Based on an exchange with Eamon Valda inThe Wheel of Timeseason 1, the show has already laid the groundwork for a very different take on Perrin’s Two Rivers story. AlthoughThe Wheel of Timeseason 2’s endingdidn’t perfectly spell it out, it’s no secret where Perrin is headed next. The trajectory of his story matches with what’s in the books, which dictate Perrin will return to the Two Rivers.
InThe Shadow Rising, the book season 3 is set to adapt, Perrin goes on an adventure that takes him back home, where he clashes with the Whitecloaks and the Trollocs. WithPerrin killing Geofram Bornaldduring the battle at Falme, it’s apparent that Dain and the other Whitecloaks will seek revenge. This set their trip to the Two Rivers and conflict with Perrin in motion. This indicates that a book-accurate version of Perrin’s arc fromThe Shadow Risingis in order, but if a scene with Eamon Valda is any indication, this story won’t be a clear-cut copy of theWheel of Timebooks.
The Whitecloaks Know Perrin’s Biggest Secret
Perrin Told Eamon Valda That He Killed Laila
What separates Perrin’s relationship with the Whitecloaks in the books from what it is in the show pertains to their knowledge ofLaila’s death inThe Wheel of Timeseason 1. In the TV series, Perrin accidentally killed his wife during the Trolloc attack on the Two Rivers. After being captured by the Whitecloaks in episode 3,he confessed his crime to Eamon Valda. This is a detail of massive importance, considering that this makes Valda one of the only people inThe Wheel of Time’sworld to know the truth about what Perrin did. Because of this, he possesses a weapon that the Whitecloaks' book counterparts never had.
Chances are, the Whitecloaks won’t care very much about the fact that Perrin killed his wife. However, it’s likely they’ll see it as an opportunity. Perrin is an enemy to them now, and by exploiting this information, they can put Perrin at odds with his own friends as well. If what happened to Laila becomes public knowledge in the Two Rivers, Perrin could find himself with few allies in season 3. Given the friendly atmosphere of the Two Rivers and her status as the town blacksmith, it makes sense that she was well-acquainted with a large portion of the villagers. Not only will this enflame them, but her killer being of their own will further complicate their feelings on the matter.
The Two Rivers Folk Finding Out About Laila’s Death Feels Inevitable After Season 2
Perrin Will Eventually Be Confronted By His Friends About Killing Laila
This secret being used against Perrin inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3feels like an inevitability rather than just one of several possible routes the story could take. Part of that has to do with the level of importance assigned to Eamon Valda in the TV show’s interpretation of the story. Valda has a much bigger presence in the show than he did in the books. So far, he’s been utilized as the face of the Whitecloaks in the TV series, as he’s typically not far away whenever they appear.
With Perrin sure to clash with the Whitecloaks over their activities in the Two Rivers, using his confession to create division comes across as an obvious move for Valda to make against him.
What’s more, he’s become an antagonist to Perrin. He tortured Perrin in season 1 and also clashed with him in Falme. Given the effort the show has gone through in weaving Valda into Perrin’s story, it’d be surprising if he isn’t among the Whitecloaks that show up in the Two Rivers. And when that happens,it’ll only be a matter of time before Perrin’s secret is brought out into the open.With Perrin sure to clash with the Whitecloaks over their activities in the Two Rivers, using his confession to create division comes across as an obvious move for Valda to make against him.
How Perrin’s Secret Could Change His Season 3 Story
Perrin Will Have A Harder Time Gathering Support In The Two Rivers
The people of the Two Rivers having a legitimate reason to despise Perrin would undoubtedly have a huge impact on season 3. Over the course ofThe Shadow Rising, Perrin had to work alongside longtime Two Rivers residents like Tam al’Thor, Abel Cauthon, and more. Having his secret exposed would create new obstacles for Perrin, as whatever existing trust he has with the Two Rivers folk will likely evaporate. That would position Perrin for a more arduous journey inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3. In addition to fighting the Whitecloaks and the Trollocs, he’ll have to do without the support of his former neighbors - at least initially.
A Missing Wheel Of Time Character Tease Makes A Major Change To Egwene’s Season 3 Story More Likely
A reference to a major missing character in season 2 provides another reason The Wheel of Time’s show may completely change Egwene’s next story.
Instead, season 3 could see Perrin gradually cultivate the trust of Tam and other pillars of the Two Rivers community. As he continues to stand up for the village to the Whitecloacks and defend them from the Trollocs, he may be able to slowly make inroads with them as the story unfolds. Heading in this direction could culminate inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 ending with Perrin finally earning their loyalty in time for the final fight. This could be juxtaposed with Perrin’s own desire for redemption. The Two Rivers folk forgiving Perrin for killing Laila can be an important step toward Perrin also forgiving himself.
Eamon Valda Could Be Perrin’s Main Villain In Season 3
Eamon Valda Could Be Perrin’s Biggest Threat In Season 3
Eamon Valda resorting to such measures gives credence to the notion that he’ll be the main villain of Perrin’s season 3 arc. InThe Shadow Rising, Perrin’s attention was mostly on the Slayer, the murderous being that lurks inThe Wheel of Time’sTel’aran’rhiod. But due to the complexities of the character’s origins and the need to condense the narrative, there’s a possibility thatThe Wheel of Timewill take the Slayer out of the plot or save him for later. If that’s the case, a different character - like Eamon Valda - being the primary source of Perrin’s struggles isn’t out of the question.
Regardless of it being inconsistent with the books, Eamon Valda rising to main villain status in season 3 fits with the path the show appears to be carving for his character. The show succeeded in presenting him as a menacing villain with believable motivations for his actions. He’s not exactly been a major character, but he’s already a very nuanced villain and someone who carries a lot of storytelling potential. Having him turn the Two Rivers folk against Perrin could lend itself well to the sinister image the show has already masterfully built for him inThe Wheel of Time.
The Wheel of Time
Cast
The Wheel of Time follows Moiraine, a member of the powerful all-female organization Aes Sedai, as she leads a perilous quest with five young individuals. Moiraine suspects one among them could be the prophesized reincarnation of a mighty figure destined to either save or doom humanity.
