For decades, Andrew Cunningham and Lee Hutchinson have immersed themselves in the Wheel of Time series created by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, bringing their extensive knowledge to recaps of the show’s first and second seasons on Amazon Prime. Now, they’re back for season three, armed with insights, humor, and the occasional outlandish theory.
These recaps will highlight significant moments from each episode and contain spoilers for both the television adaptation and the original books. While the aim is to avoid revealing major plot points from future books, there is a chance that some surprises might be inadvertently revealed. If you prefer to experience the story unspoiled and haven’t read the novels, these recaps may not be for you.
New episodes of The Wheel of Time season three are released every Thursday for Amazon Prime subscribers. This article discusses the finale, titled “He Who Comes With the Dawn,” which premiered on April 17.
Lee: Wow. That was… quite an experience.
A recurring theme in our recaps has been the need to accept that certain prominent settings or events from the books may not make it to screen due to budgetary constraints or narrative choices. We have had to adjust our expectations multiple times. However, this episode begins with a flashback that features Elaida emerging from a distinctive twisted redstone doorway, an image perceptive viewers may recall from the season’s opening episode, where the Black Ajah loots the Tower. Now, in classic storytelling style, this doorway returns, alongside several others as is typical in the Wheel of Time universe.
It’s important to quickly revisit the concept of the Finn. We may have glossed over an earlier scene featuring the characters playing the snakes-and-foxes game, but let’s take a moment to explore other aspects of this episode. There’s a sense of closure (well, to an extent), notable moments of balefire, shattering blocks, and Rand pulling a surprising maneuver reminiscent of Paul Atreides, causing rain in the Three-Fold Land, among other events!
Andrew: I found this episode less satisfying than last week’s due to its somewhat jumbled nature. While exciting elements typical of a season finale are present, there’s a feeling of being inundated with setups for future plots, lacking ample payoff. This season finale lays the groundwork for a possible fourth season, about which we currently have no information!
Many moments felt hurried, notably Rand’s abrupt shift regarding Lanfear after a brief attempt to sway her back to the Light. The depiction of balefire caught my attention; it manifests as a colossal death ray that erases not only one’s existence but also rewinds time briefly before vanishing completely. In the books, balefire serves as a convenient tool to navigate significant character deaths, suggesting it requires more context than it received in this episode.
Lee: I see your point about Rand and Lanfear, but I was so caught up in the things I cared about that I brushed aside the elements that didn’t interest me as much. The dynamic among Rand, Moiraine, and Lanfear isn’t at the forefront of my focus as we progress toward the conclusion—Rand is being true to his character, and Lanfear is doing her own thing.
Andrew: It’s challenging to know where to begin with the variety of events! Some plot points align with the timelines set out in the book, while others have been moved up for efficiency. Significant deviations from the source material appear, likely to maintain pacing, and at least one moment seems crafted to mislead book readers.
What should we dive into first?
Lee: Let’s discuss the misleading elements! The books emphasize Rand’s need for a teacher proficient in channeling, excluding Aes Sedai women as potential mentors. Initially, it seemed like the neglected Logain would fit that role, but the show introduces Sammael, only for him to be eliminated when Moghedien intervenes. So, it appears Sammael has exited the stage.
Andrew: Exactly! We still have one Forsaken unaccounted for; among eight in the show’s universe, we’ve encountered five while two others have been mentioned. The lingering question is whether the remaining Forsaken will assume the mentor role for Rand, which seems likely given the show’s precise setup. However, this episode plays with viewers’ expectations rather than providing answers, which is understandable.
Sammael’s early demise alters the storyline significantly. In the original material, he becomes a head of state whose defeat is essential for Rand to unite various kingdoms before the Last Battle—a lengthy and tedious process mired in political intricacies. It appears we might sidestep much of this narrative, as suggested by the minimal focus on Cairhienin politics in season two and the character’s premature exit during this episode. Understanding the timeline of events in the books only offers a fraction of insight into the show’s trajectory.
Lee: I’m all for this approach! Rand’s unification endeavors felt like a laborious aspect of the series, and the tighter pacing eliminates some of the tediousness that could bog down the plot. This aligns with why I tend to skip long chapters focused on certain characters.
Bringing in Game of Thrones comparisons—at least in terms of character deaths—Siuan’s fate is pretty shocking. Her demise is likely irreversible, given the graphic nature of her death, later confirmed by Moiraine. This surprised me, considering Siuan’s important role in the future narrative, but it aligns with the trend of reducing character arcs that may not impact the overall story greatly. We can replace her with other characters and maintain narrative integrity, right?
Andrew: Not entirely, as every character we’ve lost in this adaptation has contributed to the density of the book’s world and its multitude of unique characters. Siuan’s post-Amyrlin journey explores humility and the nature of power. While it may not be gripping, it holds narrative weight.
Moreover, enduring the long delays between book releases heightened frustrations in earlier readings that newer fans may not experience. Revisiting Knife of Dreams without the burden of waiting made me appreciate it more—though I long for the closure Jordan could have provided himself.
With that said, I believe Siuan isn’t pivotal for the story anymore as we move forward. However, the series appears keen on keeping book readers on their toes with unexpected developments. This death achieves that surprise while also simplifying the narrative, a choice I understand but which will leave some viewers disappointed.
Lee: Let’s shift focus; Mat’s journey into the realm of the Finn is a crucial development in the story. Initially, I worried that we wouldn’t see this in the series, particularly considering the complexities involved. However, we’ve now seen those twisted redstone doorways, creatively repositioned from their book origins. While we don’t know what Elaida was up to, it seems Mat is on course to engage with the Eelfinn.
The show has strategically hinted at this arc throughout the season. Now, Mat, while searching for a control necklace in Tanchico, steps through the doorway and is confronted with the curious Aelfinn and Eelfinn.
Andrew: Crossing through these portals grants wishes! The Aelfinn provide knowledge while the Eelfinn offer tangible or intangible desires—though with their own ominous caveats. Understanding the nature of these beings and their arrangements is secondary to their interactions with Mat, providing pivotal moments that define his character moving forward. How did you perceive the show’s take on this significant moment?
Lee: I thought it was brilliantly executed! It’s great to see Mat acquire the foxhead medallion, particularly amid his frustration with constant magical interference. Perhaps most notably, we finally glimpse the weapon that will be central to Mat’s journey moving forward. It’s a striking moment that aligns well with the books and prepares him for his destiny. Typically, a quintessential Wheel of Time twist would involve his absence in the upcoming season—typical humor aside.
Andrew: This episode wraps up the Tanchico storyline rather abruptly. The heroes ultimately face failure, with Moghedien and Liandrin escaping with vital components needed to control the Dragon Reborn. This partnership seems unlikely to yield favorable results for either party, but the chaotic presence of Kate Fleetwood’s Liandrin adds an engaging dynamic to the show.
At least our protagonists do salvage some information; Thom reveals to Elayne that “Lord Gaebril” is, in fact, a Forsaken and a usurper. Nynaeve, meanwhile, finds herself thrown into the sea, which leads to a pivotal moment for her character as she breaks free from her channeling block—an event that closely mirrors a similar sequence from the book series.
Lee: Indeed, Nynaeve’s block is removed in book seven, which stood out to me when I read the series. I appreciate the choice to bring this forward; it makes narrative sense within the context of the show. The prolonged presence of her block started to feel like an unwarranted obstacle rather than a valuable plot device, so it’s time to move on.
Ironically, Liandrin was shown helping Nynaeve break that block a few seasons ago; it’s amusing that she’s finally found a method that works, though the aftermath will surprise her.
Andrew: The show appears to be positioning itself for a convergence in Tear during the next season, possibly blending elements from books three, five, and six. However, all of this hinges on whether the show receives a renewal—an uncertainty that looms over this finale for the first time.
Lee: Unfortunately, we’re still awaiting news on a potential next season, which is disheartening given the quality of this one. The finale ends with Rand darkening the skies and bringing rain, creating a portentous atmosphere. The Stone of Tear, along with the sword within it—Callandor—stands ready for the next chapter, pending Amazon’s willingness to finance the continuation.
Andrew: My concerns about renewal persist. Such dramas typically struggle to secure extended runs these days, especially with the trend toward shorter series. Despite accolades for this season—boasting a higher Rotten Tomatoes score than previous seasons and even more than the latest season of Rings of Power—it appears Wheel of Time hasn’t reached the crossover appeal that executives at Amazon had envisioned when they sought their own version of Game of Thrones.
Given the rising costs associated with producing high-quality television shows, the future is uncertain. This season showcased significant improvements, leaving me genuinely invested; I would be disappointed if it were canceled at this stage. How do you feel?
Lee: I’ve reiterated this point: this season marks a turning point for the show. I believe subsequent seasons—if they are allowed to materialize—will be outstanding.
However, 2025 looms large, heralding an uncertain future. Perhaps this series, too, is a fleeting dream, one from which we may awaken sooner than we hope.
We’ll know soon enough. In the meantime, dear readers, may you always find water and shade, with the Creator’s hand offering guidance—for both you and possibly some sense into Bezos.
