Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 4!After three episodes filled with multi-faceted stories laying the groundwork for many new storylines,The Wheel of Timeseason 3, episode 4 hones in on Rand’s next step into his journey through the Aiel Waste. As the episode begins,he and Moiraine are being prepared for the trials they must face in the cloudy city of Rhuidean. Entering the city, the Dragon Reborn, in particular, must pass a trial that will grant him two golden dragon tattoos, proving that he is, in fact, the Aiel’s prophesiedCar’a’carn.
The setup for the episode has some decent and important moments throughout. This includes a conversation between Rand and Lan while they train with swords that emphasizes a strong bond forming between them. Aviendha is also stripped of her title as Maiden of the Spear after fighting Lan, although the moment doesn’t hold as much weight as it could. However,where the episode really shines is after Rand and Moiraine enter Rhuidean, leading to stellar performances and strong worldbuilding that make this the best episode of the entire show.
Rand’s Journey Offers A Lore-Heavy Backstory Answering Many Questions
The Wheel Of Time’s Fantasy World Gets A Surprising Reveal
While moments from othercharacters inThe Wheel of Timepermeate the episode’s opening, it’s really Rand and Moiraine’s trials in Rhuidean that make the episode so memorable. For Rand’s part, he must step through a group of Glass Columns that show him different points in his bloodline’s past, traveling further back every time. As he traverses,a new ancestor’s story is told, with each one being expertly portrayed by Josha Stradowski, who plays Rand himself. The lead actor’s talent is exemplified by striking costume design and detailed sets, making it exciting to see who he’d become next.
The Wheel Of Time Season 3 Review: I Wish Stalled Storylines Actually Measured Up To The Prime Video Fantasy’s Gripping Characters
The Wheel of Time season 3 feels too big and small at the same time, with some compelling characters that can’t overshadow its story issues.
As he travels, a story unfolds about the Aiel becoming “Oathbreakers” for killing in the past, breaking a sacred part of their culture in the process.This was the first domino in a long line that led to the discovery of Rhuidean, alongside the nomadic ways of the Aiel that Rand and his group were traveling with. It’s an interesting history that occasionally feels muddled by its presentation but is overall the most engaging way the series has delivered its worldbuilding. It also establishes that the tree in the city has been part of his lineage the whole time.
Rand traveling through the lives of his various ancestors help make everything about his journey as the Dragon Reborn feel like fate.
The same goes for a white orb, which Rand learns is the Sakarnen, a power Sa’angreal and sister to the sword Callandor. In what seems to be a futuristic apocalypse, his ancestor is told to guard the object, traveling with it to ensure no harm comes to him. But, Rand learns the truth about the One Power itself:Lanfear, who was once human, was researching it before a horrific accident caused it to tear a rift in the sky.This also explains herorigins as a Forsaken, marking her as a central figure for the world’s origins.
Beyond just the informationThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, episode 4 offers about its world, the presentation itself is what makes it such a memorable episode. Rand traveling through the lives of his various ancestors helps make everything about his journey as the Dragon Reborn feel like fate. When he finally escapes the Glass Columns,he earns his two golden dragon tattoos, solidifying his role in theCar’a’carnprophecy after providing valuable, expertly crafted information on the show’s wider world. But his trial is just one of two the episode focuses on.
Moiraine Is Forced To Confront A Terrifying Truth
What’s Her Next Role In The Dragon Reborn’s Prophecy?
As Rand is looking into the past, Moiraine is stepping into the future, floating in the air inside an object that allows her to see possible paths for events that haven’t happened yet. WhileThe Wheel of Timeseason 2 endedwith the Aes Sedai established as an important part of the Dragon Reborn’s future,her new visions indicate most timelines set them on a path of destruction.This includes her being forced to kill Rand or Rand killing her in a whole host of ways, from inside the White Tower to in isolated locations.
The Wheel of Timeseason 3, episode 4 was written by showrunner Rafe Judkins.
However, as the camera turns over and over, much like the Wheel,the most prominent future appears to be Lanfear killing Moiraine. She sees this vision in various instances, over and over again, the camera cycling faster and faster as it twirls through the various possibilities of the Aes Sedai dying at a Forsaken’s hand. It’s a heart-rending realization that, despite their best efforts to prepare for the Last Battle, she might not live to see her efforts prosper. Included in this is the very real probability of her protégé turning against her, siding with the Dark One’s allies instead.
Season 3, Episode 4 Sets The Stage For An Incredible Future
The Wheel Of Time Feels Poised To Tell Grander Stories
As the episode comes to a close, Rand takes the Sakarnen from the tree, waiting for Moiraine to pass her trial. In a hard cut to Lan and Egwene waiting for them, it’s revealed they’ve been gone for days,only for Rand to step out carrying his mentor.It’s a powerful scene that shows both characters' resilience, while also highlighting what their past and future journeys have done to them. The shot itself is also beautiful, complimenting the impressive cinematography and writing throughout the entire episode.
The Wheel Of Time Season 3, Episodes 1-3 Review: I’m Happy Characters Are Better Written Despite Slow Start
The Wheel of Time season 3 has the best character writing in the whole series so far, but a slow start and some meandering leave much to be desired.
Emphasizing the importance of both the past and future as Rand’s journey continues,The Wheel of Timeseason 3, episode 4 provided some of the best elements the series has to offer. Pike and Stradowski’s performances were a major highlight, while the worldbuilding only made whatever comes next all the more enticing. It sets the stage for a long-term quest that’s far from over, but that also has plenty of intriguing directions it can go.
New episodes ofThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 are available to stream Thursdays on Prime Video.
The Wheel of Time
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.
