Summary
- The Wheel of Time season 3 will diverge from the books, particularly in the portrayal of Mat's arc without the Aelfinn and Eelfinn.
- Mat won't need to visit the White Tower in season 3, differing from his book journey, as he learns to resist the taint.
- The series may delay Rand obtaining Callandor and skip his rematch with Ishamael, shifting focus to other Forsaken like Moghedien.
Though they've yet to happen, multiple changes to the books have been set in motion ahead of The Wheel of Time season 2's ending, more are likely to happen when the series returns.
It's already been confirmed that The Wheel of Time's world. But while much of what's expected to come is from the books, season 3 is already in position to take some liberties.
6 Mat May Not Meet The Aelfinn & The Eelfinn
In The Shadow Rising, Mat Cauthon tags along with Rand for the trip to the Aiel Waste, where he meets two mysterious, otherworldly races known as the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn. In the books, crossing paths with the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn is instrumental to his entire arc, as they're responsible for unlocking his memories of his past lives. Having the knowledge of countless military leaders from The Wheel of Time's ancient history is the driving force of Mat's biggest contributions to the narrative. But while this may make the two races seem indispensable for the show, the season 2 finale has indicated otherwise.
As noted by Ishamael, the tea he gave Mat was designed to help him recall his past lives. The finale took this to the next step by triggering Mat's memories via the Horn of Valere. This doesn't rule out the Aelfinn and the Eelfinn from appearing altogether, but it does raise implications about their importance (or lack thereof) to Mat's story. The show finding another way to unlock Mat's memories creates the impression he won't be meeting either race in The Wheel of Time season 3.
5 Mat Doesn't Need To Go To The White Tower
A big part of Mat's story in The Shadow Rising sees the character travel to the White Tower, where the Aes Sedai complete what Moiraine started in The Eye of the World. With multiple Aes Sedai on hand, they're able to fully Heal Mat of the taint caused by the cursed dagger. The Wheel of Time season 2 confirmed that like the book version of the hero, its take on Mat still suffers from the taint even after Moiraine tried to help him. The difference, though, is that the TV show's Mat has figured out how to beat it. Mat successfully resisting the temptation and tying it to a staff is a sign that Mat doesn't need to be Healed.
4 Rand Travels To The Aiel Waste (Before Claiming Callandor)
Rand's Dragon Reborn journey happens in steps, with the character finding out he can channel at the Eye of the World, getting proclaimed the Dragon Reborn at Falme, claiming Callandor at Tear, and heading to the Aiel Waste with a small army at his back. The Wheel of Time's setup for season 3 threatens to shake up this sequence of events in a huge way; if the show is jumping right into book 4, Rand getting Callandor may be a moment the series is saving for later. This would amount to a major change, though, considering that Rand getting his hands on the prophesized weapon of the Dragon Reborn is what demonstrates his ability to lead to the Aiel who accompany him to the Aiel Waste.
3 Rand Doesn't Have A Rematch With Ishamael
Ishamael's death scene had a sense of finality to it that sent the message that despite the virtual immortality of the Forsaken, the villain may really be dead in the series. This would contrast with the books since Ishamael does return in The Dragon Reborn for a rematch with Rand at the Stone of Tear. But Ishamael seemingly accepting the oblivion of death after their fight at Falme signals the show's willingness to move on from him and perhaps focus on other of the 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time's future.
2 Liandrin Is Set Up To Become The Next Amylrin Seat (Not Elaida)
An apparent reference to Elaida in The Wheel of Time season 2 finale sets up the classic antagonist from the books to finally appear, but that doesn't mean she'll assume the role of the Amyrlin Seat. The books gradually laid the groundwork for Elaida to usurp Siuan Sanche, whereas the show's version of Elaida would show up too late for this to work in the same way. Siuan's defeat in season 2's penultimate episode goes to show that her downfall is on the horizon, and with Elaida's debut still forthcoming, it's looking more likely that someone other than her will launch the Aes Sedai coup.
After two seasons, it's already made abundantly clear that Liandrin wants power and has a hope of seeing Siuan lose her authority. That, combined with the role she's played in the politics of the White Tower so far, makes her - and not Elaida - the strongest candidate to lead the Aes Sedai in a revolt against Siuan. When that happens, she - and not Elaida - can make a successful power grab that leads to her becoming the new Amylrin Seat and a more powerful villain than she ever was before.
1 Moghedien Is Set Up To Be More Dangerous Than Lanfear
In the books, Lanfear is one of the strongest channelers in existence and second only to Ishamael when it comes to the power levels of the Forsaken. This was ed by The Wheel of Time season 2 when Moiraine spoke of Lanfear's strength. Though the show has acknowledged the perception that Lanfear is stronger, it also undermined this fact by showing Moghedien holding an advantage over Lanfear. Moghedien insinuated that Lanfear wouldn't be able to stop her, which would deviate from the books considerably. Moghedien may be the best at manipulating Tel'aran'rhiod, but Lanfear is adept enough in this area for this not to matter too much.
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
Cast
Moiraine Damodred
al'Lan Mandragoran
WHERE TO WATCH
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
- Seasons
- 3
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
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