Warning: Spoilers Ahead for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 7
In a significant deviation from the original series, The Wheel of Time season 3’s penultimate episode, “Goldeneyes,”alters a critical plot decision from the source material. This change appears to set the stage for Perrin’s evolving storyline, which may draw heavily from the later book, Towers of Midnight. Centering on the Battle of Emond’s Field from The Shadow Rising, this episode could mark the conclusion of Perrin’s narrative arc in season 3. Similar to events in The Shadow Rising, the residents of the Two Rivers successfully fend off Padan Fain’s Trolloc army.
The preparation for the Trolloc invasion mirrored the collaborative efforts of Perrin, Alanna, Faile, and other key characters from the Wheel of Time universe. Notably, Perrin’s proposal to ally with Dain Bornhald and his forces shifted dramatically from the events of the book. Certain characters, such as Dain and Faile, made different choices during this critical juncture. These choices appear to pave the way for Perrin to embark on a surprising new path, suggesting that the themes of Towers of Midnight could be explored in the potential fourth season.
Perrin’s Surrender in “Goldeneyes”Alters His Fate in The Shadow Rising
The Two Rivers Folk Would Refuse to Let the Whitecloaks Take Perrin in the Book
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In both iterations of the storyline, Perrin’s offer to surrender for assistance from the Whitecloaks emerges as a pivotal moment. In The Shadow Rising, Dain Bornhald ultimately agreed to unite with the Two Rivers folk, yet when it came time to act, he chose inaction, leaving the outcome of the battle to fate. Contrarily, the episode “Goldeneyes”showcases a last-minute change of heart from Dain, who then decides to rally the Whitecloaks to support the Two Rivers during their struggle.
Despite the absence of Whitecloak assistance in the book, the Two Rivers folk did not suffer defeat, primarily due to Faile’s strategic recruitment of Deven Ride, who provided much-needed reinforcements and helped turn the tide against the Trollocs. Although the Whitecloaks negate their agreement by attempting to arrest Perrin afterward, the community defiantly protects him.
As seen in the series, Deven Ride lies adjacent to the Two Rivers on the map. However, “Goldeneyes”presents a scenario where Faile does not leave to enlist Deven Ride’s aid, making the Whitecloaks’ involvement crucial. Thus, Perrin’s decision to align with them shifts the narrative forward significantly, positioning him under Whitecloak custody heading into season 4.
Hints Suggest Perrin’s Season 4 Arc Will Follow Towers of Midnight
Perrin’s Story May Leap Ahead Several Books
While Perrin’s direct capture by the Whitecloaks has not occurred yet, it eventually does unfold in book 13, Towers of Midnight. In this installment, Perrin confronts the dual threats of Dain Bornhald’s Whitecloak forces and Graendal, one of the Forsaken. Tasked by the reborn Ishamael to deal with Perrin, Graendal complicates matters further as the Whitecloaks demand retribution for what they see as Perrin’s misdeeds.
Adapting Towers of Midnight for Season 4 is Logically Sound
Perrin is Absent in Book 5 Entirely
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While it might be surprising for the show to advance Perrin’s arc so rapidly, the intertwined narratives of The Shadow Rising and Towers of Midnight share critical thematic elements, particularly regarding the death of Geofram Bornhald. Addressing this event promptly following the adaptation of The Shadow Rising could prevent it from diminishing in significance over time.
Furthermore, had the series retained the original timeline with a captured Perrin, he could have confronted the consequences of Geofram’s death much sooner. This transition is hinted at in Perrin’s exchanges with Dain, indicating he might soon encounter Whitecloak justice for the actions rooted in season 2’s events.
Considering Perrin’s lack of presence in the sequel to The Shadow Rising, The Fires of Heaven, there is limited alternative storylines available for his character. With significant developments involving the Forsaken Rahvin on the horizon, it seems plausible that the narrative may shift toward this book next. This necessitates picking an aspect of Perrin’s later journey to retain his relevance in a forthcoming Fires of Heaven adaptation.
The Show is Primed to Explore Perrin’s Towers of Midnight Arc
A Key Character from Graendal’s Scheme has Already Been Introduced
Incorporating a mostly self-contained narrative like Towers of Midnight into the fourth season of The Wheel of Time is not entirely unfeasible; however, it does present challenges. Events like Perrin’s trial and the arrival of Graendal can begin to unfold now, but the series needs to establish certain key elements, such as the character of Queen Morgase Trakand. In the original story, Morgase judges Perrin specifically because of her ousted royal status, whereas, in the adaptation, she remains a figure of power in Andor.
Additionally, the character of Galad Damodred, Morgase’s stepson and a significant Whitecloak, would need to be introduced effectively. He plays a crucial role in the interactions between Perrin and the Whitecloaks in Towers of Midnight; however, his connection to the Children of the Light has yet to be established in the show. This means that season 4 would either have to expedite this groundwork considerably or risk further deviations from the established narrative by not portraying Galad as a Whitecloak.