Season 3, Episode 3, titled Seeds of Shadow, directed by Thomas Napper and written by Beverly Okhio explores the seeds of doubt and self-destruction sown by the Forsaken and their Darkfriends across the world. These seeds of shadow prevent the forces of Light from uniting, as they bicker over differing ideologies of what an ideal society should be. This division is even worse than that among the Darkfriends, as the forces of the Light are supposed to work together to protect life, not conquer it—making them no different from the Shadow. The Aes Sedai appear to be the only group that has not yet lost its purpose, though cracks are forming. Still, there is hope, as the heroes of the story will play a major role in uniting the fractured forces of the Light.
The central theme of this episode is hope. The heroes—Rand al’Thor, Perrin Aybara, Nynaeve al’Meara, Egwene al’Vere (Madeleine Madden), and Mat Cauthon (Dónal Finn)—are ta’veren, individuals shaped by the Pattern when the Wheel of Time needs them. They remain ta’veren only until their purpose is fulfilled, meaning they are bound by fate, much like champions of the Creator. Rand is rising as a leader among the Aiel, Perrin for the Two Rivers, while the others prepare to assist the Dragon Reborn in any way they can. They bring hope to divided factions such as the Aiel and the Aes Sedai, inspiring them to stand up and fight for what is right.
The Forsaken Meeting
In a darkened location, Lanfear (Natasha O’Keeffe) summons Rahvin (Nuno Lopes) and Sammael (Cameron Jack). While the rest of the Forsaken could have been invited, Rahvin notes that Lanfear deliberately excluded Graendal and Semirhage, finding them too irritating. Rahvin has already forged a strong alliance with Sammael since their release.
Rahvin is a masterful politician, excelling in manipulation and strategic alliances. Unlike many Forsaken who rely on brute force or terror, he prefers subtlety, controlling rulers through charm and persuasion without them realizing it. His diplomatic acumen allows him to shape entire nations, making him one of the most dangerous Forsaken.
Sammael, in contrast, is a brilliant military strategist but a poor ruler. While Rahvin thrives in politics, Sammael prefers open warfare, excelling in tactics but neglecting governance, leaving his lands in disarray. His rivalry with Lanfear is rooted in jealousy—while she loved Lews Therin, Sammael despised him for overshadowing him as a commander.
During the meeting, Lanfear proposes an alliance to overthrow Moghedien, citing her as dangerously unpredictable despite her weakness in raw power. She mockingly warns Sammael that he could be Moghedien’s next target since he is the second weakest Forsaken. This enrages Sammael to the point of nearly attacking her, but Rahvin intervenes, reminding them that their infighting during the Age of Legends was what led to their defeat against the Dragon before their imprisonment.
Sammael, still fuming, taunts Lanfear by questioning why, if she is now the strongest Forsaken, the Dark One has not spoken to her or named her Nae’blis, the highest rank among the Shadow. That title belongs to Ishamael before his death in Falme during the Season 2 finale.
Ironically, Rahvin appears closest to securing the position, as he is the only Forsaken who maintains good relations with Lanfear, Sammael, Graendal, and Semirhage. Unlike the others, he can be reasoned with, making him a unifying force among the Shadow’s ranks as the Last Battle approaches. Even Moghedien (Laia Costa), who secretly eavesdrops on the meeting, seems to respect him. After Lanfear and Sammael leave, she confesses her frustration at being called a coward. Rahvin reassures her, acknowledging her intelligence—further cementing his influence.
Elaida Plans the White Tower Schism
At the White Tower, Nynaeve (Zoë Robins) and Elayne (Ceara Coveney) investigate the Black Ajah under Liandrin’s leadership. They attempt to interrogate captured Black sisters Joiya Byir (Joelle) and Amico Nagoyin (Zenobia Kloppers), but their deceptions yield little. However, Nynaeve discovers a symbol in Liandrin’s secret hideout, linking her to the city of Tanchico, where she and her fellow Black Ajah have likely fled.
They also learn that the stolen artifacts include the Domination Band Bracelet, an object capable of controlling male channelers like the Dragon Reborn. Determined to retrieve it, Nynaeve and Elayne set sail for Tanchico, joined by Mat (Dónal Finn) following his duel against Prince Galad (Callum Kerr) and Prince Gawyn Trakand (Luke Fetherston). Unbeknownst to them, Min Farshaw (Kae Alexander) secretly follows them, acting as a spy for Siuan Sanche (Sophie Okonedo).
Meanwhile, Elaida do Avriny a’Roihan (Shohreh Aghdashloo) plots to overthrow Siuan and claim the Amyrlin Seat, recruiting Aes Sedai—primarily from the Red Ajah—by promising to restore their power and fulfill their mission to imprison the Dragon Reborn. The White Tower, already shaken by the Black Ajah’s betrayal, faces further division.
The Aiel Waste
In the Aiel Waste, Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and her group travel with the Taardad Clan toward Rhuidean, where Rand (Josha Stradowski) must prove himself as the Aiel’s leader. Along the way, they discover an Aiel village, likely massacred by the Shaido, who will soon fall under Sammael’s influence.
Lan Mandragoran (Daniel Henney) learns of Melindhra (Synnøve Macody Lund), a Malkieri-born Maiden of the Spear. She reveals that Malkier survivors would rally behind him if he sought to restore their lost kingdom. Meanwhile, Egwene (Madeleine Madden) befriends Bair (Nukâka Coster-Waldau), a Wise One willing to train her in dreamwalking, a skill she will need to defend herself against Lanfear.
In a dream, Rand meets Lanfear, who warns him that Tear is heavily trapped by the Forsaken, making his path to Callandor far more perilous than he realizes. She acknowledges that Rand is right to gather an Aiel army before attempting to claim the blade, as confronting the Forsaken alone would be suicidal. However, she offers him an alternative: retrieving the Sakarnen, a sa’angreal even more powerful than Callandor. Despite her advice Rand remains wary, knowing that Lanfear never acts without ulterior motives. While she claims to be helping him out of love, he suspects she is guiding him toward a path that serves her own interests.
The Two Rivers at Night
Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) assumes leadership of the Two Rivers, preparing them to face the Children of the Light, Trollocs, and Darkfriends. The Hunters of the Horn, led by Lord Luc (Michael Lindall), agree to postpone their quest to aid the village. Faile Bashere (Isabella Bucceri), a fellow Hunter, forms a growing bond with Perrin.
When Whitecloaks arrest Mat’s mother and sisters, Perrin considers surrendering himself to secure their release, hoping to persuade Dain Bornhald (Jay Duffy) to set aside vengeance and help defend the village against the Shadow.
The Domination Brand Bracelet
In Tanchico, Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood) and the Black Ajah establish a base after massacring the guests of a noble wedding, including a relative of the man Liandrin was once forced to marry as a child. The city, though nominally aligned with the Light, is rife with corruption, making it an ideal hiding place for the Black Ajah’s operations.
Their objective is to locate the missing collar that pairs with the Domination Band Bracelet, forming a complete male a’dam capable of enslaving the Dragon Reborn. Nyomi (Rachel Denning), a scholar of the Black Ajah, is assigned to study the artifact and uncover the collar’s whereabouts. However, unbeknownst to them, their seemingly unremarkable servant is actually Moghedien, lurking in the shadows, silently observing and manipulating events to her own advantage—softly, softly in the shadows.
Rating: 9/10
