The Wheel of Time Season 3 Premiere and the Hyped Maiden’s Kiss Scene
A Thrilling Premiere: The Wheel of Time Season 3 Arrives
The first three episodes of The Wheel of Time Season 3 officially dropped on Prime Video, giving fans a long-awaited glimpse into the next chapter of this epic fantasy series. For weeks, viewers had been dissecting teasers and trailers, and one of the most talked-about previews was a cheeky video dedicated to Matrim “Mat” Cauthon, played by Dónal Finn. The clip hinted at a new level of confidence and swagger for Mat in Season 3, and it also promised the arrival of one of Mat’s most iconic moments from the books: the infamous “Maiden’s Kiss” game.True to the hype, this scene made its debut about two-thirds into Episode 1, titled “To Race the Shadow.”
Maiden’s Kiss: A Dangerous and Iconic Game Comes to Life
The Maiden’s Kiss sequence, taken from Robert Jordan’s book series, is a high-stakes Aiel game where Mat plays a dangerous game of wits, flirtation, and survival with the Maidens of the Spear, Bain (Ragga Ragnars) and Chiad (Maja Simonsen). For fans of the books, this moment has been eagerly anticipated, and the show delivers it with all the tension and humor expected. In the source material, Maiden’s Kiss is first introduced in The Shadow Rising as a game Mat reluctantly plays with the Aiel warrior women. The game involves kissing while surrounded by maidens holding spears to the player’s throat. A good kiss might loosen their grip, but a bad one could mean disaster. Mat, ever the gambler, claims he survived with only minor scratches, but the experience left him wary of repeating it.
Bringing Maiden’s Kiss to Life: Dónal Finn Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insights
When DECIDER caught up with Dónal Finn during the virtual junket for The Wheel of Time Season 3, the actor shared his experience filming the Maiden’s Kiss scene. “What was it like to shoot? Yeah, it was really good craic,” Finn said, using the Irish slang for “fun.” He added, “You know, I think the great thing about that was when you take it out of context, it’s so high stakes and also kind of silly. In their world, this is like a ‘Truth or Dare’ thing but also, like, losing that could mean that you die.” Finn’s description captures the unique blend of danger and humor that makes the scene so memorable.
Mat’s Swagger and Flirtation: A Key Part of His Charm
Matrim Cauthon is known for his love of taking risks, and Maiden’s Kiss is the perfect expression of his daring and confidence. The game is inherently flirtatious, and it raises the question: will Season 3 see more of Mat’s playful and charming side? When asked if fans can expect more flirting from Mat in Season 3, Finn laughed, “I mean, I think Mat will take the flirting where he can get it. I think he’s found this kind of confidence where he’s feeling like, ‘Yeah, I’ll chat to anyone.’” He also joked about Mat’s improved “rizz” (a slang term for romanticbanter), saying, “I think he had a bit of that before, but I think he maybe feels a bit more steel regarding his chat, his rizz.”
Finn’s co-star Marcus Rutherford, who plays Perrin Aybara, couldn’t help but chuckle at the mention of “rizz,” echoing, “As the kids say.” Finn repeated with a smile, “As the kids say.” The lighthearted exchange highlights the camaraderie between the actors and their understanding of Mat’s evolving character.
What Maiden’s Kiss Reveals About Mat’s Development
The inclusion of Maiden’s Kiss in Season 3 is more than just a nod to the books; it’s a reflection of Mat’s growth and confidence. Throughout the series, Mat has transformed from a carefree prankster into a more self-assured and daring character, willing to take risks not just in games but in life. The scene also underscores the show’s ability to balance humor with high stakes, a hallmark of both the books and the series. Fans can expect more of Mat’s wit, charm, and bravery as the season progresses.
The Wheel of Time Season 3: What’s Next?
With the premiere of Season 3 officially set for September 8, 2023, fans are eagerly awaiting the unfolding of the story. The Maiden’s Kiss scene is just one of many exciting moments that promise to bring the world of Robert Jordan’s books to life in new and thrilling ways. As Mat and the other characters navigate the challenges ahead, one thing is certain: the stakes are higher than ever, and the excitement is just beginning. Stay tuned!
