The finale of season 3 of The Wheel of Time is packed with significant moments. By the end, Rand al’Thor takes a formidable step closer to fulfilling his destiny as the Dragon Reborn, the potential savior or destroyer of the world. Moiraine Damodred prepares for her anticipated confrontation with the Forsaken villain, Lanfear. Meanwhile, the tension in Tar Valon erupts, leading to dramatic changes in the White Tower. However, these events pale in comparison to the conclusion of Mat Cauthon’s storyline in season 3.
[Editor’s Note: This article contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 3, episode 8.]
In a reckless decision, Mat traverses a mysterious red archway, entering another dimension where he meets an Eelfinn, a fox-like humanoid that grants three wishes, similar to a genie but not without a catch. In return for peace of mind, a magical medallion and spear, and a way back home, Mat finds himself ensnared in a noose. This bizarre exchange marks the show’s dive into a more cosmic theme.
For viewers familiar with Robert Jordan’s novels, the appearance of both the wish-granting Eelfinn and the question-answering Aelfinn is no surprise. Yet, newcomers to the series may find themselves confused, a situation showrunner Rafe Judkins embraces, catering desires to both book readers and those new to the story.
While writing the show, Judkins primarily considers non-book readers, as they form the majority of the audience. However, he acknowledges the importance of including iconic scenes from the novels, like the Eelfinn encounter. To prepare viewers for the red arch event, the writers cleverly used Min’s prophetic visions throughout the season.
Judkins is comfortable if some viewers remain puzzled by this episode, intending it to spark curiosity about the Wheel of Time universe. He enjoys breaking traditional storytelling structures, providing unexpected twists that challenge audience expectations. Such creative risks also enhance the show’s distinctiveness in the crowded landscape of fantasy television.
This season’s Eelfinn plot contributes to the supernatural expansion of the series. Despite their enigmatic nature in the books, the Eelfinn are brought to life with stunning visual effects and makeup artistry by Nick Dudman, who used innovative techniques to create their unique appearance, and with the concerted efforts of the entire production team to evoke a sense of otherworldliness.
The impressively executed Eelfinn sequence is among the season’s most memorable moments, potentially setting the stage for future storylines. A rescue mission involving the Eelfinn plays a crucial role in the penultimate book, Towers of Midnight—though it remains unclear whether the narrative will continue in future seasons.
For some book enthusiasts, this new direction is a welcome development, especially since earlier seasons minimized some of Jordan’s more fantastical elements. Judkins insists that gradually introducing these cosmic components makes them feel intrinsic to the series’s world. Positive fan reactions to season 3’s more abstract aspects reinforce this approach, encouraging confidence in exploring further cosmic narratives in upcoming seasons.
Judkins mentions how initial skepticism from the network regarding some of the more surreal content has shifted, as viewers have responded positively. This reception empowers the creators to pursue bolder, more imaginative storytelling in the future.
