I don’t think you can accurately describe the viewership for a show in the Nielsen Top-10 as “very poor”. Perhaps “below expectations”. But not “very poor”.

I doubt that any tariffs are imposed. For all the reasons discussed above. But there may be saber rattling that results in some sort of new incentives for US productions.

My understanding is that Amazon does not own the rights. They are licensing the rights from Sony, who has a production deal with iWoT/REE, who are the actual owners of the rights. (I think I have that right) My understanding of the current situation is that Amazon's licensing deal with Sony is expired and that it requires Sony to recommit to the project or sell the rights. My guess, based on what I've read is that this has now become an opportunity for everyone to try to cash in. Sony wants to focus on its own productions, so WoT is not high on its priority list. Of course, money talks, and Amazon will likely be able to convince Sony to renew the deal. The other possible play for Amazon (assuming they want the show to continue) is to purchase the production rights from Sony. But that's where iWot/REE has the opportunity to put their fingers in the pie. At the end of the day, this is all about money right now. WoT is profitable for Amazon. It is more profitable than RoP - it's other tentpole fantasy franchise. I'm pretty confident that a deal will get done. We will probably get an announcement sometime around the end of Q2 or the beginning of Q3 is my prediction.

To each his own, I guess. I thought 7 was fantastic. I would say 2 and 5 were the 'worst' episodes. I didn't dislike the Moiraine/Lanfear fight at all. I thought it maybe went on a beat or two too long, but I didn't find anything terribly wrong with it.

Meaning what, exactly?

You’re predictable, I’ll give you that.

Well don’t leave us in suspense. Which episode was weak and why?

I can’t think of an episode this season that I would consider “a dud”. I can’t point to a truly weak episode this season the way I can with the first two.

Siuan

I do think the writers deserve some credit for using the tension in interpersonal relationships to highlight larger character issues. For example, Rand's position in the 'triangle' changes mirroring his personal growth over the season: First, he's dreaming of Cairhien - mourning the loss of simplicity and anonymity; next he's dreaming of Emond's Field - centering himself in memories of home, returning to his place of clarity; finally, he's where the Sharom fell - beginning to connect with LTT(?), but also finally taking charge of his own destiny. They've done this well over several arcs, including some that I hate (Alanna and Maksim; Moiraine's whole S2). Even though I am not invested in them, the actual characterization has been solid throughout. All the characters feel authentic, their motivations are clear, their relationships feel genuine.

Right. She wants them to be in T’a’R but does not want Rand to think he has left his own dreams. She can make them just like what Rand was already dreaming.

So? Has an angry woman never jumped to conclusions before?

At no time in S3 is he depicted as sleeping with her. There is no sex. And as far as I can remember, he does not kiss her (though she kisses him.)

It’s the exact opposite. The Wise Ones tell Egwene the only place she has a chance is in her own dream. The implication is that Lanfear is dangerous even inside your own dream.

Okay. So let’s take that as the baseline. Exactly what did Rand do that you consider being unfaithful to Egwene?

How does that make a difference to your analysis?

What are you talking about? Lanfear literally alters Rand and Egwene's dreams to put them on the little desert wheel thingy. It's not just hinted at, it's an explicit part of the show.

We have evidence that she can pull people into her own dream. And evidence that Ishy could control dreams. Since Lanfear is better than Ishy in the dreams, we indeed have evidence that she is capable of controlling organic dreams.

Slightly. Any way you cut it, he’s being victimized by Lanfear’s invasion of his consciousness and her purposeful and effective manipulation. Also, given the mechanics of T’a’R, I’m not certain he could rebuff Lanfear without more training. (If she wants them to be naked in bed together, they will be.) I guess he can choose to kiss her or not, but she is effectively in control of their location, their clothing, the lighting, the atmosphere, all of it. He has slightly more agency in your version than in mine, but he’s far from being in control.

Dreams are hugely meaningful precisely because they are a window to the subconscious.

Sorry, I just don’t see it. But to each his own.

What difference does that make? Have you never had a conversation in a dream before? (There is, by the way, no evidence that Rand is ‘fully aware’ that he is dreaming in many of these sequences.)

You mean other than the fact that they are dream sequences?

No. Because he’s in his own dream. You can repeat yourself until you’re blue in the face. You’re not persuasive. A dream is a dream. It is a manifestation of the subconscious. Period. End of story.

They absolutely are. This was established by the fact that Egwene walked into it in the same way she walked into Perrin’s and Mat’s and Elayne’s. And as in the other dreams, Rand doesn’t notice Egwene. Because he’s dreaming. Lanfear does notice Egwene. Because she’s awake in T’a’R. They are Rand’s dreams. Lanfear is manipulating him within them. You’re entitled to your opinion, but your argument is unconvincing.