How The Wheel of Time's Flipped-Script Gender Roles Affect the Plot
The Wheel of Time boss Rafe Judkins explains how the societal power of women in the series affects the characters, and not always in positive ways.
BY MIRA JACOBS
PUBLISHED 2 DAYS AGO
One aspect of The Wheel of Time that sets it apart from other epic fantasy stories is the social and political power that women often have by default. However, as showrunner Rafe Judkins noted, this reversal of the stereotypical gender struggle may bring troubles of its own.
Judkins discussed the implications of the way the show flips the gender role script in an interview with EW, specifically addressing the fate of Logain, who was seen in a still image caged and guarded by Aes Sedai. "Just as men are often trying to shut down female power in our world," Judkins explained, "the Aes Sedai are trying to stop this man from becoming too powerful."
RELATED:
Wheel Of Time's Main Characters Will Be Older Than Their Book Counterparts
Logain, portrayed by Álvaro Morte, is known as a False Dragon after using his inborn magical ability to incite followers who believe he is a long-awaited and feared savior. Although the attempt brought him much of his notoriety, in the world of The Wheel of Time it's bad enough that he's a man who can channel the One Power. Because of a catastrophe in distant history, the male half of the Power was corrupted, and the Aes Sedai are intent on hunting down any male channelers and nullifying them before they cause any damage.
Some Aes Sedai may view Logain with sympathy and acknowledge that men aren't responsible for being born with the ability to channel, but on the whole, such men are feared and shamed. This becomes a personal matter for some of the series' main characters, as Moiraine has singled them out for their own potential to channel -- an exciting prospect for the women, but not so much for the men. As Judkins explained, "If, hypothetically, one of our male characters were able to use the One Power, they understand the stakes of it from what they see of Logain."
RELATED:
The Wheel Of Time Is A Story Of Balance For Our Divided World, Says Showrunner
Logain's imprisonment is perhaps an extreme example of the dangers of being a man in The Wheel of Time, but it's easy to see how characters both male and female -- not to mention viewers -- may have their suspicions about the intentions of the mysterious, all-female, extremely powerful Aes Sedai.
Amazon's The Wheel of Time is based on the fantasy book series by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. The show does not yet have an exact release date, although it was announced that the premiere will air in November.