, Rand is the only one who can actually prove it, through what he learned during the trial at Rhuidean and his ability to channel. Rand’s decision to reveal to the Aiel the painful truth about their beginnings will no doubt have consequences later on.
Another important relationship this season has been Rand and Moiraine (Rosamund Pike). Though Moiraine would have guided whoever turned out to be the Dragon Reborn, and she has devoted her life to it as she said earlier this season, the conversations between her and Rand have been a highlight of season three. This episode is a case in point. Moiraine makes it clear she would kill Rand herself if he started going insane and chose the Dark. He appreciates that because he is still frightened of the madness that waits for men who can channel.
The story feels inevitable despite the angst. That makes The Wheel of Time season 3 episode 8 really work. And this season is some of the best fantasy ever put on television. I hope we can soon refer to this episode as “He Who Gets Renewed For Season Four.”
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The Wheel of Time is streaming on Prime Video.
