Based on a conversation with Eamon Valda in The Wheel of Time In season one, the show has already laid the groundwork for a very different take on Perrin’s Two Rivers story. Although The Wheel of Time The season 2 finale didn’t clear everything up perfectly, it’s no secret where Perrin will go next. The trajectory of his story coincides with what is in the books, which dictate that Perrin will return to the Two Rivers.
In The shadow risingseason 3 of the book is about to adapt, Perrin embarks on an adventure that takes him back home, where he faces the Whitecloaks and the Trollocs. With Perrin killing Geofram Bornald during the battle at Falme, it is evident that Dain and the other Whitecloaks will seek revenge. This triggered his trip to the Two Rivers and the conflict with Perrin. This indicates that an accurate version of Perrin’s arc The shadow rising is in order, but if a scene with Eamon Valda is any indication, this story won’t be a clear copy of the Wheel of Time books.
The Whitecloaks know Perrin’s biggest secret
Perrin told Eamon Valda he killed Laila
What separates Perrin’s relationship with the Whitecloaks in the books from what it is in the series concerns their knowledge of Laila’s death in The Wheel of Time season 1. In the TV series, Perrin accidentally killed his wife during the Trolloc attack on Two Rivers. After being captured by the Whitecloaks in episode 3 he confessed his crime to Eamon Valda. This is a detail of enormous importance, as it makes Valda one of the only people in the The Wheel of Time world to know the truth about what Perrin did. Because of this, he has a weapon that the White Cloaks books never had.
The Whitecloaks probably won’t care much about the fact that Perrin killed his wife. However, they are likely to see this as an opportunity. Perrin is an enemy to them now, and by exploiting this information, they may also bring Perrin into conflict with his own friends. If what happened to Laila becomes public knowledge in Two Rivers, Perrin may find few allies in season three. Given the friendly atmosphere of Two Rivers and her status as the town’s blacksmith, it makes sense that she would be well acquainted with many of the villagers. Not only will this inflame them, but the fact that the killer is theirs will further complicate their feelings on the matter.
The Two Rivers folks finding out about Laila’s death seems inevitable after season two
Perrin will eventually be confronted by his friends about Laila’s death
This secret being used against Perrin in The Wheel of Time season three feels like an inevitability, rather than just one of several possible paths the story could take. Part of this has to do with the level of importance placed on Eamon Valda in the TV show’s interpretation of the story. Valda has a much greater presence in the series than in the books. So far, he has been used as the face of the Whitecloaks in the TV series, as he is usually not far away whenever they appear.
With Perrin certain to come into conflict with the Whitecloaks over his activities in the Two Rivers, using his confession to create division seems like an obvious move for Valda to make against him.
What’s more, he became an antagonist to Perrin. He tortured Perrin in Season 1 and also clashed with him in Falme. Given the effort the show made to include Valda in Perrin’s story, it would be surprising if he wasn’t among the Whitecloaks who appear in Two Rivers. And when that happens, It will only be a matter of time before Perrin’s secret is revealed. With Perrin certain to come into conflict with the Whitecloaks over his activities in the Two Rivers, using his confession to create division seems like an obvious move for Valda to make against him.
How Perrin’s Secret Could Change His Story in Season 3
Perrin will have a harder time rallying support on both rivers
The fact that the people of Two Rivers have a legitimate reason to despise Perrin would undoubtedly have a huge impact on season three. The shadow risingPerrin had to work alongside longtime Two Rivers residents such as Tam al’Thor, Abel Cauthon and others. Having his secret exposed would create new obstacles for Perrin, as any trust he has with the people of Two Rivers will likely evaporate. This would position Perrin for a more arduous journey in The Wheel of Time season 3. In addition to fighting the Whitecloaks and the Trollocs, he will have to do without the support of his former neighbors – at least initially.
Instead, season three could see Perrin gradually cultivate the trust of Tam and other pillars of the Two Rivers community. As he continues to defend the village from the White Cloacks and defend them from the Trollocs, he will be able to slowly make inroads with them as the story unfolds. Going in this direction could result in The Wheel of Time season 3 ends with Perrin finally earning his loyalty in time for the final fight. This could be juxtaposed with Perrin’s own desire for redemption. The people of Dois Rios forgiving Perrin for killing Laila could be an important step towards Perrin also forgiving himself.
Eamon Valda could be Perrin’s main villain in season 3
Eamon Valda could be Perrin’s biggest threat in Season 3
Eamon Valda resorting to such measures lends credence to the notion that he will be the main villain of Perrin’s Season 3 arc. In The shadow risingPerrin’s attention was mainly on the Slayer, the murderous being that lurks in The Wheel of Time Tel’aran’rhiod. But due to the complexities of the character’s origins and the need to condense the narrative, there is a possibility that The Wheel of Time will either take the Slayer out of the plot or save him for later. If that’s the case, a different character – like Eamon Valda – being the main source of Perrin’s struggles isn’t out of the question.
Regardless of whether it’s inconsistent with the books, Eamon Valda rising to main villain status in Season 3 fits with the path the series seems to be taking for his character. The show managed to present him as a menacing villain with believable motivations for his actions. He’s not exactly an important character, but he’s already a very nuanced villain and someone who carries a lot of storytelling potential. Having him turn the people of Two Rivers against Perrin could serve well the sinister image the show has already masterfully constructed for him in The Wheel of Time.