A Wheel of Time Romance Change Means Another Major Character Could Be Cut

A great romance added to The Wheel of Time show raises questions about the possibility of a key character from the book being left out of the narrative. With 14 books by Robert Jordan Wheel of Time series that comprises more episodes than the show is likely to account for, it’s almost guaranteed that a significant portion of the character lineup will never appear in live action. In fact, some of these cuts Wheel of Time characters have already been identified. So when looking at the major players who still need introductions, it’s worth asking which of them are yet to come and which have been omitted from the story.

One of those characters whose presence in The Wheel of Time the small screen adaptation is in doubt is Gareth Bryne. Introduced in the first book as Captain-General of the Queen’s Guard, Gareth Bryne was an important political figure in Andor, a trusted confidant of Morgase, and an ally of the main characters and their cause. The Wheel of Time hasn’t yet revealed where he’s based at the start of the series, so it’s possible the show simply hasn’t caught up with him yet. But while it is true that he could appear later, a change in Siuan Sanche’s story could indicate otherwise.

Gareth Byrne was Siuan Sanche’s main love interest in the Wheel of Time books

Gareth Bryrne was a big part of Siuan Sanche’s story

One of the most notable changes to the source material is the focus on the romantic relationship between Moiraine Damodred and Siuan Sanche. The Wheel of Time The season 2 finale pitted the two against each other, but the emphasis on the feelings they had for each other throughout the series makes it unlikely that the series will completely abandon this subplot. This could have major implications for the future of the series, especially since the book version of Siuan has a love interest. In novels, Siuan fell in love with Gareth Brynewho she met in book 5, The Fires of Heaven.

She teamed up with Gareth Byrne after being silenced and exiled from the White Tower. Her fall from grace culminated in her becoming his servant as payment for a fire her group caused. But despite having to work for him, Siuan ended up liking Gareth. After Siuan regained her ability to channel, he became her Guardian and fought alongside her in several conflicts. Ultimately, Gareth and Siuan became a capable duo in the fight against the forces of the Dark.

Wheel Of Time’s Siuan changes hurt Gareth Byrne’s chances of appearing

Gareth Bryne was never a lock for the show in the first place

While it’s true that Gareth Bryne had a role in the books before meeting Siuan, it’s important to note that his importance to the story changed significantly when their paths crossed. Bryne became an integral part of Siuan’s story, appearing almost exclusively in the stories in her books. once the two became entangled. Her evolution into a supporting character in Siuan’s arc highlights the impact that having her have a different love interest could have on her place in the TV series. If the Prime Video show doesn’t have a plan for Siuan to become romantically involved with Gareth, there may be no need to use it.

Compounding this issue is the uncertainty surrounding the show’s commitment (or lack thereof) to the Andor cast from the books. When Rand was in Caemlyn in The Eye of the WorldRobert Jordan introduced readers to a handful of new supporting characters, all associated with the Lion Throne: Elayne Trakand, Gawyn Trakand, Galad Damodred, Queen Morgase Trakand, Martyn Tallanvor, and Gareth Byrne. Elayne was the only one to become a member of the main group, but they all received recurring roles. Of these, the show has so far only used Elayne.

For now, there’s not much clarity about whether the series is reducing the books’ focus on this specific group of characters, especially since Caemlyn has been avoided in both seasons of the series. If Caemlyn continues to be absent from The Wheel of Time season three, will be another sign that the series doesn’t intend to use them as much as the books. Admittedly, this approach would make some sense; why The Wheel of Time already has a huge cast of characters, Adding an entirely new group would only make the series more crowded.

The Wheel of Time shouldn’t abandon Gareth Bryne (with or without Siuan Sanche’s novel)

Gareth Bryne deserves to be on the show

Gareth Bryne’s greatest contribution to the books’ narrative is undoubtedly the romance he shared with Siuan, but that’s not the full extent of his value to the series. Even before the romance element comes into play, Gareth’s inclusion in the story offered a new side of Siuanit forced her to take on a subservient role and become more humble in the process. Being Gareth’s servant contrasted sharply with the life Siaun led as the Amyrlin Seat. His ability to adjust to this spoke volumes about his strength as a character. This storyline would be severely altered without Gareth Bryne.

There is meaning to this particular arc, regardless of whether their relationship turns romantic. As Gareth Bryne’s servant, The Wheel of Time could further develop Siuan’s character in a really interesting way and allow her to get her own Guardian. A story that goes in this direction has the potential to be extremely compelling, even if Siuan’s main love interest continues to be Moiraine. Not only that, but giving Siuan dynamics with characters outside of Moiraine will help the series flesh out her role in the series and turn her into a protagonist in her own right.

What’s more, Gareth Bryne could prove to be a much-needed addition to the squad in a way that doesn’t involve Siuan. As The Last Battle approached, the books placed increasing focus on military and political issues. After all, alliances between The Wheel of Time World powers were needed to defeat the Dark. When the series reaches this point, Gareth Bryne can be an important voice, offering his support and advice to characters like Rand, Egwene, and Mat as they make decisions that could shape future battles.