‘The Wheel of Time’ Season 3 Episode 4: “The Road To The Spear” Is A Brilliant Cinematic Piece of Fantasy Television

The third and latest season of Prime Video’s The Wheel of Time (2021-present) is not only its most visually stunning, but Episode 4, “The Road To The Spear,” is easily one of the best instalments of fantasy television ever.

From innovative filming techniques to exotic landscapes, riveting performances to amazing costumes and makeup, The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 4 is a cinematic marvel that truly brought the high fantasy world of Robert Jordan’s beloved 15-novel series (with Brandon Sanderson) to another level.

Based primarily on the fourth book, The Shadow Rising, Episode 4 focuses on the momentous experiences Rand al’Thor a.k.a The Dragon Reborn (Josha Stradowski) and Moiraine Sedai (Rosamund Pike) endured when they enter the mystical city of Rhuidean in the Aiel Waste.

While Rand retraces the footsteps of his blood ancestors and the Aiel people through six visions that spans 3,000 years back to The Age of Legends, Moiraine sees thousands and thousands of her possible future outcomes, most of them terrifying as they depict horrible deaths either for her or Rand.

Directed by Thomas Napper, “The Road To The Spear” is not only emotionally compelling, well-crafted with imaginative direction and good pacing, it also provided many memorable cinematic visuals as well as standout performances from Stradowski and Pike.

In no order of merit, here are the most memorable moments of The Wheel of Time Season 3 Episode 4:

Most Memorable Moments of 'The Wheel of Time' Season 3 Episode 4, “The Road To The Spear”

1. The City In The Clouds

Rhuidean or “the city in the clouds” is an abandoned sacred city located in the Aiel Waste. Covered by a mysterious layer of mist, the city is filled with tall modern-like buildings, giant statues and wide avenues.

Hidden within are the glass columns which Rand has to go through to prove that he is indeed the Car'a'carn (Aiel for “chief of chiefs”) and the Three Rings that Moiraine has to embark on.

Filmed in the Northern Cape of South Africa on the border of Namibia, the mystical Rhuidean truly came to life for many book readers, while show-only watchers were utterly intrigued.

2. The Glass Columns

The sequence with the skyscraper-tall glass columns whereby Rand enters to learn about his ancestors and the Aiel people is simply breathtaking.

This is also where the peaceful Avendesora or Tree of Life—which also houses the Sakarnen, the most powerful sa'angreal for women channelers—is located and where Moiraine reveals to Rand about the few degrees of separation between their two families.

3. Mesmerizing Channeling Weaves

It was cool to see how the glass columns were created in the first place - by Latra Sedai (Ania Marson) with the Sakarnen after she delivers the prophecy of the Car'a'carn during Rand’s second vision where he sees through the eyes of his ancestor Mandein, the first Aiel to enter Rhuidean.

This scene not only features the much improved special effects in the fantasy series, but also how much more beautiful the channeling weaves are in The Wheel of Time’s latest season.

4. Intriguing Eras of Aiel History

As Rand walks through the glass columns, each vision of his takes us to an era of Aiel past.

Spanning some 3000 years, it starts with Rand as his biological Aiel father Jaundin during the Aiel War, to the peaceful Aiel who follow The Way of the Leaf travelling in the wilderness in their caravans before splitting into different factions, before ending at the fascinating technology-advanced period of the Age of Legends.

5. Drilling of the Bore

One of the most cinematic moments during the visions is the “Death-Star-like” moment in Rand's final vision in which his ancestor Charn witnesses the “Drilling of the Bore” during the Age of Legends after a pre-Lanfear scientist Mierin Sedai (Natasha O'Keeffe) accidentally breaks the Dark One free from his prison.

And this was right after we found out what exactly is the Aiel song they kept talking about when Charn joins the farming Aiel to harvest in the golden fields, whilst singing a lively tune. Talk about an anti-climax…

6. Josha’s Tour de Force

Truth be told, I thought Josha Stradowski as the Dragon Reborn was a tad stiff in Season 1, though he did improved much in Season 2.

However, in this pivotal Season 3 episode where he convincingly portrays Rand and six of his ancestors—all of whom are totally different in looks, manner and emotions—is nothing short of impressive.

Well-supported by brilliant hair, make-up and costumes, the Dutch actor handled each of the seven characters magnificently and is truly a revelation throughout this highly physical and emotionally-charged episode.

7. The Three Rings

Another arresting sight in Episode 4 is when Moraine enters the Three Rings after discovering the Sakarnen within the Avendesora tree.

When she arrives at the structure, Aiel Spear Maiden Aviendha (Ayoola Smart) was already “afloat” and going through her own Wise One test.

This visually stunning cinematic sequence is pure ballet as Moraine finds herself suspended in thin air within the rings and being turned over time and time again as her thousands of possible futures flash before her eyes.

8. Innovative Visual Presentation

Moiraine’s possible futures are truly visually riveting as the epic sequences are presented in a rotational style, providing the viewer with an immersive experience as if we are spinning round and round along with the Aes Sedai.

Though each rotation sequence was but a few seconds, you can tell just how much work was put into each scenario - from distinctive locales to striking outfits to lots of blood spurting (from both Rand and Moiraine.)

9. Droolworthy Costumes

One of the most memorable scenes from Moiraine’s visions is when the Two Rivers Five and Elayne seemingly joined the Dark Side alongside the Forsaken Lanfear and Moghedien (Laia Costa) as they hunt down a terrified Moiraine in the Ways.

Looking not unlike a chic gothic metal band, the Dark Ones’ beautifully crafted black leather costumes created by series designer Sharon Gilham are simply a feast for the eyes.

10. He Who Comes With The Dawn

For the ending sequence of “The Road to the Spear”, a beautiful lasting shot was achieved as the twice-dragon-marked Rand carries a worn-out Moiraine out of Rhuidean whilst a stunning golden sunrise appears behind them, fulfilling the Aiel prophecy that the Car'a'carn is “He who comes with the dawn”.

No dialogue was necessary for the sequence, just the two characters looking woefully at each other’s eyes, knowing that their lives will never ever be the same again after what they have seen and been through at Rhuidean.

The Wheel of Time Seasons 1-3 is showing exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.

Read also:

* 10 Things To Expect In ‘The Wheel Of Time’ Season 3

* ‘The Wheel Of Time’ Season 2: 10 Most Memorable Moments

* 5 Epic Fantasy Sagas To Watch And Read: From ‘House Of The Dragon’ To ‘The Wheel Of Time’