Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 7.
While other characters likeElayne (Ceara Coveney)and Rand (Josha Stradowski) are destined to lead,The Wheel of Timejust proved that Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) is the one who deserves to be a leader in his own right. Though he has been terrified of it,Season 3, Episode 7, “Goldeneyes,“represents a turning point for Perrinas he accepts his role during the Two Rivers' battle against the trollocs, but only after considerable protest. Perrin never wanted power, but when the people of the Two Rivers go to war, it’s Perrin they want to follow, as one of their own who has a better understanding of what they are doing than most. Initially, he complains about being called “Lord Perrin” and “Goldeneyes,” and is even unimpressed when the people of the Two Rivers hanga wolf banner, but that doesn’t deter others from looking to him.
Perrin resists becoming an authority figure until he finally accepts the position when all seems lost.Thanks to Faile’s (Isabella Bucceri) encouragement, Perrin moves past his fear and becomes the leader the Two Rivers need him to be by acknowledging that there is nothing he wouldn’t give to protect his home. Though it takes him a while to admit it, throughout the episode, Perrin proves that the people of the Two Rivers made the right choice. As unwilling as he is, Perrin spends the penultimate episode acting as an ideal leader by putting together a desperate but possible strategy, showing compassion, and ultimately prioritizing the safety of the Two Rivers over his own freedom.
Perrin Goes to Battle for the Two Rivers in ‘The Wheel of Time’ Season 3
The Wheel of TimeSeason 3 has followed the threats that circle the Two Rivers, and Perrin is the first to stand up for his home. In Episode 7, Perrin puts together a desperate plan to save the village from an army of trollocs, who are planning to attack. While everyone contributes, Perrin coordinates the plan.He takes the village’s limited resources and abilities and devises a way that the Two Rivers can actually stand a chance against the threat, showing a talent for strategy. With Alanna’s (Priyanka Bose) help, he gathers the channelers to use their abilities with theOne Powerto their advantage, while her Warder, Maksim (Taylor Napier), trains the people to use weapons. Perrin even ensures there are people to look after the children and help them escape.Despite resisting any formal titles, Perrin fulfills the role of leader that the Two Rivers needs.
Unfortunately, Perrin’s carefully laid plans fall apart, giving him even more doubts about his position. Because ofhis growing trust in Faile, Perrin confesses his feelings of failure to her when things take a turn for the worse. He blames himself for the slaughter that is about to happen, but Faile helps him see the situation differently. When he tells her that he would give everything for the Two Rivers, she advises him to show the people that.Taking her words to heart, he charges into battle, finally embracing the leadership position that was previously forced on him.
“It Was Weeks of Night Shoots and Just Absolute Chaos”: ‘The Wheel of Time’s Marcus Rutherford Breaks Down Season 3’s Epic Two Rivers Battle and Which Book Scenes He Fought For
Rutherford also discusses Perrin’s relationships with Faile and Dain, which actor is the show’s “unsung hero,” and more.
‘The Wheel of Time’s Perrin Shows the Compassion and Understanding of a Leader
While it is only in the most hopeless moment of the battle that Perrin willingly accepts the authority he has been given,he spends most of the episode in an unwilling leadership role and excels at it.In this situation, it would be easy to ignore the fact that leading is about more than battle, but Perrin not only demonstrates his skill as a general but also shows kindness and compassion to all people.The Wheel of Timeis full of different cultures, fromthe Aielto theSea Folk, and often they do not understand each other. However, when the peaceful Tuatha’an need shelter during the attack, Perrin lets them in, sharing their resources without pressuring them to give up their way of life by fighting the trollocs.
Perrin respects the Tuatha’an’s choice to followthe Way of the Leaf, even before he sees familiar faces in the crowd of refugees. In their situation, they need every person available to them, but Perrin finds a job for the Tinkers that accommodates their beliefs, asking them only to watch the Two Rivers children and help them flee if it becomes necessary. They accept the task because Perrin doesn’t attempt to force them into altering their way of life. Many would not be so inviting or willing to work with extra people during such a dire moment, butPerrin doesn’t hesitate, showing compassion to the Tuatha’an.Perrin’s kindness and understanding prove he will be a good leader even when there is no impending battle.
Perrin Puts the Two Rivers Above Himself in ‘The Wheel of Time’
Twice in the episode, Perrin puts his own self-interest aside for the good of others. Since Season 1, Perrin has harbored anger towards Padan Fain (Johann Myers), expressing a desire for revenge against the Darkfriend who destroyed his home inSeason 2. But,when Perrin faces Fain, with the chance to kill him, he doesn’t.Perrin realizes that the only way to get the trollocs to leave is to make a deal with Fain, who values his own life. Perrin spares Fain on the condition that he removes his army and never returns to the Two Rivers, resulting in the trollocs’ retreat.It is only because of Perrin’s quick thinking and ability to overcome his anger toward Padan Fain that the Two Rivers survivesat all.
While letting Fain go is a sacrifice, it is not quite as monumental as Perrin’s choice to give himself over to theWhitecloaks. Dain Bornhald (Jay Duffy) wants to take Perrin to trial after theSeason 2 finale, where Perrin killed his father in battle. Looking for help, Perrin offers himself to Dain if the Whitecloaks first defend the Two Rivers. The Whitecloaks’ help would be no guarantee for the Two Rivers, but Perrin is willing to sacrifice his freedom for a better chance of survival for his people. Though Dain initially rejects the offer and only comes later, unknowingly bringing the enemy with him, Perrin sticks to his word, later leaving with Dain, knowing the likelihood of his own death. His honor and sacrifice show that he really would give everything for the Two Rivers.With his intelligence, compassion, and sacrifices, Perrin proves himself true leadership material, and the people of the Two Rivers are much better off now that he has accepted this role.
New episodes ofThe Wheel of TimeSeason 3 premiere Thursdays on Prime Video.
The Wheel of Time
