The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 1 Recap

The Wheel of Time is known for its rich world-building, intricate plotlines, and deeply developed characters. Make no mistake, the novel series by Robert Jordan has millions of fans around the world and is considered to be a masterwork of high fantasy. As a result, Prime Video took on the challenging task of adapting the book into a live-action series and expanding the beloved universe. The first season, which released in 2021, garnered positive reviews from viewers and became one of the most-watched series for the streaming platform. Meanwhile, the second edition received even better reviews and prompted the production giant to renew the show for another season. Now, almost two years later, the Prime Video series is finally here, and it has started with a bang.

The second season of the Prime Video series ended with an intense battle at Falme, where Rand’al Thor was publicly revealed as the Dragon Reborn. However, things go from bad to worse when Moghedien (Laia Costa) confronts Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) and informs her that all the Forsaken have been released. The finale of Season 2 made it clear that the stakes are higher now and the entire team would have to be at their very best to overcome upcoming battles. The beginning of The Wheel of Time Season 3 takes viewers back to the White Tower and Aes Sedais getting together for a very important meeting. It seems the mother has something very important to discuss with her daughters.

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Aes Sedai go against each other in an epic battle

Episode 1 of The Wheel of Time Season 3 sees all the clans of Ajah making their way to the great hall of the White Tower. In a tense and dramatic moment, Liandrin Guirale (Kate Fleetwood) strides into the Great Hall with a group of Red Ajah sisters at her side, exuding confidence and authority. However, before she can proceed any further, she is abruptly halted. The hall’s strict protocols dictate that only 11 sitters are permitted for the impending discussion, a matter deemed too critical to involve lesser-ranked members of the Red Ajah. With a frustrated glance, Liandrin watches as her supporters are denied entry, leaving her to face the powerful assembly alone.

Once inside, the atmosphere crackles with anticipation as the Amyrlin Seat, known as the Mother, formally opens the proceedings. The urgency of the meeting stems from Liandrin’s request—she has come bearing allegations that could shake the very foundations of the White Tower. Seizing the moment, Liandrin boldly steps forward and accuses the Amyrlin of breaking the Tower’s most sacred protocols. Her charge? That the Mother has secretly met with Moiraine Damodred (Rosamund Pike) and Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski), the young man proclaimed to be the Dragon Reborn. According to Liandrin, the White Tower was bound by duty to seize and control the Dragon, yet the Amyrlin allegedly defied this mandate, allowing him to walk free.

However, just as Liandrin believes she has gained the upper hand, the Mother’s response turns the tide. In a stunning rebuttal, she counters with a revelation of her own—accusing Liandrin of something far graver. With unwavering authority, she declares that Liandrin has pledged herself to the Shadow, branding her a Darkfriend. Gasps ripple through the hall as the accusation lands, sending shockwaves through the assembled Aes Sedai. The tables have turned, and what began as Liandrin’s attempt to expose the Amyrlin now threatens to be her downfall. But Liandrin didn’t want to take any chances this time around and attacked the Mother, prompting others to join the fight. The epic fight sequence in the hall of the White Tower has made it clear that there are two sides. Meanwhile, one of the members of the Red Ajah deceives the Brown Ajah members and steals some of the strongest objects in the universe. She joins Liandrin and a few other members who are trying to flee the city.

For the uninitiated, Liandrin is joined by some members of all the Ajahs, including Yellow and Blue. On the other hand, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and others have finally entered the city. As soon as she sees what’s happening in the White Tower, she tells everyone that the city is not safe and everyone should be cautious. Moiraine concludes the conversation by saying they’ll be leaving for Tear in the morning. As a result, everyone decides to have little fun before they embark on another journey.

Is [Spoiler] going to Aiel Waste?

Elsewhere, Moiraine labels the members of Aes Sedai who stole those objects as the Black Ajahs. But she and al’Lan encounter Lanfear (played by Natasha O’Keeffe) in the city and talk about Rand’al. Lanfear tells her that they should get together and push Rand’al to reach Tear, and take control of the Callandor, the ‘sword that is not a sword’ that resides within an inner chamber of the city’s ancient fortress. On the other hand, Egwene says yes to returning to the White Tower if she gets to go through the Arches to see the future. As she goes through the stone archways, viewers see that Egwene has now become the new Mother and leads the Aes Sedai. Meanwhile, Elayne and Nynaeve are two of her closest supporters. They reach a place and see Rand’al standing inside a flowing river. Nynaeve tells Egwene that Madness has him, and he killed Perrin and Mat. In the future, Rand’al seems to have long blonde hair and his mouth and teeth were covered in blood. Egwene calls Rand’al and starts a conversation in which Rand tells Egwene that she should bow down to him. As Rand walks toward them, Egwene comes back to the White Tower and his body is covered in blood.

The episode ends with Mat, Nynaeve, Egwene, Rand’al, and Perrin trying to overcome their respective challenges. They were all ambushed by unknown forces, fueling suspicions that the Forsaken had infiltrated the city. It was revealed that the entire scene was created by Lanfear, Moiraine, and al’Lan. However, someone from the Forsaken foiled the plan and attacked them for real, making Lanfear nervous. The episode ends with Perrin and the team leaving for the Two Rivers. On the other hand, Moiraine, al’Lan, Rand’al, Egwene, and Aviendha leave for Tear. However, things take a U-turn when Rand changes the plan and tells Moiraine that they are not leaving for Tear. Instead, they’ll be going to Aiel Waste.

The first episode of The Wheel of Time Season 3 leaves no stone unturned to keep everyone happy. Fans of the book series have so much to love, while fans who don’t know the books well also have plenty to immerse themselves in, as the show masterfully balances rich lore with gripping storytelling, ensuring both longtime readers and newcomers are equally captivated.

The first three episodes of The Wheel of Time Season 3 are available for streaming on Prime Video.

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