Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7!The Wheel of Time tells sprawling stories across various locations, a defining factor of the series that it occasionally doesn't juggle very well. However, season 3's episode 4 proved just how strong the fantasy show can be when it zooms in on just one story, that being Rand's trial to become the Car'a'carn. Season 3, episode 7 takes a similar approach, this time depicting a massive battle Perrin leads that decides the fate of the Two Rivers following its invasion by the Dark One's forces.

The episode begins by establishing what its biggest focuses will be: Perrin defending his home while weaving connections between him, the encroaching Trolloc army, and Whitecloaks reluctant to assist. Even though The Wheel of Time's characters are so widespread, the episode's protagonist still butts heads with Dain, the Whitecloak whose father Perrin killed in season 2. Near the start of the episode, the Two Rivers' de facto leader begs him for his group's help, but is unable to convince him. It seems Perrin's hometown will have to fend for itself.

Stellar Action Sequences Bolster An Already Intense Conflict

The Best Battle Put To Screen In The Entire Series

Much of The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7 focuses on Perrin's efforts to defend the Two Rivers. Instead of spending too much time on setup, the episode gets into the action after some conversations between characters. This is especially important following the surprise return of the Tuatha'an, the caravan of travelers last seen in season 1. Their involvement becomes crucial to the fight, as their non-violent nature makes them perfect to usher children out of town should it be overrun. It's a surprising yet fitting way to reintroduce them to the wider story.

However, the real highlights of the episode are its many detailed battle sequences. From the first moment Trollocs rush a group of farmers-turned-warriors shooting arrows over their makeshift barriers, I was enthralled by what unfolded. The level of physical detail afforded the Dark One's monstrous warriors, combined by the hope and might of the Two Rivers' army, displays a harrowing battle between good and evil. This was made all the more powerful because of its striking cinematography, which provided both detail and chaos in the episode's major battle sequences.

Its best aspect was also how it handled hope and despair, expertly building on The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 6 with constant changes surrounding who had the upper hand. At first, it seemed the Two Rivers army had beaten the Trollocs back. However, Perrin recognizes their retreat means a powerful Darkfriend must be controlling them. His fears are confirmed when Alanna is ambushed, with Darkfriends ing the fray as the fight continues. It's a tense moment, and while I already suspected Padan Fain's involvement from his previous episode appearance, it teased the conflict was just getting started.

Major Character Moments Made Me Feel For Everyone In The Episode

I Appreciated A Shocking & Bold Decision

The episode becomes two-pronged in storytelling from here. The focus is on both Perrin's efforts to protect the Two Rivers, alongside Loial and the Aiel warriors going to close the Waygate from which more Trollocs are arriving. For Perrin's part, he begins managing defenses at home, only for the Whitecloaks to arrive. Despite helping, Dain was motivated by Perrin's previous promise, being that he'll go into his custody if the group helps his people. However, things go awry instantly when a shocked and angry Perrin realizes Padan is with them, disguised as a high-ranking Whitecloak.

The town breaks into complete chaos, with Whitecloaks fighting Darkfriends dressed in their robes as Trollocs easily break through their barricades. The ensuing moments make it seem like all hope is lost, doing an excellent job at making Perrin's story feel like it could end bitterly. However, after a meaningful moment between him and Faile, he begins cutting down Trollocs mercilessly, all while she kills any he misses. It's a scene that feels like it makes up for his wife, Laila, dying so meaninglessly in season 1, bringing his character full circle.

Though a shocking choice given Loial's fake death in season 1, his sacrifice was a bold and emotional way to give the Two Rivers a guaranteed victory.

In the meantime, Loial and the Aiel warriors' story of closing the Waygate concludes with a harsh reality: Loial needs to close it from the inside to keep any other soldiers from arriving. While inside, he's unable to seal it as an army approaches. Determined to save his friends, he ends up destroying the ground beneath him, causing him, Trollocs, and Darkfriends to topple into the darkness below. Though a shocking choice given Loial's fake death in season 1, his sacrifice was a bold and emotional way to give the Two Rivers a guaranteed victory.

Season 3, Episode 7 Ends On A Tantalizing Cliffhanger

What Will Perrin's Next Adventure Entail?

During the battle, Perrin manages to corner Padan in an explosive confrontation, showcasing just how much he reviles the Darkfriend. While the antagonist seems confident at first, Perrin threatening his life coupled with the explosion of the Waygate makes him capitulate to his demands. Perrin tells him he'll let him live if he retreats, appealing to his self-preservation. It works, with the overwhelming forces against the Two Rivers running away. However, it's made clear how flimsy their victory was, as Padan being unwilling to die for the Dark One is seemingly the only reason they managed to survive.

But, with victory also comes the harsh reality of the aftermath. As Perrin promised Dain, he becomes a Whitecloak prisoner, despite calls from the people of the Two Rivers for him to be freed. However, he goes willingly, protecting his people from another conflict while also honoring the promise he made for the group's help. Even so, calls of for "Lord Perrin Goldeneyes of the Two Rivers" permeate the town. This determination shows how the battle has changed Perrin's people, possibly laying the groundwork for his progression going into a possible The Wheel of Time season 4.

As of writing, The Wheel of Time season 4 has not been confirmed.

With Perrin's story being given a cliffhanger, The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 7 provides a fitting end to his defense of the Two Rivers while teasing his next chapter. The stellar choreography and cinematography in the fight scenes, coupled with important character moments, make this a standout across all of season 3. While I've had misgivings about some parts of this season, it's undeniable this penultimate episode is one of the best of the entire show, making for an exciting end to such a major storyline.

The Wheel of Time season 3 finale arrives Thursday, April 17 on Prime Video.