Prime Video is doing its best to make fantasy shows based on well-known literary works a cornerstone of their streaming originals. The platform has the most expensive TV show ever made, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which has recently been renewed for season 3. Its other show in this subgenre, The Wheel of Time, will debut season 3 later this week. Having watched the entire season, its formatting is reminiscent of the last two seasons: a group of heroes experiencing their own stories as part of a larger narrative about saving their world.

But despite season 2 offering a major step up from its predecessor, The Wheel of Time season 3 dips back down. While the quality of the latest eight-episode season doesn't falter too much from the previous one, it's noticeable enough to affect both the story and characters. While some stellar episodes and scenes are memorable, the overarching story doesn't feel impactful, despite how much the show says it should be. This partially stems from season 3 feeling like a setup for the first half of a much larger story.

The Wheel Of Time Season 3's Story Is Upheld By Its Characters

The Performances Are The Best They've Ever Been

Season 3 picks up not long after The Wheel of Time season 2's ending, jumping right into the action as it becomes clear Rand and his friends are no longer safe in Tar Valon. The new episodes pull from the story of the fourth book, The Shadow Rising, which sees Rand accompany the Aiel Maiden of the Spear Aviendha back to the Aiel Waste. Her goal is to prove him as the Car'a'carn, a prophetic figure expected to lead the Aiel into a new future. However, various threats await him on his journey, alongside the sprawling quests of his companions.

The Wheel of Time's characters are its primary strength in season 3, as the groups split up in various ways to complete quests all relating to Rand's status as the Dragon Reborn. Vastly different storylines are aided by believable character development and strong performances from the whole cast. While everyone does a fantastic job, the standouts are Rosamund Pike as Moiraine, Joshua Stradowski as Rand, and Marcus Rutherford as Perrin, mainly due to their interesting story trajectories. Two episodes in particular stand out, making for the season's best stories, aided by the actors' strong presence onscreen.

While every story clearly weaves into one another, the different missions and geographical locations can often make events feel like entirely different shows simply set in the same fantasy world.

However, the sprawling story can feel overly busy at times, with a multitude of characters in various locations that come across as disconnected from one another. While every story clearly weaves into another, the different missions and geographical locations can often make events feel like entirely different shows simply set in the same fantasy world. Luckily, character writing and powerful portrayals are constant no matter which group the show jumps to, elevating even the least engaging plots thanks to investment in the heroes themselves.

Season 3 also has notably beautiful cinematography to compliment its strong characters. Sweeping shots of forests, deserts, and cities make every episode pop out, emphasized by a soundtrack that is both fantastical and modern at the same time. However, the show's visual prowess shines the most during episode 4, featuring a major location from The Wheel of Time that exudes a more creative presentation than anything else the season has to offer. Episode 4 is also one of the best, not just in season 3, but the whole series, complimented by its stunning camerawork.

A Lack Of Follow-Through Makes The Wheel Of Time Season 3 Feel Unfinished

This Is Especially The Case For One Specific Storyline

Even though characters feel more dynamic than in previous seasons, The Wheel of Time season 3 suffers from storylines that don't last as long as they should. The first half of the season provides many interesting setups and expectations for character journeys, especially for foundational group . While Rand and Perrin come to mind, so too do Egwene and Nynaeve, all of whom have their own interesting tales weaved into the Pattern. But it's as these stories near their resolutions that they begin to run out of steam.

This impacts one character in particular, who is foundational to the entire season, reflective of the themes and ideas present throughout. However, from a meandering second half of their journey to a baffling decision in the final episode, their plot feels like it runs out of steam by the end. What makes it more notable is that this description can be applied to more than one character, including some whose storylines feel like they stall halfway through. This makes some stories feel rushed and others unfinished, all slowly becoming less engaging as the finale draws closer.

While there's still plenty to like about The Wheel of Time season 3, its more compelling elements are dragged down by stories that don't hold much long-term interest. Luckily, even the least engaging of stories are fortified by memorable performances and the best character writing the show's ever had. Although the underwhelming storytelling was disappointing, the cast showed how well-suited they are for their characters, something that holds enough interest even at season 3's weakest moments.

The Wheel of Time season 3 premieres with its first 3 episodes Thursday, March 13 on Prime Video.