REVIEW: ‘The Wheel of Time’ Season 3 Finale: Revelations And Rainfall
- Mira Jacobs
- Apr 17
- 5 min read
The season finale of The Wheel of Time, “He Who Comes With the Dawn,” lives up to the high standards the show has been setting for itself. Everything is happening at once - it’s chaotic and sometimes uneven, but it’s epic, and it expands the world in ways that we can only hope will continue with a Season 4 renewal.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3.
The episode is in part structured around Aes Sedai politics, beginning with a flashback to Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo) being raised to the Amyrlin Seat. There are scattered clues to the goals of each woman in the White Tower, particularly Elaida (Shohreh Aghdashloo), whose deep-rooted opposition to Siuan now has a foothold she can use to bring more sisters to her side.
Another Shocking Loss
It’s no surprise that Elaida gets the upper hand in the end, deposing her rival along with the second-in-command Keeper of the Seals, Leane (Jennifer Cheon Garcia), and effectively breaking the White Tower into two factions. The story departs from the source material, however, when Elaida not only permanently severs Siuan from the One Power, but has her executed.
Much like Loial’s death in the last episode, this twist can be used to advance the story in its long term, but this time there’s an additional impact. Siuan and Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) are a devoted couple, although they’ve separated to pursue different duties, and Moiraine becomes aware of the death at the exact moment that she herself is engaged in a mortal combat with Lanfear (Natasha O'Keeffe).
This tragedy helps unite multiple arcs for the finale’s climax, but it also veers toward a plot hole. Elaida accuses Siuan of being a Darkfriend, which we know that she isn’t. Rather than pointing out that Aes Sedai can’t lie and requesting to be tested on the Oath Rod, Siuan uses her show trial to condemn Elaida and profess her love for Moiraine. The evidence against Siuan and those loyal to her might have been enough on its own, but this omission is still a frustrating mark against an otherwise solid episode.
Lord of Chaos
The heart of the series is still Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), who is now proclaiming himself the Car’a’carn to the Aiel people. His newest opponent is Couladin (Set Sjöstrand), a young Aiel warrior who was able to pass himself off as Car’a’carn with some help from Lanfear. The Aiel are divided, not so much because Couladin is convincing but because Rand -- against the advice of his allies -- reveals truths that they don’t want to hear. Finally, Rand gives them a memorable demonstration by channeling to call down a rainstorm in the desert, and it blackens the sky across the world.
The episode ends while Rand is still reveling in his tainted power, suggesting that he’s inching closer to madness. It’s an impressive moment to leave as a cliffhanger, but so much happens beforehand, involving most of the cast, that the Dragon isn’t truly in the spotlight.
Mat’s Shiny New Accessory
The Wheel of Time began with some production woes, one of which was the sudden departure of Mat’s actor Barney Harris during Season 1. Although Dónal Finn has done a great job taking up the role, Mat’s journey was stalled, and it took time for him to get back on track. Now, he finally gets one of his big moments, and it’s as strange and intense as it should be.
In the Panarch’s Palace with Min (Kae Alexander), Mat accidentally steps into another dimension and comes face to face with the Eelfinn (Robert Strange): a humanoid, sharp-toothed creature wearing pale leather we can assume is made from human skin. Mat is required to state three needs but doesn’t know what he’s giving up in exchange, so his last wish gets him out of the place but leaves him hanging by the neck.
This scene is unlike anything we’ve seen in the series so far, and it’s a resounding success, but the dialogue shakes up the lore somewhat by using the word “magical.” Mat’s first wish therefore refers not only to the One Power but phenomena such as Min’s viewings -- the foxhead medallion that he receives as protection may end up doing more than he wants it to.
Warning: Don’t Play With Balefire
One of the coolest and deadliest weapons in The Wheel of Time finally makes its debut, and Elayne (Ceara Coveney) gets to be the one to wield it. Balefire, as she learns when using it against a Black Ajah sister, destroys its target before it strikes, erasing the last few actions of the person it hits. The visuals used to portray this potentially world-altering effect are both entrancing and clear enough to stand alone without further explanation. We’ll definitely see balefire again if renewal allows it, but how it will be used next is anyone’s guess.
On top of all of that, “He Who Comes With the Dawn” brings us a victory for Nynaeve (Zoë Robins), who has broken through her block and is now truly the most powerful female channeler of the age. Thom Merrilin (Alexandre Willaume) is handy in a fight and also for informing Elayne of danger in Andor. The Forsaken are regrouping, with Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood) making a play to become one of them.
Despite a few missteps, the Season 3 finale is a captivating hour of high fantasy television. Everything is in place for another great season or five to follow.
Rating: ★★★★☆
About The Wheel of Time Season 3
Premiere Date: March 13, 2025
Episode Count: 8
Executive Producer/Showrunner: Rafe Judkins, Larry Mondragon, Rick Selvage, Ted Field, Mike Weber, Darren Lemke, Marigo Kehoe, Justine Juel Gillmer, Sanaa Hamri, Amanda Kate Shuman
Director: Ciaran Donnelly, Thomas Napper
Production: Amazon Studios and Sony Pictures Television
Distribution: Prime Video
Cast: Rosamund Pike, Daniel Henney, Josha Stradowski, Zoë Robins, Madeleine Madden, Marcus Rutherford, Dónal Finn, Ceara Coveney, Kate Fleetwood, Natasha O’Keeffe, Ayoola Smart, Kae Alexander, Sophie Okonedo
Synopsis: After defeating Ishamael at the end of Season Two, Rand reunites with his friends at Falme and is declared the Dragon Reborn. But in Season Three, the threats against the Light are multiplying: the White Tower stands divided, the Black Ajah run free, old enemies return to the Two Rivers, and the remaining Forsaken are in hot pursuit of the Dragon… including Lanfear, whose relationship with Rand will mark a crucial choice between Light and Dark for them both. As the ties to his past begin to unravel, and his corrupted power grows stronger, Rand becomes increasingly unrecognizable to his closest allies, Moiraine and Egwene. These powerful women, who started the series as teacher and student, must now work together to prevent the Dragon from turning to the Dark…no matter the cost.
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