The Wheel of Timeseason 3 has brought some of the richest character development yet to its ever-expanding roster of personalities. The series’ central characters like Rand al’Thor, Egwene al’Vere, and Perrin Aybara have experienced some of their toughest trials yet, and worked through them in ways destined to shape who they are for future seasons (assuming Prime Video greenlightsThe Wheel of Timeseason 4). The show’s latest outing even explores new in-world cultures like those of the Aiel and the hardscrabble people of Tanchico.
The latest season has also provided plenty of opportunities for growth in the lives of less-seen characters like Min Farshaw, played by Kae Alexander. After spending most of her time inThe Wheel of Timeseason 2 with Dónal Finn’s Mat, Min’s continued friendship with the rogueish ta’veren has finally brought her into closer contact with some of the series’ other most important characters. InThe Wheel of Timeseason 3, Min is a key ally in helping Nynaeve and Elayne track down theBlack Ajah, who have escaped the White Tower with the young Accepted in tow.
ScreenRantspoke with Kae Alexander about Min’s journey leading up toThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 finale. Alexander discussed getting Min out of the White Tower and into new locales and sharing scenes with new characters. Plus, the actor delved into Min’s state of mind and journey to acceptance when it comes to her unique and powerful gift.
“That Part That She Didn’t Like Is Probably The Most Powerful Thing”
Image via Prime Video
The Min Farshaw thatThe Wheel of Timeviewers met briefly in season 1 was someone who felt they had been cursed. She felt that so deeply, in fact, that she teamed up with the Forsaken Isahamael inThe Wheel of Timeseason 2 because of his promise to save her from her often disturbing visions of the future. In season 3, however,“There’s a huge change in her,”according to Kae Alexander.
“I think she needed that season one and season two,”Alexander said,“to really figure out what she wants to do with her quirk–with her power. It’s a real coming-of-age growth story. I think in season three, she’s accepting it and she’s figuring out how to do good with it.”When asked if Min might find her way back to working with the Shadow, Alexander seemed doubtful.“I don’t think she ever wanted to join the Forsaken as such, but she didn’t like herself. I really relate to that–the struggle of self-acceptance.”
“Maybe the part that she didn’t like is probably the most powerful thing.”
“She’s Beginning To Realize … She Could Do Good”
“I think that mopey hiding-behind-bars Min is over,”Alexander said at one point during the interview, which is fitting given thatThe Wheel of Timeseason 3 finally sees her outside and exploring the world.“It was amazing to see Min with Nynaeve, Elayne, and other characters, or just in a different temperature,”Alexander shared.“She’s having more fun. There’s more sense of humor and there’s more banter, and I think she’s liking the company.”
This new dynamic for Min plays directly into her comfort with using her abilities for the benefit of someone else. After“the trauma of her aunties abusing it and exploiting her,”Alexander shared,“she’s very sensitive to anyone who wants to do that.”It’s because, in Alexander’s view,“Min is very loving and loyal, and she doesn’t really want power–or maybe she has a negative understanding of power at the beginning.”
“Now,”Alexander continued,“she’s beginning to realize, especially [through] the bond she’s built with Mat, that she could help him, she could really support him, and she could do good together with them–with Nynaeve and Elayne. There’s more hope this season for her.”
Kae Alexander Is Not Against A Min/Mat Romance
But She Has Some Conditions
Min and Mat have been tied together for much of their stories onThe Wheel of Time, and season 3 is no exception. When the subject turned to Mat and the actor behind him, Dónal Finn, Alexander echoed what many other cast members have said about Finn:“I really love working with him.”Together, Min and Mat also bring some levity toThe Wheel of Timethanks to their banter, which Alexander also appreciated.
“It felt very natural and very easy and fun. I guess our friendship kind of seeps through in our characters,”she said before adding,“I think it’s so refreshing to have those moments in a fantasy show where they’re just hanging out … I like that they’re very cynical and they’re quite naughty together, and that’s quite funny.”
Alexander even went as far as to say“I like that they’re just friends,”and“I like that it’s not an obvious romantic relationship,”which apparently was a topic of much discussion with showrunner Rafe Judkins and the show’s writers. The Mat and Min relationship is, in Alexander’s eyes,“this friendship that you rarely see on TV, but [which is] very strong, very loyal, very bonded, and very fun.”
All of that said, Alexander isn’t ruling out the possibility of more between the pair.“As long as their relationship keeps building and the fight for each other is strong, I don’t mind either way,”the actor shared.“I like their dedication for each other. I like how Mat has had to earn Min’s trust–[which has gone] both ways–and been betrayed. They’re gone through a lot together. We really [found] that bond, and I like it a lot.”
Check out our otherThe WHeel of Timeseason 3 interviews:
The Wheel of Timeseason 3 finale hits Prime Video on April 17.
