Wheel Of Time S3 Finale Review – Excellent Finale

Welcome to my The Wheel of Time S3 Finale review and it was an excellent finale, the best of the three seasons so far. Arguably some would argue that’s not that high a bar, but for me this one delivered. This is a SPOILER FREE review, so I will be vague. If you want to hear Kyle, Christine and myself get into specifics, we record the final episode of this season’s The Dragon Reviewed tomorrow. Check last week’s episode Here.

There’s so much in this one it’s actually impressive they pulled it off without feeling too rushed. We follow three of the four Season 3 plots, with nothing more than a small stinger for Perrin’s storyline which concluded for now last week. A lot happens in those other three plotlines though.

The Waste

I think this was my favourite story this week, mainly because I feel like we finally got a glimpse of the Rand books readers know. I won’t get into specifics but the focus here is on Rand, Lanfear and Moiraine, as it should be. However a shout out to all the supporting cast who were also great moving around these 3. Egwene has a quieter episode, but that is also as it should be.

There’s definitely some changes from the books, which we knew were coming. The question is, did they work in the context of the TV series story? For me yes, I always felt like Moiriane’s book story was too…obvious without getting into specifics. I kinda like that things have gone down this way for the show and it makes sense for future seasons.

I really loved scenes between Rand and Moiraine, and Rand and Lanfear this week. We may have spent less time overall in The Waste than we did Tanchico, but what we did get was impactful. Some of the scenes we did get from the book were compressed but effective here. I also loved the closing shot of the episode focusing on Rand. It hints at what to come without giving too much away.

Tanchico

The plot in Tanchico is definitely the busiest, but they cover so much, so well in a short space of time. The relationship between Elayne and Thom was explored well and we also got a great show not tell Balefire debut. Meanwhile, Matt got to do some stuff book fans have been waiting eagerly for him to do. I have to say, I so , so hoped this would not get cut as many predicted it would. That’s a win in itself, but I also really liked how things unfolded. Again I have to be vague, however I do think we’ll be seeing more of some new additions down the line.

Nynaeve also get’s a great moment for her which I think advances her character arc up a few paces from the books. I’ll also argue that’s a good thing and a certain plot with Nyn dragged on for too many books for me. It also sets us up I think for something to happen in Season 4 (if we get it) that some fans might have been expecting to see in Season 4. It’s really just not time for a certain book climactic battle to happen yet in the context of the show. Book readers know what I’m talking about, sorry show only watchers.

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I’ve been going through a lot of the imagery from Tanchico and there are so many little teases to spot. For example, if any books fans are wondering why Matt doesn’t have a certain weapon, they should probably look a little closer, he did.

I’m really pleased with everything we saw from Tanchico to be honest. Second favourite of today’s stories.

The White Tower

The White Tower was our other main story, unless you count a few Forsaken/baddy scenes. This was number three on the list for me, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. There are some key book events happen, but with a non-book twist. The question is, whether this is the correct choice or not?

Without spoiling, all I’ll say is that some characters who do too little in later books should get dramatic endings. I kinda figured events might head this way, so I’m actually all for it.

It’s kinda hard to discuss this one without pointing to specifics. I’ll simply say I thought Sophie was brilliant as Siuan this week as was Shoreh as Elaida. Top actors, playing against one another.

Season 4?

This episode really does tease what’s to come in Season 4, as it should at this point. I mean realistically we are only half way through the series IF it gets to finish. That’s the real question isn’t it? I kinda love that the production team didn’t try and soft-ending this one. With S4 not yet guaranteed there’s always a temptation to try and make it less horrible for fans if it does get canned. F that, either this gets renewed or Amazon should damn well sell the rights to another studio willing to finish it.

We HAVE to get a Season 4 after this. The show is finally alive and we’re into the heart of hat this story is really about. This is not high fantasy, it’s a weird Fantasy/sci-fi hybrid and therefore unlike the other options we have currently.

Amazon/Sony, sort yourselves out and greenlight Season 4, in fact you should give them 10 episodes a season and the show would be even better. We know this does better per dollar spent that Rings of Power, so feed the show that works.

Episode GRADE: A+

Only behind Episode 4 as my favourite of the season.

Season 3 GRADE: A

I really liked Season 3, the best Season so far. Several steps above Season 2 and leagues above Season 1. Credit where credit’s due, it’s exciting and dramatic from Episode 1 to Episode 8 and I’m definitely having a full season rewatch over the weekend.

What do you think of my review for The Wheel of Time S3 Finale? As always, leave your own thoughts below, and any predictions for where some changes are going.

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