In the climax of The Wheel of Time season 2, Rand al’Thor defeats the strongest of the Forsaken, Ishamael. His death represents the perfect finale to the show’s version of their conflict, even if aspects of their relationship feel short-lived and deserve more exploration and depth. In The Great Hunt, the novel season 2 follows, this was not the end of the Dark One’s most favored Forsaken, and he lived to fight Rand for a third time.

Amazon’s adaptation of Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time greatly altered the characterization of Ishamael. His book version is far more straightforwardly evil than that show’s portrayal, where he was depicted more like his resurrected form, Moridin. This creates uncertainty that Ishamael will have the opportunity to return to the story in The Wheel of Time season 3, even though his return is a vital part of the overall narrative and Rand’s journey.

Does Rand Really Kill Ishamael In The Wheel Of Time Season 2?

The Dragon Reborn And Betrayer Of Hope Are Fated Foes

Ishamael’s death may look final and, considering the show’s condensing of the novel series’ plot, it might as well be. The TV show Ishamael is nothing like the most unpredictable and ferocious Forsaken in the books and this change may have cemented his death in the Amazon Prime Series. Ishamael’s emotional departure sends him off with the sight of nothing in the beyond, which is the true end his resurrected form later wants in the books. To have him experience this so early in the show could mean Amazon wanted to wrap up his storyline and give Ishamael the farewell he deserves.

The Wheel of Time season 3 intends to skip book three, The Dragon Reborn, which will miss the important scene of Rand using the sa’angreal sword Callandor to kill Ishamael. Considering his death would come shortly after the show’s interpretation anyway, it makes Ishamael’s death at the end of season 2 far more understandable for the show’s progression. Having another finale based around the pair fighting could be considered tedious for viewers who would want to see something different. As far as the show is concerned, Ishamael’s body is destroyed and the character is no more.

Ishamael’s Book Storyline Suggests He Can Return In The Wheel Of Time Season 3

The Dark One Does Not Discard Its Tools So Easily

Ishamael’s resurrection into Moridin marks a rivalry with Rand that spans the entirety of the series and stretches back to the Age of Legends. Ishamael from the show felt as though he wanted to portray this millennia-spanning relationship, but it was too early in the series for that role to be fulfilled. If Amazon wants to explore their relationship further, they do have the option of bringing Ishamael back as Moridin, but unfortunately, the actor and character would need to be a completely different person on the surface.

If the show reincarnates Ishamael and his personality remains the same as when he died, it misses the point of his evolution into Moridin

There is an issue with the characterization of Ishamael in the show not being as brazenly arrogant as he was in the books. If the show reincarnates Ishamael and his personality remains the same as when he died, it misses the point of his evolution into Moridin. Book Ishamael was an unrelenting force of destruction, but the show needs to reflect that shattering of arrogance if they are to successfully bring the character back. It will be difficult to achieve due to Amazon already portraying a more cautious and calculating Ishamael.

Amazon’s Adaptation Could Change Ishamael’s Book Storyline

Sealed Individually Means The Forsaken Might Be On Their Own

The Wheel of Time TV show has already made some major adjustments to the story to fit onto the small screen. Removing the Forsaken resurrection and shifting Moridin’s story arc to another character lends itself to the quality of life of the show’s adapted direction. Introducing new and exciting antagonists can create a fresher experience for viewers rather than repeatedly bringing back enemies the heroes have already defeated. Even if there is rumored to be only eight Forsaken in the TV show, some of Moridin’s arc could be given to one of the others, such as Demandred. This could help streamline the show’s focus.

However, this decision would be a huge disservice to the plot. If the Forsaken can be so easily disposed of, they lack the fear factor that makes them so potent in the books. Rand being able to slay Ishamael without Callandor was questionable enough, but for that to be the end of him entirely paints the Dark One’s Chosen as unthreatening. Prominent Forsaken are supposed to be almost untouchable – not mere inconveniences for the protagonists. It is also just as important to retain Ishamael’s turbulent but intimate relationship with Rand as otherwise the entire ending of The Wheel of Time would have to change.