Summary

• The controversy around Perrin's backstory will continue in The Wheel of Time season 3, creating obstacles for the series' adaptation.
• Changes made to Perrin's character in the TV show will affect his future interactions and romance with Faile in season 3.
• The slow-burn approach to Perrin and Faile's relationship may be necessary in the series due to the significant personal baggage Perrin carries.

The controversy surrounding Perrin is likely to resurface in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time book series, with Perrin's backstory being among the biggest points of contention. In Prime Video's show, it was revealed that Perrin was married to a fellow blacksmith named Laila, a detail that was an invention of the series.

Though her presence in the series was brief, her inclusion marked a substantial change. In the books, Perrin - like the rest of the Two Rivers villagers who left with Moiraine - was unmarried prior to the start of the adventure. The TV show, on the other hand, handed him some massive personal baggage by giving him a wife that he accidentally kills during the Trolloc attack. The impact this had on Perrin's psyche permeated throughout his story in season 1. It had arguably less of an influence on season 2, but is likely to become relevant again in The Wheel of Time season 3.

Laila's Death Will Force More Changes To Perrin's Story In Wheel Of TIme Season 3

Perrin's Faile Bashere Story Has To Be Different

One of the reasons why the addition of the Laila character was so controversial in the first place pertains to a new arc that's expected to begin in The Wheel of Time season 3. In The Shadow Rising, the book season 3 is based on, Perrin returns to the Two Rivers, with Faile Bashere serving as one of his traveling companions. In the novel, Faile assumes the role of Perrin's main love interest and becomes a key ing player in his narrative going forward. With Perrin's Two Rivers trip all but confirmed for season 3, a meeting with Faile is obviously on the horizon, but it's hard to imagine their romance playing out in the same way.

Perrin is not in the same emotional state that he was in The Shadow Rising. He had reservations about Faile, but they don't come close to the issues that are sure to hold back his TV counterpart. As a widower who has to bear the guilt of knowing that he was responsible for his wife's death, Perrin is sure to experience a great deal of inner turmoil when it comes to the possibility of starting a new relationship. Whether it stands in his way or not, whatever personal arc this contributes to the story obviously won't be from the Wheel of Time books.

Perrin's Romance With Faile Needs To Progress More Slowly Than The Books

Perrin & Faile's Wedding in The Two Rivers May Not Happen

Because of the change to the character, it may become necessary for The Wheel of Time to slow down the pace of Perrin and Faile's love story. After all, it shouldn't be forgotten that it progressed quite quickly in the books, with the pair marrying as early as The Shadow Rising. But in the case of the TV characters, it would make more sense for the series to take a slow-burn approach to it, with Perrin having to take time before accepting that he's ready for another relationship, with that moment possibly being best reserved for season 4 or 5.