Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Wheel of Time, Season 3, Episode 6
The adaptation of The Wheel of Time is embarking on a journey to explore Thom Merrilin’s poignant backstory, hinting at a potential confrontation that the original book series, written by Robert Jordan, did not fully realize. The introduction of Thom into the third season suggests that Prime Video’s interpretation may diverge creatively from the source material, building towards a more satisfying character arc.
After remaining absent for the first half of Season 1 and missing the entirety of Season 2, portrayed by Alexandre Willaume, Thom made a highly anticipated return in Season 3, Episode 6. His unexpected encounter with Mat Cauthon positions him within the storyline of Tanchico, a narrative present in The Shadow Rising. While it is gratifying that the series has embraced his involvement in the plot, the hope remains that this adaptation will provide a deeper personal connection to the Red Ajah than what the books offered.
Thom Merrilin’s Deep-Seated Hatred for the Red Ajah
The Sinister Fate of Owyn: Captured and Gentled by Elaida’s Red Ajah
In Season 1 of The Wheel of Time, Thom shared a heart-wrenching story about his nephew, Owyn, who fell victim to the Aes Sedai’s cruelty when he was captured and gentled. The process of “gentling”strips a male channeler of his abilities, dooming him to a life devoid of power. Owyn ultimately succumbed to despair, resulting in his tragic death, a profound loss that continues to haunt Thom and fuels his distrust towards the Aes Sedai.
Within the book series, it is revealed that the Red Ajah is tasked with capturing male channelers and bringing them to the White Tower for this very act of gentling. Thom sought knowledge regarding those responsible for Owyn’s fate, ultimately learning that the orchestrator was none other than Elaida. Both Thom and Elaida had served in the court of Queen Morgase Trakand, where her jealousy of Thom’s influence led to dire consequences for his family.
Typically, a captured male channeler is merely shielded with gentling taking place later upon arrival at the White Tower. However, in Owyn’s case, Elaida hastened his gentling, sealing his fate on the spot. It’s uncertain how these events will unfold within the show, yet the groundwork has already been laid, showcasing Elaida’s role as an advisor to Morgase and Thom’s prior connection to the queen’s court.
Possible Shifts in Owyn’s Fate in Season 3
Liandrin’s Possible Connection to Thom’s Nephew’s Gentling
Thom’s emotional reaction to Liandrin’s mention in Episode 6 was particularly striking, as it suggests a deeper connection to her character, given her affiliation with the Red Ajah that could implicate her in the tragic fate of Owyn. While the books do not name Liandrin as responsible for the gentling, her position within the Red Ajah could offer a fresh perspective on Thom’s warning to Mat about avoiding her.
A narrative where Liandrin is involved in Owyn’s gentling would enrich Thom’s character arc and deepen the ties to the Tanchico storyline. Should future episodes explore this connection further, we could witness Thom confronting Liandrin and addressing the harm that the Red Ajah inflicted on his family—a much-needed resolution that’s absent from the books.
The show has done a commendable job portraying Elaida’s character in conjunction with her and Thom’s links to Andor, hinting at a potential storyline where the two will meet and engage over Owyn’s fate.
Anticipating an Encounter Between Thom and Elaida
Thom: A Thorn in Elaida’s Side
Image via Prime Video
The prospect of Thom confronting Liandrin presents a significant moment for Willaume’s character. However, it shouldn’t conclude there. I hope the series continues to explore Thom’s history with the Red Ajah, emphasizing that while Liandrin might not have been the mastermind behind Owyn’s gentling, Elaida’s schemes were deeply personal and destructive.
Even though the books allowed Elaida to evade accountability for her actions, the TV adaptation has the opportunity to chart a different course. With Elaida currently positioned in the White Tower, direct interactions with Thom might not occur in Season 3. Nevertheless, moving forward, a confrontation between them could offer redemption, giving Thom a chance to voice his anguish and seek retribution against the architect of his nephew’s demise.