**Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Wheel of Time season 3 episode 7.**
Perrin has finally had his time to shine in The Wheel of Time season 3 episode 7.
In the recently aired episode of the critically-acclaimed new season, Marcus Rutherford as Perrin takes charge of his village for a fierce battle against the Trollocs. He uses both his hammer and axe in a scene that closely follows Robert Jordan’s “The Shadow Rising”.
It’s quite delightful to see more focus on Perrin this season, given that past ones didn’t dedicate as much time to him as fans might have desired, a point which showrunner Rafe Judkins has acknowledged before.
In “The Shadow Rising,” various choices were made by Rafe and his team. What stood out to me this season, as I read the book, was the intricate detail captured in the village life, the channeling, the Whitecloak attacks, Trolloc encounters, and even the subtle exchanges between Faile [Isabella Bucceri].
In this imaginative setting, there’s an element to the plot that feels surprisingly relatable – it’s essentially a community trying to safeguard itself.
Amongst the excitement, magic, and special effects, it’s clear that there are genuine individuals who have forged a strong connection with each other.
Pass the Mic to… Marcus Rutherford
What was the first TV show or film that made you feel represented or understood?
In Atlanta, it seems like I’m witnessing Black individuals portrayed with depth and authenticity for the first time within a modern context. The subtlety of humor, intellect, and pain were beautifully expressed. It was unquestionably rooted in African-American culture, yet the characters weren’t solely defined by their race.
What TV series do you feel passionate about sharing as an excellent representation of varied storytelling?
In my opinion, the show “Ramy” is extraordinary. It delves into the evolving dynamics of families who’ve migrated to Western countries, focusing on the struggles of young characters as they grapple with adapting to Western culture while maintaining a connection to their heritage and religion. I believe this portrayal of their dilemmas resonates strongly with today’s millennials and Generation Z.
Why is representation and diversity within the fantasy genre so important?
The places we explore often challenge our understanding of the real world, covering topics such as magic, power, communication, and extraordinary beings. Confining ourselves to racial stereotypes prevalent in our own reality can be restrictive and stifle creativity.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career to date and who was it from?
In a nutshell, my experience at Television Workshop taught me to rely on my intuition when dealing with the industry. I recall an insightful piece about how what you choose to reject might be even more significant than what you accept. Although it’s tough to stick to this rule given all the variables involved, I find myself frequently reflecting on that idea.
What are your hopes for the future of diversity and representation within TV/film?
Let me rephrase that for you: It would be ideal if we stopped categorizing films and TV shows based on race or diversity, viewing them instead as just works or projects without a specific label. I also hope that cultures will no longer be stereotyped as homogeneous entities that can only thrive in one particular environment.
For Rutherford, the development of this plotline has been a lengthy process, as fans have been discussing it with him since he first joined the project.
In seasons 1 and 2, his character developed gradually. When I first joined the cast, there were expectations that his storyline would unfold more prominently in season 3. This made me feel quite pressured as it seemed like his development had been progressing slowly over time.
Originally, he was a subdued individual who kept to himself and was going through a great deal of sorrow. However, the entrance of fresh characters necessitates a newfound confidence from him. Now, his appearance has transformed – his eyes have turned golden, among other changes.
This scene was quite significant for the character, and I believe many fans were thrilled about it. In fact, since 2019, I’ve been receiving messages expressing anticipation for this storyline. Therefore, there was definitely a lot of pressure, but it was also exhilarating.
In the seventh episode, things don’t turn out well for Perrin. Instead, he makes a selfless sacrifice, leaving us with an image of him being escorted by the Whitecloaks. Now, one might wonder about his future…
Rutherford hints, with a touch of intrigue, “It seems quite captivating, both the conclusion method and the ellipsis, if events progress as anticipated.
At the finale, he makes a selfless move by giving himself up to the Whitecloaks, hoping they would intervene. In exchange, they take him captive. However, there’s a touching instant when it seems like another conflict is imminent, and he turns to Ila, who had previously addressed the issue of violence in season one, suggesting that violence ceases once someone decides it’s enough.
It was a delight to have Maria (playing Ila) and Daryl (portraying Aram), both of whom appeared in season 1, back on set with us.
Through the course of this entire season, it has become clear to Perrin that he is both making decisions and taking charge, and people are inclined to follow him regardless of his feelings about it.
Rutherford comments on Perrin: “At first, I found it challenging to portray a character who spoke little and relied heavily on small, intricate details. On such an expansive show with fantastical elements, his character is surprisingly nuanced.
I recall telling Rafe, “I hope we manage to find him,” since he hasn’t been talking or doing much, which might create an intriguing dynamic in the story. However, we shot at that location, the Two Rivers village, back in 2019. It’s a significant return for us to film there again, as everything has transformed since then.
With various actors, a pandemic, labor disputes in the industry, and a strange mirroring of the character’s odyssey and my own connection with that character, we find ourselves on a similar path. Reflecting on the past, I felt more assured and knowledgeable on set, ready to return and lead the crew once more… stepping back into the thick of it, directing a village, was a satisfying full-circle experience.
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2025-04-10 13:06