Summary
The Wheel of Timehas implied thatit will diverge from the books when it comes to the main character, Rand al’Thor, in one important way. WhenThe Wheel Of Timeburst onto screens in 2021, it was clear that the show wouldn’t be totally faithful to the books. It amassed mixed reviews and lower-than-expected viewing figures, partially due to the writer’s strike.The Wheel of Timeseason 2 endingwas disappointingly non-canonical. However, the show portrayed the series’ central themes of destiny, friendship, and good versus evil, and put forward a solid introduction to the lead characters.
The season 2 finale saw Rand al’Thor face off against Ishamael in Falme, paralleling the end of the series’ second book,The Great Hunt,butallowing Rand more support from his friends than he had in the book. Rand actor Josha Stradowski commented toDecider:“Rand needs his friends to do this,” which is “a big lesson for him for season 2 and something that he needs to face whatever he has to face in season 3.” This fight set up events forThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, teasing a story change for Rand in the process.
How To Read Wheel Of Time Books In Order (Release & Chronology Explained)
Amazon’s Wheel of Time show is based on a New York Times best-selling book series of 15 novels. Here’s a guide on the fantasy saga’s reading order.
What Josha Stradowski’s Comments Reveal About Rand’s Strategy After Season 2
Stradowski’s comments suggest thatRand’s friends’ assistance in his fight against Ishamael will guide him to embrace their help in season 3. Rand’s isolation was a major theme in the book series, especially book three,The Dragon Reborn. In the adaptation, season 2 showed Rand traveling alone and coming to terms with his identity as the Dragon Reborn, taking a lot of its source material from book three. Rand worked more closely with others in book four of the series, and indeed, showrunner Rafe Judkins confirmed on social media thatWheel of Time’sseason 3 planis adapting book four.
By adapting book four,The Shadow Rising,season 3 will show Rand taking on more responsibilities and using some of his critical learnings from season 2 in the struggles he will face. Stradowski’s comments hint at Rand’s character development and strategy in season 3. Rand spent season 2 agonizing over his identity butwill likely start stepping up to the plate in season 3, having had his leadership declared in Falme in the season 2 finale. Theseason 3 openingwill jump right into a major battle, setting the tone for what will surely be a challenging season for the protagonists.
The Wheel of Timeseasons 1 and 2 are both available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
How Rand’s New Strategy Could Affect Major Book Stories
Rand’s Approach In Season 3 May Conflict With The Books
Rand fully embracing teamwork in season 3 could gel with some elements of the books, but may not gel with all of them.The Wheel of Timeseason 3 is set to adapt book four, and book four saw Rand grow beyond solitude to a certain extent. Therefore, at first glance, it seems as if season 3 is poised for a faithful adaptation. However,Rand still demonstrated numerous instances of refusing to collaboratethroughout the story. Stradowski’s comments imply that there’s a chance of season 3 ignoring these parts of the original story.
Speaking at New York Comic Con, Rafe Judkins confirmed that season 3 will cover new locations - Rhuidean and the Aiel Waste. InThe Shadow Rising, Rand insisted on entering the center of Rhuidean alone to face the trials that awaited him, despite offers of assistance from Mat. Rand accepting input Mat in the heart of Rhuidean in the show in season 3would constitute a major change from canon. There are manyWheel of Timecharacters that differ from the booksbut make sense in the show, so this approach could work. However, it also presents numerous challenges.
To Honor The Books, Rand Will Need To Forget Seasons 1 & 2’s Teamwork Lessons
There Are Some Trials That Rand Must Face Alone
IfThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 is to adhere to the main themes and narrative of the books,Rand will ideally face certain trials alone, without the help of his friends. For Rand to successfully develop as a character throughout his trials in Rhuidean, he will need to go it alone. This would push Rand to develop the skill, authority, confidence, and leadership to be able to go into the ensuing seasons becoming a powerful Dragon Reborn. Facing solitary trials inWheel of Time’sseason 3 locationswould teach Rand invaluable lessons and be pivotal to future plot points.
Rand entering the glass columns in Rhuidean by himself inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 is alsocritical to upholding the lore of the book series. There is a strong Aiel tradition around Rhuidean. This city in the Aiel Waste was full of majestic buildings, but nobody could enter in groups according to Aiel custom. This was to enable individuals to fully absorb the effect of the magical powers of Rhuidean. Traveling through Rhuidean, individuals experienced the magic of the city in the form of trials designed to prove their worthiness as Aiel chiefs or Wise Ones.
A significant part of the book series’ mythos was the Aiel prophecy that stated that one chief would rise above other clan chiefs to be the “Chief of Chiefs” - the Car’a’carn.
This is particularly relevant when it comes to Rand, whose status as the Dragon Reborn granted him a special place in Aiel society - if he could prove his worthiness. A significant part of the book series’ mythos was the Aiel prophecy that stated that one chief would rise above other clan chiefs to be the “Chief of Chiefs” - the Car’a’carn.In undergoing trials in Rhuidean alone, Rand fulfilled this prophecyand started his journey towards uniting the Aiel people. This was key to defeating the Dark One.The Wheel of Timeseason 3 should honor this storyline to remain a valuable adaptation.
The Wheel of Time
Cast
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.
