The award-winning series, The Wheel of Time, keeps pulling viewers in with its exciting, complex plotlines and ever-evolving character interactions. Rand al’Thor, the Dragon Reborn, is very much at the center of the plot. This unconventional young magician begins an incredibly hazardous journey, side-by-side with Moiraine, departing their tranquil village to cross an amazing and risky continent. The narrative twists in a gorgeous European-inspired setting as the story begins to unfold. Soon after, all hell breaks loose with the arrival of the cruel and twisted Seanchan Empire.
Rand’s journey is hardly just a physical quest. Rand’s journey becomes a profound exploration of morality. Over the course of this series, Rand struggles with the complexities of good and evil. As he’s doing all this, he’s realizing these concepts aren’t so black and white and clear cut. As the Dragon Reborn, he is confronted by the reactions that people have to his identity and power.
Moiraine, the wise and powerful magician who is mentoring Rand, isn’t afraid of his power. Lanfear, originally introduced as Selene, is attracted to him for his power. Lanfear, one of the very demonic Forsaken that complicate Rand’s career at every flip, makes issues difficult along with her curiosity in Rand’s potential. Their relationship changes a lot in Seasons 2 and 3, delivering one of television’s most fascinating takes on the genre’s typical love story.
Rand’s connection with Selene grows and deepens as he starts to fall in love. But as he discovers that she is actually Lanfear, his ardor deepens. This development introduces an incredible subplot that mirrors beloved romantic couples in pop culture. Beyond that, it is notable for its unusual age and gender dynamics. Rand and Lanfear’s relationship has even been referred to as a “reverse Reylo.” This analogy is inspired by the fiery, if chaotic, relationship depicted between Rey and Kylo Ren in Star Wars.
As the show’s creator, Rafe Lee Judkins, points out, by the nature of this adaptation, that relationship will be different.
“She sees pieces of darkness in him and she loves those, whereas Egwene only wants to see the good in him,” – Rafe Lee Judkins.
This nuanced sentiment is indicative of Rand’s deeply conflicted character and the duality of perception from the two most prominent women in his life. Whereas Egwene is a convenient idealization of Rand, Lanfear accepts the fact that he has both a light and dark side.
Over the course of the book, Rand becomes more and more involved with Lanfear. Judkins notes this evolution in Rand’s relationships:
“So Rand, at the end of the season, is not with either of those women, because he has to embrace that he’s both of those things, not just one or the other.” – Rafe Lee Judkins.
This commentary provides a behind-the-scenes look at Rand’s own struggle as he tries to balance his loyalty to both women while addressing his duality.
Judkins notes the distinctive nature of Lanfear’s love for Rand, which makes their relationship something different and more complex.
“The idea that this woman has been in love with this man’s soul before is so unique to The Wheel of Time,” – Rafe Lee Judkins.
This history between them gives their relationship depth and distinguishes it from typical enemies-to-lovers storylines.
Fans can’t wait to see what happens next on The Wheel of Time. The new power play between Rand and Lanfear looks to bring even more compelling drama. In fact, their romantic relationship becomes the most recurring driving force throughout the whole narrative. It’s about deeper things—power, identity, the intricacies of human connection.