As The Wheel of Time continues, there are several characters who deserve more significant roles. Amazon's live-action adaptation of Robert Jordan's 14-book series has introduced many characters. However, due to the large cast size, some characters have ended up with little to do.
Many of these characters can easily have their lack of screen time addressed. In the books, characters encountered by Rand and his companions would often become irrelevant for long periods or even miss entire books before becoming important. If the show follows a similar path, several characters from the Dragon Reborn saga could have their time to shine in the upcoming seasons, possibly starting as early as season 3.
Amazon has confirmed that The Wheel of Time season 3 will serve as an adaptation of The Shadow Rising, the fourth book in Robert Jordan's series of fantasy novels.
Thom Merrilin
Thom Merrillin sitting down in The Wheel of Time season 1. - Thom Merrilin
Thom Merrilin's disappearance after the fight with the Fade in The Wheel of Time season 1 followed the books, but his absence in the following episodes was not. In The Great Hunt, the second book of the series, Thom was shown to be alive when Rand was in Cairhien. The show has already reached this point in The Wheel of Time season 2, yet Thom has not made an appearance. Given his popularity in the books, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to the screen.
Lews Therin Telamon Lews Therin Telamon, unlike his brief appearance in season 1, has the opportunity to play a significant role throughout season 3. In the books, Lews Therin teams up with Mat in Caemlyn during The Dragon Reborn and later travels with Nynaeve and Elayne in The Shadow Rising. Both storylines, especially the latter, have a high chance of being included in the adaptation, indicating that Lews Therin is on track to become the prominent character he is in the original books.
Wheel of Time Lews Therin Telamon
It seems like Lews Therin Telamon might make an appearance in the cold open of the season 3 finale, judging by the show's formula. However, having him only show up briefly in each season finale could be a missed opportunity. The show has yet to adapt the iconic Lews Therin prologue scene that started it all, and we haven't even seen a hint of the "madness" that led to the Breaking of the World.
Anvaere Damodred
Barthanes and Anvaere in Wheel of Time season 2 - Anvaere Damodred
Bayle Domon
One character who stood out in The Wheel of Time season 2 was Anvaere, unlike Thom and Lews Therin who were not fully utilized. Anvaere, Moiraine's sister mentioned in the books' A New Spring prequel, was brought to life in a captivating way in the Cairhien arc. Even though she didn't play a direct role in the Dragon Reborn's journey, the show's unique exploration of her relationship with Moiraine makes Anvaere a character worth exploring further.
Bayle Domon in Wheel of Time season 2.
Bayle Domon, a merchant in the show, is connected to Lanfear and Moiraine. In the books, he plays a significant role as a loyal ally to the heroes. Known as the captain of The Spray, he has embarked on numerous sea voyages on the Wheel of Time map. If given the chance in the TV series, Bayle could further develop his character by helping the main characters. This could potentially happen if he takes Nynaeve and Elayne to Tanchico.
Masema Dagar
Masema in Wheel of Time season 2. - Masema Dagar
Hopper
Hopper, despite being one of Perrin's few allies in season 2, had minimal speaking lines. In the books, he declares himself as the Prophet of the Dragon and dedicates his life to spreading the message of the Dragon Reborn's return. What sets him apart as a character is that, although he is loyal to the main hero of the series, his extreme beliefs ultimately make him an antagonist. If The Wheel of Time expands his role in the show, audiences may witness Masema's evolution into a zealous enemy of Perrin.
Hopper and Perrin looking at each other outdoors in Wheel of Time season 2.
Perrin's loyal wolf companion had a tragic fate in the season 2 finale of The Wheel of Time. However, fans of the books can find solace in knowing that Perrin's bond with Hopper in the Wolf Dream may lead to a reunion in the future. With the World of Dreams getting more screen time in season 2, it's possible that Perrin and Hopper will share a touching moment when the show comes back.
Elyas Machera
Elyas In Wheel of Time - Elyas Machera
Tam al'Thor
Tam al'Thor is a character in the books who plays a significant role in helping Perrin understand his Wolfbrother powers. While the books suggest that Tam may not appear for several seasons, the show has the opportunity to explore his character further. Tam is portrayed as a complex character with a mysterious past, offering a lot of storytelling potential. Bringing him back in The Wheel of Time season 3 can delve into what drives Tam and the reasons behind his solitary nature when he joins Perrin's group.
Tam al'Thor during the Blood Snow in The Wheel of Time
Tam al'Thor, the villager from Two Rivers who raised Rand as his own, is revealed to be a more complex character than initially thought in The Wheel of Time series. His possession of a Blademaster's sword and flashbacks of finding Rand during a battle with the Aiel on Dragonmount hint at his intriguing past. As Perrin prepares to return to Two Rivers in season 3 to face the Whitecloaks and Trollocs, Tam's backstory as a skilled and respected swordsman may finally come to light.
In The Shadow Rising, Perrin's Two Rivers story arc was used to delve deeper into Tam's character and showcase his abilities as a soldier. Tam's background, briefly mentioned before but not fully explored, could become significant in season 3 if his home is threatened by the Whitecloaks and Trollocs. Collaborating with Perrin may reveal different facets of Tam's personality in The Wheel of Time.
Editor's P/S:
The article explores the potential for underutilized characters in Amazon's "The Wheel of Time" to play more significant roles in upcoming seasons. It highlights characters like Thom Merrilin, Lews Therin Telamon, and Hopper, who have limited screen time in the show despite their importance in the books. The author suggests that expanding these characters' roles would enhance the show's narrative and provide viewers with a more comprehensive experience of Robert Jordan's fantasy world.
Overall, the article provides compelling arguments for why these characters deserve more attention in the show. By delving into their storylines and relationships, the series could create a more immersive and engaging adaptation that stays faithful to the source material while also offering new perspectives and insights for fans.