After a long wait, The Wheel of Time is back with its highly anticipated third season. The first episode, “To Race the Shadow,” wastes no time in bringing action, surprises, and intense conflicts. Many fans got an early look at the episode through special previews and events, but there is still plenty to discuss.
This episode sets the stage for a new chapter filled with danger, betrayals, and powerful alliances. Written by Justine Juel Gillmer and directed by Ciaran Donnelly, the season begins with high energy.
It takes us through key locations, introduces major conflicts, and brings back familiar faces. Let’s go through all the major moments from this exciting premiere.
Also Read: The Wheel of Time Season 3 Brings More Battles, Betrayals, and Destiny
Tensions Rise in the White Tower
Season 3 starts in Tar Valon, the city that houses the White Tower, home of the Aes Sedai. The leader of the Aes Sedai, Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo), stands on her balcony. The day is gray and rainy, creating a gloomy atmosphere. It almost feels like a warning of the troubles ahead.
Down below, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) stands in the streets. She is focused on more important matters and reminds her Warder, Lan (Daniel Henney), that they cannot be distracted. The Aes Sedai must deal with serious charges against Liandrin Guirale (Kate Fleetwood), a member of the Red Ajah.
Inside the White Tower, tension is growing. Liandrin prepares to enter the Great Hall, but she quickly learns that the Red Ajah has been barred from entering. This also includes men, which frustrates Warders Maksim (Taylor Napier) and Ihvon (Anthony Kaye). The Reds feel betrayed, but the decision has been made.
Once inside, Liandrin accuses Siuan of secretly meeting Moiraine and Rand al’Thor (Josha Stradowski). She claims that Siuan allowed Rand, the self-proclaimed Dragon Reborn, to escape. However, Siuan refuses to argue and shifts the focus back to Liandrin.
Siuan presents undeniable proof that Liandrin has broken her sacred oaths. She has been working for the Shadow, betraying the Aes Sedai. Nynaeve al’Meara (Zoë Robins) confirms this by revealing that Liandrin attempted to sell her to the Seanchan. The evidence is clear.
Liandrin does not deny the accusations. She simply mutters, “I tried,” before attempting to channel her power. Before she can act, Alanna and Leane restrain her. At first, it seems like Liandrin is outmatched, but then she calls upon her secret allies.
Suddenly, chaos erupts in the Great Hall. Members of the Black Ajah reveal themselves and join Liandrin. Magic fills the room as the Aes Sedai battle each other. Nynaeve tries to help, but her struggle with channeling prevents her from using her power.
Meanwhile, Brown Ajah members Verin (Meera Syal), Adeleas (Nila Aalia), and Nyomi (Rachel Denning) try to protect valuable magical objects. But Nyomi, who is secretly part of the Black Ajah, turns against them. She knocks them out and steals everything she can carry.
As the battle continues, Liandrin and her allies manage to escape. Outside the White Tower, Alanna and her Warders try to stop them. Maksim and Ihvon stab Liandrin, hoping to end her treachery. However, her allies quickly heal her. In a final act of revenge, Liandrin sends a sword flying toward Alanna. Ihvon sacrifices himself, taking the fatal wound instead.
In another part of the city, more Black Ajah members attempt to kill Siuan by making part of a tower collapse on her. Before the rubble can crush her, Moiraine steps in and saves her. Their eyes meet in a silent moment before Moiraine disappears into the streets.
Friends Reunite, But Not Without Problems
After the chaos in the White Tower, the story shifts to a quiet tavern. Nynaeve, Rand, Mat (Dónal Finn), Egwene (Madeleine Madden), and Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) sit together, reflecting on the events that just unfolded.
Egwene feels frustrated that she and Elayne (Ceara Coveney) were not allowed to testify against Liandrin. Since they are still novices, their voices do not carry enough weight.
Rand reminds them that the Black Ajah’s presence means nowhere is safe. Moiraine wants him to go to Tear, where a powerful sword called Callandor is kept. This legendary weapon could help him defeat the Forsaken.
Egwene insists, “Wherever we go, we do it together.” However, not everyone agrees. Perrin desires to disappear somewhere far away, where no one knows about the Dragon Reborn.
The group needs a break after being confined on a boat for a month while traveling to Tar Valon. Mat suggests they enjoy one final night of fun before going into hiding. Meanwhile, the Aiel—Aviendha (Ayoola Smart), Bain (Ragga Ragnars), and Chiad (Maja Simonsen)—refuse to stay in the shadows. They continue watching over Rand, despite his protests.
Aviendha doubts that Rand is the prophesied Car’a’carn, the chief of chiefs the Aiel have been waiting for. She believes he must prove himself first. Despite witnessing his power, she remains skeptical.
While the boys drink and tease Rand about his romantic encounters, the girls have a more serious conversation. Egwene admits that she still has nightmares about the Seanchan and her time as a prisoner.
Meanwhile, Mat has been experiencing strange effects since blowing the Horn of Valere. He unconsciously speaks in the Old Tongue, a language from the past. It seems that memories of ancient warriors are now in his mind.
A Deadly Attack Changes Everything
As the night continues, danger lurks in the shadows. Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe), also known as Selene, moves through the city. She finds Moiraine and warns her that Rand must claim Callandor soon. If he does not, the other Forsaken might kill him first.
Elsewhere, Elayne and Aviendha bond over their connection to Rand. The two share a private moment, leading to a kiss. Meanwhile, Egwene and Rand struggle to reconnect. When Rand reaches for her, she flinches, haunted by memories of her past. Then, everything takes a terrifying turn.
Perrin’s axe flies across the room, attacking him and Loial. Egwene’s mirror reflections suddenly come to life, and one of them starts strangling her. Downstairs, a mysterious assassin with gray eyes and black fingers appears and stabs Nynaeve.
Mat, lost in thought, does not hear Nynaeve’s cries. When she finally calls for Lan, he jumps into action and kills the attacker. Moiraine quickly heals Nynaeve, but the damage has been done.
Later, Moiraine and Lan confront Lanfear. She admits to creating the illusions, but she denies summoning the assassin. The only Forsaken capable of creating Gray Men is Moghedien (Laia Costa).
The attack has changed everything. Nynaeve decides to stay in Tar Valon to work on her channeling. Mat also chooses to remain behind, hoping to understand his strange new memories. Perrin makes a final decision to return to the Two Rivers.
Rand and Egwene share a painful goodbye. He promises they will meet again, but no one is certain. Before parting ways, Lan gives Nynaeve his mother’s ring. He tells her, “I would want no other woman as my queen, Nynaeve, in any life we might have lived.”
As the group separates, Rand reveals his true plan. They are not going to Tear. Instead, they are heading to the last place anyone would expect—the Aiel Waste. The journey has just begun.
Summary of The Wheel of Time Season 3, Episode 1: “To Race the Shadow”
The highly anticipated third season of The Wheel of Time begins with chaos, conflict, and critical decisions. Episode 1, “To Race the Shadow,” sets the stage for intense battles, betrayals, and shifting alliances.
The episode opens in Tar Valon, where the White Tower faces a growing crisis. Siuan Sanche, the Amyrlin Seat, holds a hearing for Liandrin Guirale, who has been accused of working for the Shadow. With Nynaeve’s testimony, the truth is revealed—Liandrin has betrayed the Aes Sedai and attempted to hand over novices to the Seanchan.
As Liandrin faces consequences, she calls upon her secret allies within the Black Ajah. A violent battle erupts in the Great Hall, exposing more traitors among the Aes Sedai. While Siuan barely survives an assassination attempt, Liandrin and her followers escape. Meanwhile, Moiraine secretly watches from the shadows, ensuring Siuan’s safety before disappearing into the night.
After the attack on the White Tower, Rand, Egwene, Mat, Perrin, and Nynaeve gather at a tavern to decide their next steps. Moiraine urges Rand to go to Tear and claim Callandor, a legendary sword that may be the key to defeating the Forsaken. However, the group struggles with their fears and doubts.
Egwene is still traumatized by her time as a Seanchan captive, while Mat experiences strange memories due to the Horn of Valere. Meanwhile, Perrin expresses a desire to escape from all the danger. Despite their worries, they try to enjoy a final night together before facing an uncertain future.
As the group relaxes, a sudden attack changes everything. Mysterious assassins, including a Gray Man, target them. Nynaeve is critically injured, Egwene fights for her life against a dark reflection of herself, and Perrin barely escapes his own weapon turning against him.
Moiraine and Lan confront Lanfear, who admits to causing illusions but denies summoning the Gray Man. The attack forces the group to make difficult choices. Nynaeve and Mat stay in Tar Valon, while Perrin decides to return to the Two Rivers. Rand and Egwene share an emotional goodbye before heading toward an unexpected destination—the Aiel Waste.
As the group splits, one thing is certain: their journey is far from over.
Also Read: Who Is The Wheel of Time Star Daniel Henney’s Wife? Meet Ru Kumagai
