The Moment That Stole the Finale
In the whirlwind of events that was the season 2 finale of The Wheel of Time, it’s easy to get lost in the grandeur of epic battles and cliffhangers. Yet, amid the chaos, a seemingly small moment between Elayne (Ceara Coveney) and Rand (Josha Stradowski) stands out as a pivotal point in the narrative. Elayne healing Rand’s wound might have been a brief scene, but according to showrunner Rafe Judkins, it’s a moment that fans should not overlook.
“It’s a very brief moment, but Rand and Elayne, I call it The Little Mermaid moment. He’s bleeding out, clearly, dying…,” Judkins said in an interview with Collider.
The ‘Prince Eric’ of Wheel of Time
Judkins didn’t shy away from drawing parallels between this moment and a classic fairy tale. He likens Rand to “Prince Eric” from The Little Mermaid, emphasizing the significance of the interaction between the two characters.
“We really wanted to flag for the audience that this is a relationship to pay attention to. So having her heal him of this wound that can’t be healed is a way to cement right away for the audience, ‘These two have a connection to each other, and I’m paying attention to what’s going on with the two of them,'” Judkins explained.
A Slow Burn Worth Watching
The Wheel of Time series, based on the books by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, has a long narrative arc that allows for the slow development of relationships. The show’s approach to Rand and Elayne’s relationship is no different. By choosing to build their connection gradually, the series is setting the stage for more impactful moments down the line.
“The way he sees her, the way that she comes into the scene, it all hopefully is signaling to an audience that’s not familiar with the books that there’s something to really pay attention to there — because there is,” Judkins added.
What’s Next for Rand and Elayne?
The brief but meaningful interaction between Rand and Elayne in the season 2 finale could be a harbinger of what’s to come in the already confirmed season 3. The way Rand looks at Elayne, and the lingering shot that captures this, suggests that their relationship will be a focal point in future episodes.
“The scene could well be a teaser of what’s ahead in The Wheel of Time season 3 and beyond,” the showrunner hinted.
The Assurance of a Future
With The Wheel of Time performing strongly on Nielsen’s streaming charts and already confirmed for future seasons on Prime Video, it’s clear that the show has the luxury of time to develop this relationship. This slow-burn approach promises to make the milestone moments between Rand and Elayne all the more rewarding for the audience.
In a series filled with epic battles, intricate plotlines, and complex characters, it’s the subtle moments like these that often carry the most weight. The brief interaction between Rand and Elayne may have been easy to miss amid the spectacle of the finale, but its implications for the future of the series are immense. Keep your eyes peeled for more of these ‘Little Mermaid moments’ as The Wheel of Time continues to spin its intricate web of relationships.
