Andrew Cunningham and Lee Hutchinson, seasoned fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson’s Wheel of Time series, return to offer their insights as they recap the third season of Amazon’s adaptation. Having previously provided commentary on both the first and second seasons, they are back with fresh perspectives, humor, and bold theories.
While these recaps will not explore every detail of each episode, they will include significant spoilers from both the show and the source material. We aim to minimize any spoilers regarding major events in future episodes, but readers should proceed with caution. For those wanting to remain entirely unspoiled and who have not read the books, it is recommended to skip these recaps.
New episodes of The Wheel of Time season 3 will debut every Thursday for Amazon Prime subscribers. This recap focuses on episode seven, titled “Goldeneyes,” which premiered on April 10.
Lee: It’s great to be back—and wow, what an episode that was! There’s so much to unpack, from the Battle of the Two Rivers to Lord Goldeneyes! However, the biggest moment that stands out is: LOIAL! NOOOOOOOOOO!!! That twist was totally unexpected and felt reminiscent of some of the shocking events from Game of Thrones. My wife and I have been deeply discussing how Loial’s potential death could reshape future events in the narrative. What’s your take—is our beloved Ogier really gone, or is it just a clever ruse?
Andrew: According to standard rules of sci-fi and fantasy storytelling, as long as we don’t see a body, there’s always a chance for a character to return (just look at Thom Merrilin in season three, episode six).
Consider this: when the Cauthon sisters take vengeance on Eamon Valda with his charred remains seen afterward, that’s clearly a death that sticks.
Even if Loial’s narrative armor has finally failed, the way the show has been reworking and merging storylines makes it hard to predict how the absence or presence of a character might ripple through the plot. This episode alone has introduced several substantial changes that may unfold in surprising ways next season.
But let’s rewind a bit! This episode uniquely dedicates itself to Perrin’s journey in the Two Rivers. How do you think that pivotal moment was portrayed?
Lee: The Battle of the Two Rivers is undeniably one of the most key events in the early part of the series. It represents a significant turning point for Perrin, marking his transformation into a fully realized character. While I think the books capture it in a more impactful way due to the imagination of the reader, this adaptation still presented a compelling battle.
Your comparison of this battle’s execution to the earlier Bel Tine fight in the first season is spot-on. The visual effects and overall storytelling have improved tremendously, showing that the show is continually refining its craft.
Speaking of experiences, did the reprise of the Manetheren song resonate with you? It hasn’t quite landed for me. I appreciate the intent behind it—infusing additional meaning when characters sing it amidst bloodshed—but, honestly, it felt cringeworthy. It’s probably the only scene in the entire episode that I felt missed the mark.
Andrew: Apologies in advance for the essay to come, but this topic deserves in-depth consideration when assessing the show as an adaptation.
The Two Rivers arc in The Shadow Rising highlights a hidden strength within this often-overlooked region of Randland, paralleling the experiences of Two Rivers exiles we’ve met earlier in the series. The overarching themes concern the resilience and valor that emerge from unexpected sources, where heroes evolve from ordinary people confronted by dire circumstances. Compared to A Song of Ice and Fire, which often subverts classic heroic concepts, The Wheel of Time leans into them.
However, back to the song: the strength of the Two Rivers is accentuated precisely because its inhabitants don’t perceive themselves as legendary heroes—they see themselves mainly as humble farmers and hunters, distant from tales of glory like Manetheren. It’s a world where those stories have little relevance to daily life.
That said, I found the song effective as a moment-to-moment narrative device. The show has already employed “Perrin Rallies His Homeland With A Speech” previously, and alternating the storytelling approach makes sense. For viewers unfamiliar with the books, it likely felt like an innocuous scene. But, like the Cauthon sisters’ healing abilities, it does sometimes feel like the show skips over deeper development.
Lee: You make solid points. I don’t necessarily dislike the choice—I simply would have approached it differently. (Though it’s easy to assert that from my comfortable seat here, while creators bear the real responsibility of bringing this story to life.)
Amongst the significant events, there were numerous character moments that truly shine through—central aspects that keep me engaged. Perrin’s tension-filled interaction with Whitecloak commander Dain Bornhald was excellent; however, my favorite was the brief yet charming scene where Perrin updates the Cauthon sisters about Mat. The transformation of those young actors, shifting from serious and traumatized to delighted giggles over their brother’s sketch, was delightful. It reminded me that no amount of heroism can shield you from friendly sibling teasing. (Also, I noticed that seated Perrin looks almost the same height as standing Faile; she’s quite petite!)
The Tinkers made a reappearance here as well, having been alluded to in previous episodes. Aram’s role remains particularly intriguing, as he appears to be on a path that could separate him from his family.
Andrew: Yes, the show may allow for a different trajectory for Aram, potentially offering him a happier fate than in the books. Traditionally, his obsession with protecting Perrin leads to darker paths, but perhaps with interactions among the good people of the Two Rivers, his story could take a more hopeful turn.
The Whitecloak subplot stretches significantly in the books, leading to quite a drawn-out storyline. For example, Valda persists as a character until Book 11, while Dain’s animosity carries on even longer. By advancing certain elements from later in the series, the show could be aiming to streamline the plot and maintain momentum as it strives to reach its conclusion—especially as we’re still awaiting confirmation for a fourth season.
Lee: Exactly! As the series progresses, time becomes more elastic. It’s not a spoiler to mention that with later books, less time is covered, spread across a broader narrative canvas. I recall at least four or five books written over nearly a decade that only encapsulate a couple of months of storyline.
This encompasses what readers term as “The Slog,” particularly pronounced around book ten, which revisits events from earlier books while sidelining pivotal characters. I hope the series can avoid some of the sluggishness, and it appears to be making strides in this regard.
We also have a few other elements to touch upon, but since this episode focuses heavily on the battle, there isn’t an exhaustive amount to recap. Should we delve into Bain and Chiad’s lighthearted pursuit of affection with Loial? I don’t recall that specific plot point from the book, but it feels perfectly in character for everyone involved. (Though Loial, of course, would adhere to strict marital codes regarding romance.)
Andrew: The moments with Bain and Chiad were excellent. I appreciated the use of subtitles for the Maiden of the Spear’s hand signals, alongside the excellent non-verbal acting. The scenes involving Alanna and Maksim also stood out, particularly with Alanna calling forth a storm of ice spikes against their enemies. Daise Congar’s comedic moment of discarding her flask after tapping into the One Power added humor, illustrating why those untrained in channeling should tread carefully.
There’s a recurring motif where the Two Rivers inhabitants nickname Perrin as a lord, a title he naturally detests. I find I begin these episodes with detailed notes in hand, yet as the story unfolds, I find myself engrossed, writing far less out of sheer enjoyment. Episodes that slow down to focus on singular threads allow for richer character moments. I do wish we could have more of those reflective episodes amidst the action-packed ones.
Lee: I feel like I’m starting to run out of focal points—not due to a lack of quality in the episode, but because the narrative, like an arrow from a Two Rivers bow, speeds us toward the season finale. We’ve wrapped up the Perrin arc, and I don’t suspect we’ll revisit it next week. Upcoming episodes seem poised to address Tanchico and critically, Rand’s situation in the Aiel Waste.
Still, Loial’s unexpected demise (if it is indeed such) raises questions. Are characters being eliminated left and right in a Game of Thrones fashion? Have some key characters lost their narrative protection? Are we opening the door to alternative resolutions for older plotlines in this new cycle of the Wheel?
I am eager to see where this leads, but I sincerely hope we aren’t left grieving other beloved characters.
Any final thoughts, Andrew? Are there specific moments you wish for? Do you have concerns regarding where the story heads next?
Andrew: The impact of Game of Thrones has fostered a cultural norm centered around “Who’s meeting their end this week?” as a prominent topic of discussion. I vividly recall how a staff member spoiled the Red Wedding for me because I couldn’t watch it the day it aired.
Killing off certain characters can be a tactic to manage sprawling viewpoints, preventing them from causing narrative stagnation. I’m not fully convinced whether Loial’s fate is sealed, but we must reconcile that not every fan-favorite character from the Wheel of Time can make it through to the end.
As for my concerns, my primary dread now revolves around the prospect of the series ending without a renewed season. The show is gaining momentum in depicting significant book moments, which intensifies my desire for more. Yet, factors like economic uncertainties, a massive cast, international filming locations, and diminished funding for streaming projects may pose challenges. I sincerely hope I’m mistaken! But then again, who am I to question the turning of the Wheel?
