The Final Fight of Wheel of Time Season 2 could influence a significant Rand Decision.
Wheel of Time changed some important aspects in the last struggle against Ishmael. Rand battled Ishamael one-on-one in the book, then vanquished him in the heavens above Falme. On the other hand, Egwene makes a failed stand against Ishamael and Rand gets much-needed Healing from Elayne, therefore casting other players into the conflict. Rand actor Josha Stradowski claims that these narrative developments taught him a valuable lesson: he came to see he must rely on his pals.
Especially in relation to his arc—or lack thereof—in The Dragon Reborn, Rand's solitary attitude is a major component of the books. Rand has gone off on his own, so the character disappears most of the book. The Dragon Reborn thus spends a lot of time with Perrin and his supporters, who set out on a protracted trip to catch up to Rand, who is on route to Tears. Given that this consumes so much of The Dragon Reborn's story, it makes logical that the book wouldn't need an eight-episode adaptation if this event doesn't transpires.
Other ways Wheel of Time has set up Dragon Reborn being skipped
Though it's not the only method the move has been set up, Rand finally deciding against leaving the gang could be the main basis Wheel of Time's change of course from the books is based upon. Aviendha's entrance in Falme gives The Wheel of Time a clear road forward for Rand when Season 3 starts. Aviendha recognized him as the Car'a's carn, exactly as the Aiel do in the texts after seeing him perched atop the tower. Since Rand's journey into the Aiel Waste in The Shadow Rising results from the Aiel teaming up with him, this is a major stride forward.
Furthermore, it seems that the figure crucial in locating Rand in The Dragon Reborn will be preoccupied with other matters. Perrin's return to the Two Rivers in The Shadow Rising is set up with Dain Bornhald and the Whitecloaks attesting to Perrin killing Geofram. It's not hard to picture Dain Bornhald making his way to the Two Rivers and then bringing Perrin back home, presumably with vengeance on mind. For most of The Shadow Rising, Perrin is in Two Rivers juggling the Whitecloaks, the Trollocs, and the Slayer in Tel'aran's rhiod.
The wheel of time's next chapter
The last battle in The Wheel of Time Season 2 could provide the clue for an impending narrative change. With a full season for the first two volumes in the series, Prime Video's adaptation of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books set a pattern for itself. But the show is deviating from the norm by selecting a new installment to fit, not going to the third book for Wheel of Time season 3.
Wheel of Time season 3 will be a live-action version of Jordan's fourth book, The Shadow Rising, according reports. That begs issues about what it plans to do about The Dragon Reborn, book 3. Though portions of it will be mentioned or included into the narrative in some manner, chances are parts of it will get less attention given to The Eye of the World, The Great Hunt, or The Shadow Rising. Though an intriguing move, skipping a book seems to fit a struggle from the Wheel of Time Season 2 conclusion.
Why Wheel of Time Is Not Likely to Permanently Alter Rand's Loner Mentality
Wheel of Time can make sense of The Dragon Reborn's narrative not happening in season 3 but not without allowing further alterations down the road by providing Rand a reason to stay with his companions. Rand's actions in that book were, after all, not a single occurrence. Even if it means doing it alone, he has a lengthy history of disreguling the counsel of his supporters to do what he believes to be best. If Rand turned away from this inclination in the program, several of his book-based stories would either be changed drastically or eliminated completely.
Therefore, it would be ideal if this teaching moment had a fleeting influence on Rand's decision-making in order to ensure faithfulness to the source material. That's quite likely, particularly if a mistake in The Wheel of Time season 3 makes Rand rethink his alliances once more. Should that come to be, The Wheel of Time can bring Rand back to his solitary state, right in time to allow some of his other solo book hobbies.
