Contains SPOILERS for The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 7
The Wheel of Time has once again shocked its viewers with a dramatic character death in Season 3, Episode 7. In a pivotal moment, Loial sacrifices himself to protect the Two Rivers from Trolloc attacks, ultimately destroying the Waygate from within. This selfless act not only heroically thwarts the enemy but also paves the way for Padan Fain’s defeat at the hands of Perrin, Alanna, Faile, and their allies. For avid readers of Robert Jordan’s novels, this tragic turn of events stands as a surprising deviation from the source material.
The expansive saga of The Wheel of Time comprises fifteen volumes filled with rich storytelling and a vast array of characters. The television adaptation, however, must condense this sprawling narrative into eight-hour-long seasons, resulting in an inevitable expectation of early character deaths. As a consequence, beloved characters like Loial experience fates that diverge considerably from their book counterparts.
Loial’s Fate: The Reason Behind the Season 1 Death Fake-Out
Preparing Audiences for Real Character Loss
The initial reception for The Wheel of Time was somewhat uneven. Season 1’s adaptation of “The Eye of the World”introduced several modifications to the story, including what appeared to be a fatal situation for Loial. However, in a twist that drew both confusion and humor from fans, Loial made a surprise return in the Season 2 premiere, seemingly unscathed. Following the finale, showrunner Rafe Judkins explained the decision, noting:
I can’t wait to kill surprising people that are going to really pain book fans in their deepest heart of hearts, but Loial is not dead in the finale of Season 1.
Judkins essentially foreshadowed that, while Loial wasn’t eliminated during Season 1, audiences should brace themselves for genuine character deaths in future episodes. This acknowledgement indicates a significant departure from the book series. While practical considerations might come into play regarding the complexities of bringing Loial to life via prosthetics, the choice to kill characters merely to elicit emotional responses from book readers could alienate many viewers. With Loial’s true demise now underway, it appears as though the show’s creators were indeed dropping hints.
Why Loial’s Death in Season 3 Feels Definitive
The Unlikelihood of a Second Death Fake-Out
Image via Prime Video
Given the impact of Loial’s death fake-out in Season 1, it’s unlikely that the show would attempt such a tactic for a second time. Fans may ponder the possibility of his return, but if Loial were to reappear unscathed in Season 4, it could seriously undermine the emotional weight of his character’s sacrifice. As it stands, Loial’s loss in The Wheel of Time seems to be permanent, emphasizing the show’s commitment to presenting a narrative rife with genuine stakes and character development.