Summary
The Wheel of TimeSeason 3 ended on a high and saw Rand al’Thor uniting the Aiel, while stepping further into his destiny as the Dragon Reborn. Based on the books by Robert Jordan,The Wheel of Timeis a fantasy series full of adventure, magic, and mystery. As a group of young villagers travel across the world, they face powerful enemies, uncover hidden truths, and learn that their choices could shape the fate of the world. Throughout the season, the stakes were higher, alliances were tested, and prophecies began to unfold. While Rand traveled across the Aiel to prove himself that he is the real Car’a’Carn, his friends - Nynaeve, Mat, Perrin, and Elayne - each embarked on their own perilous journeys, grappling with power and loss.
Game Rant caught up with the showrunner of thePrime Videoseries,Rafe Judkins, to discuss the enthralling finale, which saw Rand and Nynaeve using their powers, hinting at the true strength they’re only beginning to understand. Moreover, the showrunner opened up about two of the vital moments that took place in the final episode and why Egwene is skeptical about Rand and his powers.
Judkins on Nynaeve learning to control her powers in The Wheel of Time Season 3 finale
Throughout Season 3 ofThe Wheel of Time,Nynaeve did her best to learn more about her powers and control them so that she could use them when it mattered the most. Duringthe fight between the Aes Sedai in the season’s opening sequence, Nynaeve tried to showcase her powers and help Siuan. However, she couldn’t control her powers and left her shaken and questioning her place among the Aes Sedai. However, in the final episode, Nynaeve seemed to be in control of her powers when Liandrin used magic to throw her into the depths of the sea. During that moment, it felt like Nynaeve finally got to know how to control her powers and use them in a capacity that wouldn’t cause unwanted harm.
For Judkins, this is one of the most important moments in the series because Nynaeve is one of the characters who like to control everything around her, and facing the raw, unpredictable nature of the One Power forces her to confront her deepest vulnerability. It’s a turning point that challenges her identity and sets the stage for powerful growth ahead.
Judkins: To us, the moment for Nynaeve is really a moment about being able to give up control. You know, she is a character who wants to control everything around her—and actually, what she has to do to be able to control her power is submit to the hugeness of it. This idea of submission to power is something that’s quite important in the books. And Nynaeve is a great character to see represent that, because of all of our characters, she’s the one who most likes to hold control of everything that’s happening. We see that that’s been her block all along—and that she’s able to submit to the power in this moment. And that’s what lets her actually control it.
Judkins on the possible conflict between Rand and Egwene in The Wheel of Time Season 3
There’s no doubt that Rand al’Thor and Egwene love each other. However, the introduction of Lanfear into Rand’s life made everything difficult for the couple. Lanfear tried to corrupt Rand’s mind by telling him how angelic she is and wants him to succeed as the Dragon Reborn. Meanwhile,she tortured Egwene in her dreamsand took her to the darkest corners. In one of the episodes, Egwene sees how Rand might lose his senses and kill his loved ones as the story moves forward. But in the finale, Egwene felt a little conflicted when Rand told Aiel about his reality and showcased his powers to change the weather.
While discussing the particular moment, Judkins noted that the ending moment of Season 3 is pivotal to the story because it shows the beginning of a “possible conflict” between two powerful people who also love each other. Even though Judkins didn’t confirm if the show will return for another season, he made it clear that he would love to explore Rand and Egwene’s relationship and their conflicts in the upcoming seasons.
Judkins: I think that, you know, the final moment of the season—we really wanted to see this arc for Egwene and Rand that they’ve been going through. You know, she feels like her place is to support him. And by the end of the season, she’s looking at him and she’s wondering if her place is to stop him. And I think that that’s, you know, setting up a story that will hopefully get to go into many future seasons for the two of them. Because they do have this really powerful story through the books—a love for each other that is like the love of someone you grew up with. But at the same time, you know, Egwene is the balance to Rand, and Rand is the balance to Egwene. So seeing the two of them standing—each in their own power, each in their own different way—you can see that their relationship has really moved from a place of unity to a place of potential conflict. And she’s the only one who doesn’t bow to him. I think that’ll speak volumes to what’s to come for them—hopefully—in future seasons.
Will The Wheel of Time return for Season 4?
As of writing this piece, Amazon hasn’t confirmed the show’s renewal. But it won’t come as a shock if the production giant renewed the show for another season after the finale.Season 3 ofThe Wheel of Timehas been a gigantic hitfor the platform, and it not only garnered near-universal acclaim, it also remained at the top when it comes to ratings and viewership. Season 3 shows just how muchThe Wheel of Timehas grown. The creators have clearly learned from the past and are now building something truly special. After a rocky start in Season 1, many fans weren’t sure if the show would last. But Season 2 brought back hope, and Season 3 has taken things to a whole new level.
If Prime Video keeps up this kind of strong storytelling, the series could become one of the best in fantasy TV. Showrunner Rafe Judkins and the entire team have worked hard and taken bold steps to make the show better, and it’s really paying off.
The Wheel of TimeSeason 3 is streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
