The Wheel of Time season 3’s ending is a reminder that Rand is not far from going insane. I’ve got to admit that the final episode was pretty exciting, and that’s despite me being someone who doesn’t really feel connected with any of these characters. I think the problem for us non-readers is that there are too many characters, and we don’t get enough time with each of them to feel like rooting for any of them. I mean, I didn’t even feel anything when I thought Moiraine was about to die. It is quite disappointing, but here we are. However, I quite enjoyed the high-stakes and high-power final episode of season 3, which leaves enough room for us to look forward to a battle in the next season. A reminder: I haven’t read the books and barely know anything about the lore from the TV shows because getting back into a show like this after a year of nothing is quite difficult. So, these are simply my theories of what you might expect from the next season. With that said, let’s jump straight into the ending of The Wheel of Time season 3.
Spoiler Alert
Do the Aiel Bow to Rand?
In the season 3 finale, it looks almost too easy for Lanfear to kill Moiraine in the desert, just like she saw in her vision. However, as Lanfear tries to choke Moiraine to death, the latter brings out the Sakarnen from the sand and channels her power through it. While this is happening, Rand and another Aiel, to whom Lanfear gave a second marking, stand in front of the Aiel, claiming they’re both the Car’a’carn. It’s not hard for Rand to prove to the people that he is the one the prophecy speaks of. He talks about how in Tear he was able to see their ancestral past and how the Aiel used to follow the Way of the Leaf. The chief tells him that he should stop because he will destroy the Aiel by telling them that they’re oath breakers, but this is exactly what Rand is meant to do: “destroy” them. If that wasn’t enough, at the same time, Elaida takes the Amerlyn Seat and puts Siuan on trial.
Even with the Sakarnen (why does this sound straight out of Dune, though?), Moiraine isn’t powerful enough for Lanfear. Even when Lan interferes, it’s rather easy for Lanfear to throw him across the sand like he’s a puny little ant. Eventually, Lanfear pulls a sword and stabs Moriaine in the guts, twisting the blade and getting ready to watch her die. But this is when something shocking happens, which we’ll get to in a bit. On the other hand, the Aiel get divided after Rand’s speech, making it harder for them to “bow down” to him, so the best thing he can do at this time is channel. The only proof that truly matters, I suppose. Rand’s channeling begins in yellow, but soon enough, it starts to turn black, and darker and darker, until it brings clouds over the desert, and it begins to rain. At that moment, both Egwene and Aviendha look almost delighted to see what Rand’s doing. When it does start to rain, the chief declares Rand the Car’a’carn—the chief of chiefs and the savior.
How Does Siuan Die?
However, the real shock of this episode comes when we see Siaun’s beheaded body lying in the middle of the hall in the Tower. Before Siuan was killed, Elaida gave her the chance to explain herself and tell the “truth.” Siaun spoke about how she loves Moiraine and how, 20 years ago, the two of them heard from the previous Seat that the Dragon would be reborn. She’s already bruised and beaten up by this time, but Siuan doesn’t back down. She reminds her sisters that she sides with the light and that they’ve forgotten what that feels like. She reminds them that she will not burn because she is water itself.
During season 3’s ending, Moiraine feels the rage and sadness inside of her when Siuan dies, and she pulls out the sword from her body while Lanfear watches in shock. Now Moiraine is strong with the power of love, and she can take Lanfear down. Moiraine manages to cut Lanfear in the neck before the latter runs away in a panic. Now, I have heard of the Callandor, so for a second, I did wonder if the sword Lanfear used was the Callandor, but then it’s a male S’angreal, and I’m not sure if women can use it. Plus, it’s supposed to be some special thing, so I wouldn’t think we’d see it so randomly. On the other hand, everybody bows to Rand, and Egwene tells him to stop channeling when she thinks it’s too much. But Rand doesn’t listen.
What to Expect From Season 4?
In the ending sequence, we get glimpses of some of the characters on their own missions. Now, for one, I think Moghedien did agree to work with Liandrin since she had the collar and told her that two people have to control the collar wearer together. Moghedien has already killed Sammael, so I suppose, just as Lanfear suspects, she’ll go for one of the other Forsaken next. I get that she doesn’t work well in groups, but isn’t killing the Forsaken going to make things worse for her?
On the other hand, Perrin will go on trial for killing Dain’s dad, I guess, and he’ll be in captivity for a bit before Faile saves him with the two Aiel women. This is a mild spoiler here for Perrin’s storyline if anybody wants to skip ahead to the next paragraph. Book readers will know that Perrin’s going to marry Faile, so I can imagine we’ll get some more development in that storyline in the next season. I would like to see a The Wheel of Time wedding, not going to lie. One very important thing in the final episode is that Nynaeve finally got her powers after nearly losing her life at the hands of Liandrin. Sounds like a familiar plot. Anyway, watching Nynaeve split the waters like that was truly thrilling, and this is the kind of stuff that keeps us watching fantasy shows, so I’m hoping we get to see more of such things in the next season. I wonder if she’ll tell the rest of the gang that she got her powers back or if she’ll “relapse” without a death threat.
Another spoiler for non-book readers about Rand’s love life, so if you want to skip ahead, please do. I read a little thing about how in the books, Rand has three lovers, and Egwene is not one of them, but I think the show is going to deviate from this and make it Egwene, Elayne, and Aviendha (yeah, I know, man’s got everything), and not Min. It does seem like it’s developing a pretty solid interest between Mat and Min, but I could be wrong.
I wonder what will happen at the Tower and what of Verin and the other Aes Sedai who don’t side with Elaida. Elayne’s got a new toy (the weapon she used to kill that woman), but I wonder if it will be of importance in the next season. I suppose the gang will reunite in season 4 with some extras like Elayne, Aviendha, and Min. Moiraine survived Lanfear’s attack, so we will get to see her for at least a few more episodes, if not until the “Last Battle,” which might come next season? I’m not entirely sure.
