Summary
The first four episodes ofThe Wheel of TimeSeason 3 have set a high bar for the series, delivering a perfect blend of character development, world-building, and intense storytelling. The season wastes no time diving into complex political tensions within The White Tower, Rand’s struggle with his destiny, and the ever-growing threat of the Forsaken. Moiraine’s journey has been particularly compelling, as she navigates power struggles while dealing with her strained relationship with Siuan. Meanwhile, Egwene’s training with the Wise Ones and Perrin’s harrowing encounters with the White Cloaks have added layers of depth to their arcs.
However, Episode 4 of thePrime Videoseries took the storytelling to a whole new level. Every aspect of that episode, from its breathtaking visuals and masterful direction to the stellar performances and rich storytelling, was executed flawlessly. With Rand and Moiraine knowing about their past and future, it would be interesting to see how they move forward. Let’s see what happened in Episode 5 ofThe Wheel of TimeSeason 3.
Moiraine and Egwene learn something important about themselves
InThe Wheel of TimeSeason 3, Episode 5,Moiraine finally gains possession of the powerful sa’angreal, determined to understand its true potential. As she channels through the artifact, she initially holds its immense energy with relative ease. However, as the power intensifies, she begins to struggle, realizing the overwhelming force contained within the ancient orb. The sequence builds tension as Moiraine’s grip falters, her mind reeling from the raw magic coursing through her. Just as she nears her breaking point, al’Lan steps in, steadying her as she gasps for breath. He seizes the moment to ask what she saw in the rings of Rhuidean, but she remains tight-lipped. Meanwhile, Rand’al, Egwene, and their companions press forward on their journey, entering a new city where they must bide their time until the other chiefs arrive.
Meanwhile, Egwene sits with the Wise Ones, preparing for her first experience with dreamwalking. They warn her of the dangers of entering the dream world, the mysterious dream world where not everyone is welcome. The Wise Ones caution that death in the dream world means death in reality, emphasizing the risks she faces. As Egwene steps into the dream, her consciousness reacts instinctively—her simple dress transforms into gleaming armor, signaling her subconscious fear. The Wise Ones instruct her to clear her thoughts, reminding her that belief shapes reality in Tel’aran’rhiod. As she calms herself, her attire shifts back to normal. Confiding in them, Egwene reveals that a mysterious woman has been haunting her dreams. Suspecting Lanfear, she fears her presence. The Wise Ones assure her that belief grants control, allowing her to banish intruders. Venturing deeper into the dream, Egwene arrives near The White Tower, only to be confronted by Lanfear. Displaying her immense power, Lanfear lifts Egwene into the air, suspending her mid-flight. Terrified, Egwene instinctively pulls herself back to the waking world. The Wise Ones, witnessing her abrupt return, conclude that she was lucky to escape unscathed.
Rand’al and Egwene have not been able to talk a lot. When they get a chance to strike up a conversation, they just kiss each other, and Egwene leaves. Conversely, Moiraine is sitting alone by the fire while holding the sa’angreal in his hand when al’lan arrives there. They finally talk, and Moiraine tells her what she saw in the rings. She tells him that Rand’al only lives if she dies, and everything she does now won’t even matter. They hug each other, and Moiraine asks Al’lan to say something. To which, al’lan replies if she saw that she was dying tonight, and Moiraine says no. As a result, al’lan wants her to enjoy the night with some great alcohol from Aiel. They both drink alcohol and just talk to each other. Episode 5, Moiraine urges Egwene to enter the dream world, insisting she must witness something crucial. Egwene warns her of the dangers, but Moiraine remains resolute, willing to take the risk. Moiraine finds herself face-to-face with Siuan. During their intense exchange, Moiraine reveals that the White Tower must yield to Rand al’Thor, as his victory in the Last Battle depends on their support. She emphasizes that her duty has always been to prepare the Aes Sedaifor their role in following The Dragon Reborn. Meanwhile, Egwene experiences a different vision—she sees her friends leading peaceful lives, settling down with their loved ones. Hope fills her heart when she spots Rand al’Thor sitting on a cliff, but as she approaches, a chilling sight unfolds. A hand grips his neck, revealing Lanfear seated on his lap. Their passionate kiss shatters Egwene’s hope, and she screams in agony.
Did [Spoiler] betray Siuan and the White Tower?
On the other hand, Siuan Sanche and Elaida engage in a tense conversation about the growing unrest within the White Tower. Elaida demands to know the whereabouts of Elayne, but Siuan deflects, accusing Elaida of making the Tower bleak and divided. She reminisces about the day Siuan first arrived at The White Tower, pointing out that since she took the Amyrlin Seat, the institution has suffered. Elaida then delivers a shocking revelation—she intends to hold a vote in the Great Hall to cage the Dragon Reborn, believing it to be the only way to control the prophecy.Siuan responds sharply, expressing hope that Elaida has the full support of the Ajahs. Following the conversation, Siuan and her supporters devise a plan to bait Elaida, hoping to uncover whether she is secretly aligned with the Black Ajah. While seeking support from a White Ajah member, Siuan’s group strategically plants misinformation, and soon, they realize their trap is working.
Elaida ventures into the 13th Depository, a hidden archive beneath The White Tower, to meet two remaining Black Ajah members. She interrogates them about their secret network, demanding names. When one refuses to speak, Elaida kills her without hesitation. Before she can extract more information, a shadowy figure emerges, attacking the surviving Black Ajah and turning on Elaida. Just as she struggles to defend herself, Siuan and Leane arrive, saving her from the monstrous Green Man. Realizing Siuan orchestrated her arrival, Elaida seethes, while Siuan questions her own mistrust.
What are the others doing?
Elayne, Nynaeve, and Mat continue their journey to find Lanfear, enduring a grueling 14-day voyage at sea. Nynaeve struggles with severe seasickness, while Mat grows restless in their cramped quarters. Frustrated, he steps onto the deck, seeking fresh air and solitude. To his surprise, he discovers Min is also aboard the ship, sharing a room with him. While talking, Mat notices a disturbing drawing—one depicting his own death. Min admits it was part of one of her visions, but Mat dismisses it, arguing that her past vision of him killing Rand never came true, making him doubt her foresight. Meanwhile,Elayne and Nynaeve witness a female crew memberchanneling magic similar to that of Moiraine and the Ajahs. Nynaeve insists she possesses the same ability but struggles with control. With Min unexpectedly joining them, the group presses forward on their perilous quest.
Perrin, Loial, Alanna, and their group finally reach the White Cloak camp, determined to rescue the captive mother and her daughters. During a tense interrogation, a White Cloak soldier suspects one of them possesses magical abilities. To protect her children, the mother claims responsibility and is immediately taken to the commander for further questioning. As night falls, Alanna aids Perrin and the others in infiltrating the camp. They successfully locate the daughters, but the mother is missing. While escaping, Perrin catches a glimpse of her tied to a pole, her face partially burned, a grim sign of her suffering. Before he can act, a White Cloak spots him, triggering a fierce battle. Meanwhile, Alanna faces an ambush from behind, fighting valiantly but struggling against multiple attackers. At the last moment, Maksim arrives, cutting through their ranks and saving her from near defeat.
Episode 5 delivers brilliant storytelling, weaving intricate character moments with high emotional stakes. While the action takes a backseat, the episode’s narrative depth is immaculate, solidifying its place as one of the season’s strongest.
The Wheel of TimeSeason 3 is available for streaming on Prime Video.
