The Wheel of Time has implied that it will diverge from the books when it comes to the main character, Rand al’Thor, in one important way. When The Wheel Of Time burst onto screens in 2021, it was clear that the show wouldn’t be totally faithful to the books. It amassed mixed reviews and lower-than-expected viewing figures, partially due to the writer’s strike. The Wheel of Time season 2 ending was disappointingly non-canonical. However, the show portrayed the series’ central themes of destiny, friendship, and good versus evil, and put forward a solid introduction to the lead characters.

The season 2 finale saw Rand al’Thor face off against Ishamael in Falme, paralleling the end of the series’ second book, The Great Hunt, but allowing Rand more support from his friends than he had in the book. Rand actor Josha Stradowski commented to Decider: “Rand needs his friends to do this,” which is “a big lesson for him for season 2 and something that he needs to face whatever he has to face in season 3.” This fight set up events for The Wheel of Time season 3, teasing a story change for Rand in the process.

What Josha Stradowski’s Comments Reveal About Rand’s Strategy After Season 2

Rand Will Head Into Season 3 With A Different Attitude

Stradowski’s comments suggest that Rand’s friends’ assistance in his fight against Ishamael will guide him to embrace their help in season 3. Rand’s isolation was a major theme in the book series, especially book three, The Dragon Reborn. In the adaptation, season 2 showed Rand traveling alone and coming to terms with his identity as the Dragon Reborn, taking a lot of its source material from book three. Rand worked more closely with others in book four of the series, and indeed, showrunner Rafe Judkins confirmed on social media that Wheel of Time’s season 3 plan is adapting book four.

By adapting book four, The Shadow Rising, season 3 will show Rand taking on more responsibilities and using some of his critical learnings from season 2 in the struggles he will face. Stradowski’s comments hint at Rand’s character development and strategy in season 3. Rand spent season 2 agonizing over his identity but will likely start stepping up to the plate in season 3, having had his leadership declared in Falme in the season 2 finale. The season 3 opening will jump right into a major battle, setting the tone for what will surely be a challenging season for the protagonists.

How Rand’s New Strategy Could Affect Major Book Stories

Rand’s Approach In Season 3 May Conflict With The Books

Rand fully embracing teamwork in season 3 could gel with some elements of the books, but may not gel with all of them. The Wheel of Time season 3 is set to adapt book four, and book four saw Rand grow beyond solitude to a certain extent. Therefore, at first glance, it seems as if season 3 is poised for a faithful adaptation. However, Rand still demonstrated numerous instances of refusing to collaborate throughout the story. Stradowski’s comments imply that there’s a chance of season 3 ignoring these parts of the original story.

Speaking at New York Comic Con, Rafe Judkins confirmed that season 3 will cover new locations – Rhuidean and the Aiel Waste. In The Shadow Rising, Rand insisted on entering Rhuidean alone to face the trials that awaited him, despite offers of assistance from his friends. Rand accepting input from others in Rhuidean in the show in season 3 would constitute a major change from canon. There are many Wheel of Time characters that differ from the books but make sense in the show, so this approach could work. However, it also presents numerous challenges.

To Honor The Books, Rand Will Need To Forget Seasons 1 & 2’s Teamwork Lessons

There Are Some Trials That Rand Must Face Alone

If The Wheel of Time season 3 is to adhere to the main themes and narrative of the books, Rand will ideally face certain trials alone, without the help of his friends. For Rand to successfully develop as a character throughout his trials in Rhuidean, he will need to go it alone. This would push Rand to develop the skill, authority, confidence, and leadership to be able to go into the ensuing seasons becoming a powerful Dragon Reborn. Facing solitary trials in Wheel of Time’s season 3 locations would teach Rand invaluable lessons and be pivotal to future plot points.

Rand entering Rhuidean by himself in The Wheel of Time season 3 is also critical to upholding the lore of the book series. There is a strong Aiel tradition around Rhuidean. This city in the Aiel Waste was full of majestic buildings, but nobody could enter in groups according to Aiel custom. This was to enable individuals to fully absorb the effect of the magical powers of Rhuidean. Traveling through Rhuidean, individuals experienced the magic of the city in the form of trials designed to prove their worthiness as Aiel chiefs or Wise Ones.

This is particularly relevant when it comes to Rand, whose status as the Dragon Reborn granted him a special place in Aiel society – if he could prove his worthiness. A significant part of the book series’ mythos was the Aiel prophecy that stated that one chief would rise above other clan chiefs to be the “Chief of Chiefs” – the Car’a’carn. In entering Rhuidean alone, Rand fulfilled this prophecy and started his journey towards uniting the Aiel people. This was key to defeating the Dark One. The Wheel of Time season 3 should honor this storyline to remain a valuable adaptation.

Source: Decider