The Wheel Of Time S3E3 Review – Two Marks, Each

Here’s my Wheel of Time S3E3 review folks after watching it today, and after a slower Episode 2, the drama is back on the rise. Reminders I’m staying both SPOILER FREE and Book SPOILERS free in these reviews.

Let’s start with the cold open. I won’t spoil but I was actually surprised they drew back the veil on a certain character’s identity so soon. However, I like it, and the scene feels peak Forsaken, trying to make alliances with one another, but with their own plans at heart.

The White Tower

As for the Tower, the story is about to branch into another two strands going forward, the Tower and Tanchico. These scene were my favourite from this episode for a few different reasons.

For a start, Shoreh Aghdashloo as Elaida I knew would be good. However, what I love is how subtle she’s playing it, for now. Her manipulation of Min and by proxy Siuan was nicely done. Excellent casting and I now see why she was brought in later to the adaptation than the books.

Regular readers know Matt is my favourite character from the books. I feel like Donal Finn is really owning this part now we are transitioning towards the Matt we know and love. It was book 4, which is being adapted here, where I began to enjoy Matt. The show is giving me the same vibes. Most importantly we get a great scene with Matt that all book fans have been waiting for. ‘Two Marks, each’. The fact this scene was set up so well in Episode 2 makes it land for non-book fans as well. My favourite scene of Season 3 so far. Oh and Min’s vision is getting me excited for what is to come.

Aiel Waste and Two Rivers

Nothing spectacular happens in the Aiel Waste storyline, but it’s still great. The sweat tent scene is worldbuilding for the Aiel and how different their culture is. Rand takes a bit of a back seat this week, but, I have a fair idea of what comes next week and it’ll be very Rand centric. Therefore, I get it. I really like the casting for the Aiel, it excites me for what could come in Season 4 if it happens.

As for the Two Rivers storyline… No criticisms as such. However, I must once again go back to some unnecessary adaptation choices in Season 1. Here we are, and Perrin’s story can almost proceed as it does in the book. Yet, needed none of that baggage added in to his role in Season 1. I’ve not always been a huge fan of Marcus Rutherford so far on the show. There were some glimpses in Season 2 where I thought it could work though. Well, I’m a little happier now. I have a feeling now Perrins story is heading the right way Rutherford has better material to work with, maybe I was being unfair previously. Perrin just needed to be written better.

RELATED: The Wheel Of Time S3E2 Review – Moving Episode

I also, so far, like the Faile casting, but it’s a little too early for me to judge for now. I’d also say the Two Rivers plot feels quite rushed when compared to the books. However, we have so little time for each storyline in Season 3 that some events have to be hastened along. Unless Amazon wants to greenlight 10 Episode seasons which I would be happy with, won’t happen though.

I also think the situation of Perrin and the Whitecloaks worked better in the books, but that’s a small gripe at this point. It’s also more of a Season 1 criticism than Season 3.

Better than Episode 2, but not quite as good an overall package as Episode 1.

GRADE: A-

Some great book moments on screen and they were well set up to boot. Another good episode for The Wheel of Time Season 3. Really looking forward to Episode 4 next week, which I think is going to Rhuidean.

What did you think of The Wheel of Time S2E3? Let me know, or what you thoughts of my Episode 3 review below.

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