As with most big fantasy shows, Prime Video’sThe Wheel of Timehad a large cast, and as the conflict grew, even more were added. Between Rand (Josha Stradowski), Matt (Dónal Finn), Perrin (Marcus Rutherford), Egwene (Madeleine Madden), and Nynaeve (Zoë Robins) all having separate journeys with different allies and an ever-growing number of fascinating villains to fight, the number of faces onscreen expanded quickly. In just three seasons, the Prime Video series introduced dozens of uniquely interesting characters, but there are still more who play a major part inRobert Jordan’s book series. Unfortunately, due toThe Wheel of Time’ssudden cancellationat the end of Season 3, it seems those who haven’t been adapted yet may not come to the small screen after all.
There are many things for viewers to be disappointed aboutmissing out on, given the show’s end, including several fan-favorite characters who could have been incredible additions to the story. However,one particular missed opportunity stands out among the rest: Mazrim Taim.Unlike some characters, Taim wasn’tcut from the early seasons, but given what the show established, he could have fit right in. Becoming prominent later in the book series, Taim is a powerful male channeler and False Dragon who initially works against Rand. The show did a lot to set up his introduction, but Taim never showed up in the Prime Video adaptation, and considering the show’s emphasis on False Dragons and complex villains, it’s a shameThe Wheel of Timenever had the chance to explore Taim.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Was Primed for Mazrim Taim’s Introduction
While the show did not reach the storylines where Taim becomes significant, he is certainly an important part ofThe Wheel of Time. The series began referring to him as early asSeason 2when the Aes Sedai are discussing the growing presence of the One Power and reference a new False Dragon in Saldaea, saying he is even more powerful thanLogain (Álvaro Morte). However, the next episode is more specific as Alanna’s (Priyanka Bose) Warder, Ihvon (Emmanuel Imani), mentions him by name during a discussion of the world’s most powerful channelers.This establishes Taim as a formidable figure by reputation,even without physically appearing onscreen
Season 3 doesn’t ignore Taim entirely either, as Suian Sanche (Sophie Okonedo) and Leane (Jennifer Cheon) send the Red Ajah’s highest-ranking member, Tsutama (Diêm Camille), to capture him in Saldaea inEpisode 3. With Taim well fulfilling his role as a False Dragon in Saldaea,The Wheel of Timewas ready for him to show up. Logain’s expanded role had already given more focus to men who can channel in the series, and Taim is yet another example of that. Whether it be in the role of teaching Rand, asLogain does in Season 2, or to show how the One Power corrupts male channelers, Taim would have fit in well with the storyThe Wheel of TimeSeason 3 explored, but the show missed the opportunity to introduce him.
In a Single Episode, This ‘Wheel of Time’ Character Became One of the Show’s Most Unforgettable Additions
Even with limited screentime, this queen makes an impact.
Mazrim Taim Has a Vital Role in the Books ‘The Wheel of Time’ Adapted
While Taim doesn’t appear at the beginning of the story, which explains his absence from the show, as soon as he does show up, he’s a notable character. In Book 6,Lord of Chaos, Taim becomes more involved after Rand creates his own Black Tower to trainmen who can channelto properly use the One Power. With the madness that they all deal with, few are experienced enough to train the others, but Taim takes charge because he is surprisingly adept at avoiding the effects of the taint. Taim is a leader at the Black Tower, especially with Rand often gone, but any trust placed in him is ultimately mistaken. The result is a fascinating character who adds a new level of complexity to the story, and could have served the show well.
Of course, none of that makes it into the show as Season 3 mostly tells the story of Book 4,The Shadow Rising. However, based on where Season 3 left off and the comments from showrunnerRafe Judkins,Season 4would have included at least part ofLord of Chaos’s story, meaningthe show was close to introducing Taim before its cancellation.For fans who like the character, it’s that much more disappointing that Taim never got to show up inThe Wheel of Timebecause of how close the story came.
‘The Wheel of Time’ Missed Out on Not Introducing Mazrim Taim Earlier
While there may be complaints aboutthe changes the series made to the books, bringing Taim in earlier would have served the story well. Not only does he serve as another example of a False Dragon, but the character would have complemented Liandrin (Kate Fleetwood) given their shared secret goals.Through Liandrin,The Wheel of Timeproved itself adept at creating sympathetic antagonists, and,given more seasons, the series could have done plenty of interesting things with Taim.
While Taim’s book story was already an interesting part ofThe Wheel of Time’s world, fans of the show were already suspecting a change that could have useda popular debunked theory. Theshift in the Forsaken’s storiesleft fans wondering if the series would combine Taim with the Forsaken Demandred, simplifying the number of enemies and exploring an idea many book readers have always wanted. Though we may never know how the series would have used him if it continued, it’s clear Mazrim Taim had a lot of potential, both in his book capacity and as part of the series' many changes.WithThe Wheel of Timesetting him up for so long, it’s a shame Taim never made it to the screen.
The Wheel of Timeis streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.
The Wheel of Time
