The highly anticipated season three finale of The Wheel of Time, titled "He Who Comes With The Dawn," premiered on April 17, 2025, delivering a mix of expected and shocking moments that left fans buzzing. Showrunner Rafe Judkins aimed to surprise viewers, even as they navigated familiar plotlines from Robert Jordan's beloved book series.
The finale begins with significant events that set the stage for what’s to come. Nynaeve (Zoë Robins) taps into her explosive connection with the One Power, showcasing her growth as a character. Meanwhile, Mat (Dónal Finn) faces a near-death experience when he encounters a magical fox-like creature known as the Eelfinn, who grants him several ominous wishes. Rand (Josha Stradowski) embraces his destiny as the Car’a’carn, while Egwene (Madeleine Madden) remains resistant to bowing to him, establishing a power dynamic that will surely impact future storylines.
As the episode unfolds, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) engages in a fierce battle against Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) to protect Rand, but the episode takes a dark turn with the unexpected death of Siuan (Sophie Okonedo). In a shocking deviation from the books, Siuan is sentenced to death by the Aes Sedai she once led, marking a pivotal moment in the series.
Judkins spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the challenges of adapting a beloved series while keeping audiences engaged. He noted, "We’re hoping people will see episode seven and be like, ‘Ok, they’re doing the traditional fantasy thing where they do their big battle in the second to last episode, and then episode eight is just the placeholder setting the table for the next season.’" Instead, the finale packs climactic moments and character development into its runtime.
One of the episode's key themes is the shifting power within the White Tower. Elaida (Shohreh Aghdashloo) orchestrates a coup, seizing the Amyrlin Seat and leaving viewers questioning the trustworthiness of the institution. Judkins emphasizes that this betrayal reflects real-world dynamics, stating, "As much as you don’t know what the Tower is going to do, similar to our world today, you feel there are certain rules of decorum and sensibility that are going to hold." The uncertainty surrounding the White Tower sets a tense backdrop for the characters moving forward.
The finale also hints at the return of more Forsaken in future seasons. Judkins teased, "We’ve definitely laid the pieces for a few Forsaken to appear in next season who are new and maybe not so new that you will be excited to see on screen." This promise of new characters adds to the anticipation for season four.
Fans were particularly taken aback by the fate of Siuan, who was expected to survive until the Last Battle in the books. Judkins explained the decision to kill off characters who remain alive in the source material, saying, "When they are with us they’re doing something significant and not just standing off to the side of a scene." This approach allows for a tighter narrative that focuses on character significance, even if it means deviating from the original storyline.
Rand's character arc also takes center stage in the finale. He proclaims himself to the Aiel, a moment that signifies his acceptance of his complicated identity. Judkins highlighted Rand's internal struggle, stating, "The thing that Rand is learning this season is that he is not just a savior and not just a destroyer – he’s something in between." This nuanced portrayal of Rand’s character adds depth to the storyline.
As for Mat's encounter with the Eelfinn, it serves as a critical turning point for his character. The implications of his wishes are vast, and the finale leaves viewers eager to see how these developments will unfold in the future. Judkins remarked on the importance of this moment, noting, "It’s one of the most important scenes for him in the entire book series, so we knew we had to hit on it."
The finale also features a strong visual element, with action-packed sequences that showcase the series' production quality. Judkins emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of unpredictability, stating, "We want the audience to feel like they can’t predict what we are going to do next." This commitment to keeping viewers on their toes is a hallmark of the series.
Overall, the season three finale of The Wheel of Time successfully blends character development, plot twists, and high-stakes drama, setting the stage for an exciting fourth season. With the potential for new characters and storylines, fans are left eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this expansive fantasy world.
As the credits rolled, it became clear that the journey for Rand, Egwene, Mat, and their companions is far from over. The series continues to explore complex themes of power, loyalty, and identity, all while delivering the magical elements that fans have come to love. Season three has proven to be a turning point, and the future of The Wheel of Time looks brighter than ever.
