One character in The Wheel of Time is already in position to receive an ending that differs from the source material. Over the course of its first two seasons, Amazon Prime Video’s TV show has made a number of changes to Robert Jordan’s 14-book Wheel of Time series. However, the majority of the liberties taken with the books aren’t likely to impact the long-term trajectories of the Wheel of Time characters’ arcs.
For that reason, many of the changes to the books have been deemed superficial in terms of the bigger picture. For example, The Wheel of Time season 2 eliminated Mat’s entire role in the search for the Horn of Valere, but still ended with him blowing it at Falme, just as he did in The Great Hunt. The situation appears to be the same with several other stories as well. But in the case of Liandrin, the difference in direction is distinct enough from the books for it to be clear that the TV version of the story has an all-new ending in store for her.
Liandrin’s Incomplete Story In The Wheel Of Time Books
Not unlike the character depicted in Amazon’s show, Liandrin was a conniving member of the Black Ajah operating as a Red Sister at the White Tower. Under the direction of the 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time, Liandrin did all that she could to oppose the Dragon Reborn, including selling Elayne, Nynaeve, and Elayne to the Seanchan in The Great Hunt. She emerged as a recurring antagonist, playing key roles in both The Dragon Reborn and The Fires of Heaven. Interestingly, though, her story was never concluded, with her last appearance coming in the prologue to book 11, Knife of Dreams.
At the time, Liandrin was in forced servitude to Lady Suroth, who was currently serving as the leader of the Seanchan. In Knife of Dreams, Suroth was displeased with Liandrin over her decision to murder Alwhin, and retaliated by ordering Liandrin to have herself beaten for her actions. Liandrin accepted her punishment, but was not seen again in the books. Lady Suroth was ultimately taken off the board in Knife of Dreams, but what that meant for Liandrin, oddly enough, wasn’t addressed.
Wheel Of Time’s Show Is Poised To Finish Liandrin’s Story (Eventually)
The Wheel of Time is only two seasons into Liandrin’s arc, and it’s already become apparent that the TV character won’t go down the same road. Her importance to the narrative is evidence of that. The show has done much to elevate her role, as it’s given her the book character’s story and parts of Elaida’s as well. In addition to helping the Forsaken, Liandrin has also been shown participating in White Tower politics, thus making her a substitute of sorts for Elaida, who was a major voice of dissent in the early books. Plus, the show has given her a backstory she never had in the books, via her aging son in season 2.
The ways in which the series is expanding Liandrin’s presence in The Wheel of Time are a clear-cut sign that she’s not going to be abruptly dropped from the story. That doesn’t necessarily mean she’s safe, as a shocking twist could kill her off at any time, even as early as The Wheel of Time season 3. But even if that happened, it would be a departure from the books, simply because the source material never offered any level of closure for the character. A proper ending, whether it be death or redemption, feels inevitable for Liandrin. The show has done too much with Liandrin for her just to disappear after getting tortured by Lady Suroth.
Wheel Of Time Season 2 Is Already Changing Liandrin’s Story
Not only is Liandrin unlikely to vanish after becoming a slave to Lady Suroth, but the character may never wind up in that situation in the first place. The Wheel of Time opened the door for her to make different choices as the story continues to unfold. Her interactions with Lanfear indicated that from now on, she’ll be answering to her directly. Following the guidance of a Forsaken whose actions are guided by her own interests – as opposed to the Dark One’s – could easily lead to Liandrin making some decisions not dictated by the books.
There’s also the possibility that Liandrin tries to change her ways. The possibility may feel like a slim one, considering she did betray the girls to the Seanchan, not to mention how hard it is to go against the Black Oaths. But the TV show’s efforts to humanize her through her desire to save her son, plus the dynamic she shared with Nynaeve, provide at least a glimmer of hope for redemption – one that was never there in the books. With The Wheel of Time season 3 on track to adapt the hunt for the Black Ajah in Tanchico, it may not take long to find out if Liandrin truly is willing to change.
The Wheel of Time
- Cast
- Barney Harris , Zoe Robins , Madeleine Madden , Marcus Rutherford , Daniel Henney , Rosamund Pike , Josha Stradowski , Kate Fleetwood , Priyanka Bose , Hammed Animashaun
- Release Date
- November 19, 2021
- Seasons
- 2
- Showrunner
- Rafe Judkins
