I started running ultramarathons in 2023. These are footraces longer than the standard marathon of 26.2 miles. Typical distances are 50K, 50 mile, 100K, and 100 mile. They are often run on rugged trails versus marathons that typically run on the road. Though living in the flatlands of NE Ohio my training is predominately on the pavement. I've tried several trail races but found that paved loops are more my speed. I've had a few runs over 50 miles with my best finish at 100K last summer. For my next race, I'm running for 24-hours (hopefully) in Dixon, IL. Dream goal is 100 miles, but I'd be very happy with 79 miles - which would be a triple marathon. The event is the Pinetum Mind Games Endurance Event. So why am I posting this on Dragonmount? As part of the registration process, I was asked for an interesting 'fact' about myself. I mentioned that WoT was my favorite book series. Don't know if the race director is a fan but this is what she posted on the event's Facebook page: They do this for all the participants. I guess so that we can get to know each other a little bit before we spend a lot of time going in circles together. Pinetum is a small event and I appreciate the effort the RD puts into making all feel welcome. Wish me luck!

Now - how long until we hear about a go/no go on S4?

You don't have to like the narrative decision. It's okay. But leave it at that. Death of a character is often used to rally others in both print, TV, and film. The chips are down and the protagonists are about to lose. A character dies (even a main character) and the rest rally to win whatever is happening. Old as time...

And yet you did so...?

That will bring us right back to the books where the damage/infection/entanglement was too complex for even Nynaeve to heal...

Those Hardy boys got knocked-out/concussed more than NFL players...

Amazon does have money...

I'm not familiar with the relationship between Sony and Amazon. Are they subsidizing WoT and not seeing the return they expected? Do they have another show they want to promote in its place? Something else...?

Hmm, I wonder why the change especially with the more positive reviews this season.

If I recall correctly, they greenlit seasons 2 and 3 before the preceding season dropped.

I can accept this explanation - if, as you say, it is made explicit at some point. It would be just like the DO.

The only reasonable explanation so far...

I think some of us are analyzing this so much because the battles were our favorite parts of the books. It is what got me through the slog of Faile's Shaido arc, Elayne's throne chasing, Aes Sedai Tower/Salidar machinations, and Perrin's brooding (all the matters is Faile!). I knew there was another fight coming - Jordan did that so well. As I said previously, I thought this scene was very well done regarding the One Power fight - though I still don't understand the Black Sisters walking away without killing the defeated Sisters. For my money, they have nailed the One Power between the tower battle and Rand taking out Turak and his entourage - S3 might be the turning point for this specific area. Though I still worry about melee fighting. With the exception of 'The Blood Snow' there is still a lot to be desired for the mundane weapons - from their appearance to how (un)skillfully they are wielded. But I did like that little blip of Perrin in the trailer though I never pictured him in plate armor.

The Aes Sedai were trained and weeded out so that those who attained the ring would not pause or falter when surprised/attacked - but would react appropriately on the instant. That said - I agree with you. They train for perfection but are only human. The slow start and shock are both reasonable.

LOL. Since when do they care about that? And plenty of good guys and gals died in the books - though most of them made it to the Last Battle.