Warning: Spoilers for The Wheel of Time season 2, episode 4
Summary
Liandrin's betrayal of Nynaeve and her allies in season 2 of The Wheel of Time establishes them as key players in the overarching plot. The revelation of Liandrin's allegiance to the Dark One further solidifies her ties to the secretive Black Ajah group within the White Tower.
Liandrin’s actions in episode 4 not only establish her as a fully-realized villain, but also serve to connect various plotlines and lay the foundation for pivotal events in The Great Hunt novel.
Liandrin’s Betrayal Confirms Her True Loyalties
Egwene and Nynaeve, unlike other main characters, have been residing in the protected White Tower throughout season 2. However, the situation has taken a turn as they, along with Elayne, have now been captured. Liandrin, who initially revealed a softer side to Nynaeve, was potentially becoming a fascinating mentor figure. Unfortunately, that dynamic has come to an end. Based on a conversation between Ishamael and Min, it appears that Liandrin has some kind of arrangement with the antagonist.The reason behind Liandrin's betrayal of Nynaeve and her collaboration with Ishamael remains unexplained in the show. However, this act of betrayal was directly inspired by Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books, thus the answer to this question is not a great enigma. Just like in the TV adaptation, Liandrin's book counterpart in The Great Hunt deceived Nynaeve, Elayne, Egwene, and Min by luring them away from the White Tower under the pretense of aiding Rand, who was seemingly in distress. Little did they know, Liandrin's ulterior motive was to deliver them into the hands of the Seanchan.
What Liandrin’s Betrayal Means For Wheel of Time Season 2
Liandrin's unwavering loyalty had always been devoted to the Dark One within The Wheel of Time. Alongside several other Aes Sedai, she belonged to a covert faction of Darkfriend spies known as the Black Ajah, concealed within the White Tower. These Black Ajah members were under the influence of the Forsaken, ancient channelers who served the Dark One. Under their guidance, Liandrin and her fellow Black Sisters collaborated to resist the authority of the Amyrlin Seat and the Dragon Reborn. The revelation of Liandrin's involvement in aiding Ishamael, a prominent member of the 13 Forsaken, in his quest to capture Mat and Min, solidifies her affiliations with the Black Ajah in the TV show.
In The Wheel of Time season 2, Madeleine Madden, Zoë Robbins, and Ceara Coveney make their appearance. Liandrin's actions in episode 4 hold significant implications for the rest of the season. Not only does it establish Liandrin as the ultimate villain, aligning with her portrayal in the books, but it also brings the various plotlines of the show closer together towards the season's end. Primarily, it progresses the adaptation of The Great Hunt's narrative by involving Nynaeve, Elayne, and Egwene in the intense battle against the Seanchan, a pivotal aspect of the novel. Furthermore, it positions them to witness Rand's ultimate showdown with Ishamael in Falme.
The Wheel of Time releases new episodes on Fridays on Amazon Prime Video.