The Wheel of Time 3×07 Review: “Goldeneyes”

Perrin leads the people of the Two Rivers into battle against the Trollocs and Whitecloaks in “Goldeneyes.”

While “The Shadow in the Night” shifted its focus over multiple storylines, “Goldeneyes” narrows its focus to Perrin (Marcus Rutherford) and the conflict in the Two Rivers. The decision allows the thrilling conflict to showcase its adequate scope and gives Perrin the opportunity to shine in his character development.

With an army of Trollocs on their way, Perrin must prepare the people of the Two Rivers for battle. Maksim (Taylor Napier) and Alanna (Priyanka Bose) do their part to train the townsfolk, though Maksim is skeptical about their ability to hold off the approaching armies. Thankfully, Maksim and Alanna reconcile their differences and rekindle their romance as they prepare for the battle.

As he makes his own preparations, and reunites with an old friend, Perrin struggles with his ability to lead and the memories of his wife’s death during the last battle with the Trollocs. Faile (Isabella Bucceri) does her best to assure him of his worries, and the two continue to develop their budding romance. It’s a sweet moment for both and it will be interesting to see how their relationship continues to progress. Perrin also has a cute moment with Mat’s sisters Bode (Litiana Biutanaseva) and Eldrin (Lilibet Biutanaseva) as he shows them the drawing Mat commissioned of himself blowing the horn.

Unsure of his people’s ability to singlehandedly fight the Trollocs, Perrin tries to make a deal with Whitecloak Dain (Jay Duffy). He offers to turn himself in if Dain and the Whitecloaks help the village, but Dain initially rejects the offer. He eventually arrives with an army of some of the Whitecloaks in the midst of the battle, suggesting he could potentially be a valuable ally down the road.

At night the battle gets underway, and it is both thrilling and captivating. The scale of the confrontation and the accompanying special effects are impressive. The people of the Two Rivers get some valuable victories, but there are also some unfortunate casualties. Alanna is hurt once again in the battle, but Mat’s sisters use their training from Alanna to burn her attacker Eamon (Abdul Salis), getting their revenge for their mother in a satisfying moment.

Though Alanna survives the battle, not all of Perrin’s allies are lucky. Upon figuring out that the Trollocs are being controlled by an associate of the Dark One, Loial (Hammed Amimashaun) sacrifices himself to prevent more enemies from joining the battle. It’s a heartbreaking moment for such a likable character, but it’s unfortunate Loial has been given so little to do this season.

In the battle’s closing moments, Perrin confronts Padan (Johann Myers), who reveals himself to be the one controlling the Trollocs. He confesses they are attacking the Two Rivers to send a message to the Dragon Reborn and Perrin dispatches him. It’s great to see how much Perrin has evolved since the beginning of the series, and how he has become more of a leader during his time back in the Two Rivers.

After Perrin and his allies get a few moments to mourn Loial the next morning, Dain arrives to collect Perrin. The others are surprised, but Perrin explains the deal he made before willingly leaving with Dain in the closing moments of “Goldeneyes.”

The penultimate episode of the season had the epicness of a season finale. It will be interesting to see if and how next week’s season finale will top it and provide satisfying resolutions for the season’s many storylines.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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