Summary
Rosamund Pike discusses the origins of Moiraine and Siuan's relationship and the dual mission they were charged with in finding the Dragon Reborn.
Moiraine and Siuan's love is prohibited, necessitating their concealment of both their alliance and their awareness of the Dragon Reborn. Season 2 of The Wheel of Time will delve into the difficulties they encounter in preserving their covert connection, as well as the repercussions Moiraine faces upon losing her abilities.
The Wheel of Time star, Rosamund Pike, has shed light on the secret alliance and relationship between her character and Sophie Okonedo's Siuan Sanche. Pike portrays the powerful sorceress Moiraine Damodred, an Aes Sedai charged with finding the prophesied Dragon Reborn, in the television adaptation of Robert Jordan's bestselling fantasy novels. However, the first season of The Wheel of Time, which aired in 2021, deviated from the original books by revealing Pike's character's forbidden relationship with Siuan, the chosen leader of the magical Amyrlin Seat order. In an interview with TVLine, Pike discussed what lies ahead for the two conspirators in the upcoming second season. She disclosed that the show will delve into the backstory of their relationship, while highlighting the growing challenge of concealing their secrets moving forward. Read her comments below.
Moiraine and Siuan’s relationship is deepened as we learn more about its origins. They were tasked together with finding the Dragon Reborn, but their mission had two distinct parts. Moiraine's responsibility was to locate the Dragon Reborn and prepare them for the final battle, while Siuan had to rally support from the tower. During this time, Siuan rises to the position of the Amyrlin Seat.
Their love for each other is forbidden, as we saw in Season 1 when Moiraine appeared to be banished. They must abide by this arrangement and Moiraine is unable to return to the White Tower. Although they continue to work together, their collaboration and their knowledge of the Dragon Reborn must remain a secret. Keeping all of these secrets becomes increasingly difficult, even for me. Robert Jordan has created a complex world that we strive to do justice to.
How The Wheel Of Time’s Book Changes Could Impact Season 2
Despite being one of the strongest show launches for Prime Video upon its original release, the approach to the source material has faced criticisms. The fantasy book series, widely regarded as one of the most important since The Lord of the Rings, had already garnered calls for a live-action adaptation long before Prime Video's announcement in 2018 to collaborate with Sony for the show.
With Jordan's extensive 14-volume book series, the vast amount of material necessitated several significant changes and omissions for Prime Video. Among these changes, the alterations made to Pike's Moiraine were the most notable in The Wheel of Time season 1. Showrunner Rafe Judkins previously acknowledged that the books hinted at an intimate relationship between Moiraine and Siuan, but the decision to sever Moiraine's connection to the One Power in the season 1 finale goes beyond any established precedent.
In season 2, the consequences that Moiraine will encounter due to her inability to channel the One Power are expected to have significant implications beyond her romantic affairs. While Moiraine and Siuan being revealed as lovers adds another layer to their already intricate relationship from the books, the more pressing issue lies in Pike's character being stripped of her abilities. It remains to be seen whether this alteration will ultimately benefit or hinder The Wheel of Time in its second season.