Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 8
The mysterious figure in The Wheel of Time season 3's ending cleverly toys with the idea of Rand experiencing the Madness, with Egwene al'Vere watching in apparent disapproval as Rand "destroys" the Aiel and summons a storm with the One Power. Whether Rand is actually succumbing to it remains to be seen, but given that it's the fate of any man that channel, it's reasonable to wonder if Rand is already starting down this self-destructive path.
One of the way in which the show seemingly hints at the possibility is through the shadowy figure that Rand sees at the 41:20 mark in the finale. It appears to materialize out of nowhere while Rand is staring aimlessly out at the vast desert before him. The show never confirms the identity of the figure or whether it's just a hallucination caused by the Madness, but based on what happens to Rand in the books, it's not hard to guess what it symbolizes. And in fact, it's the strongest sign yet that the series is gearing up for the introduction of Lews Therin in the present.
The Shadow Rand Saw Was Probably Lews Therin
Rand Is Forced To Listen To Lews Therin's Ramblings In The Wheel Of Time Books
Throughout the books, and as early as the beginning of The Great Hunt, Rand heard a voice in his head, and one that only he could hear. Early on, Rand wondered if the strange voice was a symptom of the Madness that eventually overtakes male channelers. But in book 6, Lord of Chaos, Rand came to the startling realization that the voice wasn't just the product of his mind's rambling thoughts, but the voice of The Dragon himself, Lews Therin Telamon.
For much of the story, it appeared that a shred of the Dragon's identity resided within his mind. "Lews Therin" made sporadic remarks across several books, making observations about Rand's decisions and things that were occurring around him. Sometimes, he would laugh, whether it was something that Rand did that he perceived as foolish or in a way that showed how he had lost himself to the Madness. Eventually, Rand reached a point where he was able to converse with the voice, occasionally engaging in a back-and-forth that resulted in some of The Wheel of Time's most memorable lines.
Lews Therin was a constant - and generally unwelcome - presence in Rand's mind
Lews Therin was a constant - and generally unwelcome - presence in Rand's mind that he struggled to control and ignore. Sometimes, he would hear Lews Therin needling him over something he did, making a wisecrack, laughing maniacally, or even humming at the sight of an attractive woman. Several of his statements spoke to the unfortunate state of mind that Lews Therin was in when he died, whereas others demonstrated the wisdom to be expected of someone who was once the leader of the forces of the Light.
Given how prevalent the Lews Therin voice was in storylines told from Rand's perspective, it seems inevitable that the show will go down this road at some point or another, with Rand being forced to listen to incessant commentary from Lews Therin. The TV version of Rand may not have to deal with this yet, but the shadowy figure on the edge of the desert reflects the idea that Rand isn't alone in his thoughts and that he shares his mind with another presence, who is only just beginning to make himself known.
The Wheel Of Time Hints At A Big Change To Rand's Interactions With Lews Therin
Lews Therin May Be More Than Just A Voice In The TV Show
Although the scene in question does provide foreshadowing for Rand to start hearing Lews Therin's voice in future episodes, it's worth noting that this is a bit contrary to how their relationship works in the books. Rand never sees Lews Therin, with the Dragon being restricted to the role of a voice that Rand can hear in the back of his mind. With Lews Therin being the most likely candidate for the figure's identity, there's a good chance Rand will be doing more than listening to him in the live-action show.
The Wheel Of Time Finally Reveals Moiraine's Fate: How It Changes Her Book Story
The Wheel of Time season 3 finale confirmed the winner of its Moiriane vs. Lanfear battle, and in turn, changed the fate of Rosamund Pike's character.
While this would amount to a noteworthy change, it's one that makes plenty of sense under the circumstances. As a show and not a book, Rand actually seeing Lews Therin in the flesh would have more impact. If that were to happen, he could be utilized in a way that's akin to a hallucination; he can appear as a person that no characters aside from Rand can see or interact with.
The Wheel of Time could make the most out of its live-action format by having Karim show off the full range of Lews Therin's personality, complete with all the dramatic shifts between sane and unstable, humorous one-liners, and more.
For the show, using Lews Therin in a manner feels like a logical route for the show to take. After all, it already has an actor cast in the role, with Alexander Karim appearing as Lews Therin in the cold opens of the seasons 1 and 2 finales. Karim could reprise the role in season 4. And rather than just bring Karim back for some voice lines, The Wheel of Time could make the most out of its live-action format by having Karim show off the full range of Lews Therin's personality, complete with all the dramatic shifts between sane and unstable, humorous one-liners, and more.
The Wheel Of Time Is Already Setting Up A Major Rand & Lews Therin Scene
Galina Caspan Is Likely To Lead Rand's Capture in Season 4
The prospect of The Wheel of Time building up to Rand conversing with Lews Therin is made even stronger by the setup for a major storyline from Lord of Chaos. In the book, Rand is captured by Galina Caspan and the Red Ajah, who shield him and lock him in a box. While inside, Rand realizes he is powerless to escape, and for the first time ever, he turns to Lews Therin for help. By following Lews Therin's guidance, Rand unties the threads binding his shield, escapes, and mercilessly defeats the Aes Sedai in a spectacular display of his One Power capabilities.
Elaida's stated plans to send eight Aes Sedai after Rand indicate that it won't be long before this scene transpires in the show. The Red Ajah's hunt for Rand is already in its early stages, which offers evidence that Rand's epic escape from the clutches of the Aes Sedai is in the cards for The Wheel of Time season 4. It would be a disservice to the source material to pull this off without Lews Therin there to pull the strings.
The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
WHERE TO WATCH
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
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The Wheel of Time
- Release Date
- November 18, 2021
- Network
- Prime Video
WHERE TO WATCH
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
Your comment has not been saved