Summary
Mat Cauthon needs his own villain inThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, and I can think of no character better for that role than Rahvin. InRobert Jordan’sWheel of Timebooks, Rahvin is one of the 13 Forsaken and a villain that Rand al’Thor had to contend with in the fifth entry in the series,The Fires of Heaven. As it stands, there’s no confirmation that Rahvin has a counterpart in the TV show. He’s among the characters speculated not to appear, but I think not using Rahvin would be a massive, missed opportunity for the show.
Based on what’s known, two of the Forsaken are all but guaranteed to be on hand forWheel of Timeseason 3. Lanfear is very much alive and Moghedien was introduced in the final scene of theWheel of Timeseason 2 finale. And assuming the show goes by the books in regards to Rand’s Aiel Waste journey, I fully expect Asmodean to appear as well. Three may seem like enough for one season, but I actually think one more would be pertinent, particularly when considering what season 2 set up. Plus, it would allow a bigger role for Mat.
Why Mat Needs His Own Villain In Wheel Of Time Season 3
Mat Shouldn’t Be A Supporting Character In Rand Or Perrin’s Upcoming Adventures
Most ofWheel of Time’smain characters have either already had a nemesis or are set to get one in season 3. With the next chapter in position to adaptThe Shadow Rising, Rand is likely to find two rivals in Asmodean and Couladin. Similarly,Perrin is due for clashes with both Dain Bornhaldand Padan Fain. As for the female protagonists, at least two of them (Elayne and Nynaeve) are on track to battle Moghedien in Tanchico. Moiraine also has a developing feud with Lanfear, which is sure to be a factor going forward.
From the looks of things,Wheel of Timehas some exciting rivalries in store for its characters, butnone of this setup promises anything for Mat. If season 3 follows along with the books, he’ll tag along with Rand and get swept up in his adventure.The Shadow Risingadmittedly does offer some great moments for Mat, but with the series already reworking the story where he unlocks his memories, I’m not sure where significance would lie if this plotline were to be recreated on the small screen.Wheel of Timemay struggle to avoid Mat becoming a supporting player in Rand’s next narrative.
So far, I think the show has done a good job at giving each of the protagonists their own meaningful journey in both seasons 1 and 2, which is why I’m confident the series will stick with this approach. True to that, I think the show would benefit greatly from taking Mat away from the otherWheel of Timecharactersand giving him his own quest to concern himself with. And just like the cases with Rand, Perrin, Elayne, and Nynaeve, this story will require a compelling villain from the books to drive the action and drama.
Why Rahvin Could Appear In Mat’s Wheel Of Time Season 3 Story
Rahvin Could Fit Easily Into Mat’s Story If He Doesn’t Go To The Aiel Waste
As for which villainWheel of Timecould pit against Mat in season 3, Rahvin would be among the most obvious candidates. After all, the show wouldn’t have to change too much to get their paths to intersect in its adaptation ofThe Shadow Rising. It’s true that they didn’t meet in that particular book, but their paths did intersect in bothThe Dragon RebornandThe Fires of Heaven, and it’s from those books thatThe Wheel of Timecan draw from if it wants to craft a Mat-Rahvin plotline.
Rahvin first wound up on the radar of the main characters whenMat and Thom Merrilin took a trip to Caemlynto bring a letter to Queen Morgase from her daughter, Elayne. In the process, the pair learned of a plot to kill her, one that was orchestrated by Rahvin of the Forsaken. With Mat heading to Tear afterward, this storyline wasn’t properly advanced untilThe Fires of Heaven, which evolved Rahvin’s scheme from a subplot to the focus of a whole book. To help condense the 14-book series into a show with significantly fewer seasons, the show could have this entire arc told in season 3.
The timeline of the books would make this a seamless move for the show. It shouldn’t be forgotten that Mat met Rahvin before the events ofThe Shadow Risingin the first place. After leaving Falme, Mat went to Tar Valon, and from there, set off for Caemlyn. All of this happened before Rand left for the Aiel Waste. For most of the characters, the books appear to beskipping theirDragon Rebornarcs, but it may not do the same with Mat if the meat of hisShadow Risingarc has already been covered. Instead, it can send him where he’s meant to go after Falme anyway.
Why Rahvin Would Be A Great Choice For A Wheel Of Time Season 3 Villain
Mat’s Memories Could Make Him A Challenge For Rahvin
The show would be laying the groundwork for a great story if it sends Mat to Caemlyn, especially in light of what Rahvin would bring to the table. Ishamael and Lanfear helped provide worthwhile introductions tothe concept of the Forsaken, but there are certain elements to them that the series hasn’t really captured accurately yet. Two of them are their expertise in manipulation and their ability to maintain disguises. There was a touch of this in Lanfear’s story, but it didn’t take long for her mask to be removed. That wouldn’t be the situation with Rahvin.
In the books, it’s discovered that Rahvin has inserted himself into Andor politics by living as Gaebril Byrne and becoming the lover of Queen Morgase, all in an effort to kill her. Through him,I can imagineWheel of Timereally leaning into the political intrigue of the books and creating a complex mystery in the process. And to me, the best character to solve it would be Mat, whose new memories give him access to ancient knowledge that Rahvin likely wouldn’t be prepared for in the show.
Not only does Mat and a member of the Forsaken squaring off inThe Wheel of Timemake sense logistically and from a character perspective, but it also lines up perfectly with the direction of the show as a whole. By confirming thatall of the remaining Forsakenare now on the loose, the season 2 finale was able to end on an extremely ominous note that made me excited for what the next fights with the Forsaken would offer. That’s not due to what it set up with Moghedien, but because it paved the way for multiple Forsaken to wreak havoc in season 3.
To pay that off, the show needs to avoid focusing on Moghedien specifically and spotlighting the threat posed by several Forsaken at once. Having as many as four causing problems for Rand and company inTheWheel of Timeseason 3 would be an excellent way of making that work.
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.
