![O P E N L E T T E R
To: Rafe L. Judkins, the writing staff of The Wheel of Time, the creative executives of Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television
25 April 2025
_____________________________________________________________________________
We write as dedicated readers, engaged viewers, and advocates for inclusive storytelling within global fan communities. On 17 April 2025, Episode 3×08 (“He Who Comes With the Dawn”) saw Siuan Sanche—a Black, lesbian woman and one of the series’ highest-ranking leaders—being brutally beaten off-screen, publicly put on trial, and ultimately depicted as a decapitated corpse. In subsequent media statements, showrunner Rafe L. Judkins characterized this decision as carefully considered, while also asserting that it provided the necessary “emotional punch” aimed at “changing and upsetting the world order” [1]. That “punch” indeed landed, causing considerable distress, especially among LGBTQIA+ and BIPoC viewers. We respectfully urge the production team behind The Wheel of Time to sincerely acknowledge the impact of this narrative decision and give careful consideration to the points outlined below.
E X C E S S I V E B R U T A L I T Y
Siuan Sanche represented one of very few prominent Black lesbian leaders in mainstream, high-budget fantasy television. Rather than honoring her significant presence, the narrative culminated in gratuitous and disturbing depictions of violence on her. The graphic portrayal of her beaten and decapitated body appears insensitive at best, deeply damaging at worst. Explicitly showing Siuan’s corpse was narratively unnecessary, as the dissolution of the oath bond with her partner, Moiraine Damodred, already sufficiently communicated her death.
M E D I A T R O P E: “F R I D G I N G”
The trope of “Fridging” refers to the literary and media practice of killing off a marginalized character to provide emotional stakes or motivation for the protagonist [2]. In this context, Siuan’s premature de…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xkbq2j2fgget5mln5wwu4qmk/bafkreif5q5ytwecjjyyvc3yaagei5ua6n45e3yqomw4s55dmi752gk5v4i)
O P E N L E T T E R
To: Rafe L. Judkins, the writing staff of The Wheel of Time, the creative executives of Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television
25 April 2025
_____________________________________________________________________________
We write as dedicated readers, engaged viewers, and advocates for inclusive storytelling within global fan communities. On 17 April 2025, Episode 3×08 (“He Who Comes With the Dawn”) saw Siuan Sanche—a Black, lesbian woman and one of the series’ highest-ranking leaders—being brutally beaten off-screen, publicly put on trial, and ultimately depicted as a decapitated corpse. In subsequent media statements, showrunner Rafe L. Judkins characterized this decision as carefully considered, while also asserting that it provided the necessary “emotional punch” aimed at “changing and upsetting the world order” [1]. That “punch” indeed landed, causing considerable distress, especially among LGBTQIA+ and BIPoC viewers. We respectfully urge the production team behind The Wheel of Time to sincerely acknowledge the impact of this narrative decision and give careful consideration to the points outlined below.
E X C E S S I V E B R U T A L I T Y
Siuan Sanche represented one of very few prominent Black lesbian leaders in mainstream, high-budget fantasy television. Rather than honoring her significant presence, the narrative culminated in gratuitous and disturbing depictions of violence on her. The graphic portrayal of her beaten and decapitated body appears insensitive at best, deeply damaging at worst. Explicitly showing Siuan’s corpse was narratively unnecessary, as the dissolution of the oath bond with her partner, Moiraine Damodred, already sufficiently communicated her death.
M E D I A T R O P E: “F R I D G I N G”
The trope of “Fridging” refers to the literary and media practice of killing off a marginalized character to provide emotional stakes or motivation for the protagonist [2]. In this context, Siuan’s premature de…
![The showrunner’s statements appear contradictory: in “Inside Episode 8”, he stated that characters, specifically referencing Siuan, were given “[...] their big moment and then they exit [...]” [4]. However, in the Instagram AMA on April 19 it was indicated that those responsible “[...] have plans for who will take on her other main story [...]” [5]. This inconsistency raises further concern regarding the thoughtfulness and intent behind the treatment of Siuan's narrative. Furthermore, when asked whether he was concerned about killing off one half of the show’s flagship sapphic couple, Rafe L. Judkins responded: “We knew going in we’d have to do that, so we could either not make them lesbians or see one or both of them die” [5]. Framing queer representation as a binary choice between tragic visibility or complete exclusion perpetuates one of queer television’s oldest harmful tropes and conveys the unsettling implication that lesbian stories inevitably end in suffering. This remains especially troubling given that, according to GLAAD’s most recent report, queer women of color remain underrepresented and continue to face high rates of on-screen death [6].
R A C I A L O P T I C S
We recognize and sincerely appreciate the show’s commitment to casting a diverse range of BIPoC actors. This inclusive approach has brought visibility and is a step forward in fantasy storytelling. However, Siuan’s portrayal does not exist in isolation. Fan communities have consistently raised concerns regarding the treatment of Black and dark-skinned characters throughout the series, a sentiment clearly expressed in ongoing critiques, such as a recent YouTube essay “Does The Wheel of Time Show Have a Colourism Problem?” [7]. With increased representation, we understand that depictions of violence may also become more frequent. The concern lies not in the presence of conflict, but in the intensity, frequency, and framing of that violence. Whether intentional or not, these creative choices ca…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xkbq2j2fgget5mln5wwu4qmk/bafkreidz5fsjpbtim3g347qim5u3tnpgipczdxg2svxnyjwggqpsno3nca)
The showrunner’s statements appear contradictory: in “Inside Episode 8”, he stated that characters, specifically referencing Siuan, were given “[...] their big moment and then they exit [...]” [4]. However, in the Instagram AMA on April 19 it was indicated that those responsible “[...] have plans for who will take on her other main story [...]” [5]. This inconsistency raises further concern regarding the thoughtfulness and intent behind the treatment of Siuan's narrative. Furthermore, when asked whether he was concerned about killing off one half of the show’s flagship sapphic couple, Rafe L. Judkins responded: “We knew going in we’d have to do that, so we could either not make them lesbians or see one or both of them die” [5]. Framing queer representation as a binary choice between tragic visibility or complete exclusion perpetuates one of queer television’s oldest harmful tropes and conveys the unsettling implication that lesbian stories inevitably end in suffering. This remains especially troubling given that, according to GLAAD’s most recent report, queer women of color remain underrepresented and continue to face high rates of on-screen death [6].
R A C I A L O P T I C S
We recognize and sincerely appreciate the show’s commitment to casting a diverse range of BIPoC actors. This inclusive approach has brought visibility and is a step forward in fantasy storytelling. However, Siuan’s portrayal does not exist in isolation. Fan communities have consistently raised concerns regarding the treatment of Black and dark-skinned characters throughout the series, a sentiment clearly expressed in ongoing critiques, such as a recent YouTube essay “Does The Wheel of Time Show Have a Colourism Problem?” [7]. With increased representation, we understand that depictions of violence may also become more frequent. The concern lies not in the presence of conflict, but in the intensity, frequency, and framing of that violence. Whether intentional or not, these creative choices ca…
![Siuan Sanche was far more than the “washerwoman” the showrunner characterized her as [9]. Following the coup, she played a crucial role in pivotal storylines: following her Stilling and the loss of her title, she not only survived but continued to fight through intelligence, strategy and sheer force of will. She was the first woman Healed from being Stilled, played a key role in facilitating Egwene’s ascension to the Amyrlin Seat, orchestrated key political strategies, managed the Eyes and Ears Network in Salidar, mastered and taught others the complexities of Tel’Aran’rhiod, and provided steadfast mentorship during significant challenges. Siuan’s arc is, at its heart, a story about resilience and about carrying on through other means after being stripped of everything. By contrast, the show’s portrayal reduced her to Moiraine’s ineffectual partner, someone who repeatedly “fails”, as characters explicitly state. This diminishes her agency and profoundly distorts the depth and significance of her original narrative. Furthermore, the claim that Siuan’s arc could not be adapted without retaining problematic elements from the source material [9] is unconvincing when compared to the show’s successful revisions of other controversial content, including portrayals of sexual assault, excessive nudity, and unnecessary sexualization of women.
Fan responses, including detailed analytical essays and personal mental-health disclosures, underscore widespread feelings of betrayal, fatigue with flawed representation, and experiences of re-traumatization. We are not advocating for the invincibility of LGBTQIA+ or BIPoC characters. Instead, we call for conscious, thoughtful storytelling that fully recognizes and respects the implications and impact of their portrayals.
We therefore respectfully urge the production team, and Rafe L. Judkins personally, to publicly acknowledge these criticisms, sincerely apologize for the harm caused, and commit to greater sensitivity, inclusivity, a…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xkbq2j2fgget5mln5wwu4qmk/bafkreihoq2dlpqhv7nwrzrj6pj6kghij3zps45ynuzb77fudj6yiudfh2m)
Siuan Sanche was far more than the “washerwoman” the showrunner characterized her as [9]. Following the coup, she played a crucial role in pivotal storylines: following her Stilling and the loss of her title, she not only survived but continued to fight through intelligence, strategy and sheer force of will. She was the first woman Healed from being Stilled, played a key role in facilitating Egwene’s ascension to the Amyrlin Seat, orchestrated key political strategies, managed the Eyes and Ears Network in Salidar, mastered and taught others the complexities of Tel’Aran’rhiod, and provided steadfast mentorship during significant challenges. Siuan’s arc is, at its heart, a story about resilience and about carrying on through other means after being stripped of everything. By contrast, the show’s portrayal reduced her to Moiraine’s ineffectual partner, someone who repeatedly “fails”, as characters explicitly state. This diminishes her agency and profoundly distorts the depth and significance of her original narrative. Furthermore, the claim that Siuan’s arc could not be adapted without retaining problematic elements from the source material [9] is unconvincing when compared to the show’s successful revisions of other controversial content, including portrayals of sexual assault, excessive nudity, and unnecessary sexualization of women.
Fan responses, including detailed analytical essays and personal mental-health disclosures, underscore widespread feelings of betrayal, fatigue with flawed representation, and experiences of re-traumatization. We are not advocating for the invincibility of LGBTQIA+ or BIPoC characters. Instead, we call for conscious, thoughtful storytelling that fully recognizes and respects the implications and impact of their portrayals.
We therefore respectfully urge the production team, and Rafe L. Judkins personally, to publicly acknowledge these criticisms, sincerely apologize for the harm caused, and commit to greater sensitivity, inclusivity, a…
![R E F E R E N C E L I S T
[1] Huff L. Wheel of Time showrunner dissects season 3 finale's major deaths, changes from the books, and updates on season 4. Entertainment Weekly. 2025 Apr 17. Available from: https://ew.com/wheel-of-time-boss-season-3-finale-major-deaths-season-4-11716884
[2] Watson LC. Bearing witness to female trauma in comics: an analysis of Women in Refrigerators [master’s thesis]. San Marcos (TX): Texas State University; 2018. Available from: https://digital.library.txst.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f6be12af-c993-41d3-8ea5-f30167ddeb03/content
[3] Birchmore A, Kettrey HH. Exploring the boundaries of the Parasocial Contact Hypothesis: An experimental analysis of the effects of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ media trope on homophobic and sexist attitudes. Feminist Media Studies. 2021:1–17. Quoted in: Cover R, Milne C. The ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope in contemporary television: Generational shifts in production responses to audience dissent. J Pop Cult. 2023 Nov 10. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpcu.13255
[4] Prime Video. Inside Episode 8. The Wheel of Time, season 3, episode 8 [video extra, 8 min]. 2025 Apr 17. Available from: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0GJQT2M2YFEHY26BZE5A80BJ4O/
[5] WoTseries [Omar]. The Wheel of Time Season Finale Rafe Judkins Instagram AMA. Wheel of Time TV Series News (WoTseries.com). 2025 Apr 17. Available from: https://www.wotseries.com/2025/04/17/wheel-of-time-season-finale-rafe-judkins-instagram-ama/
[6] GLAAD. Where We Are on TV: 2023–2024. Los Angeles (CA): GLAAD; 2024. Available from: https://glaad.org/whereweareontv
[7] Avatar A. Does The Wheel of Time show have a colorism problem? [YouTube video, 12 min]. 2025 Apr 18. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Nemk5spYA
[8] Lane C. ‘Five billion conversations have gone into it’: The Wheel of Time showrunner Rafe Judkins breaks down the season 3 finale, from new faces to shocking losses. Collider. 2025 Apr 18. Available from: https://collider.com/the-wheel…](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xkbq2j2fgget5mln5wwu4qmk/bafkreibmk567xvnrjwtr4rtts3g3iynvsgpgadyok67a52tr2r67la6uqm)
R E F E R E N C E L I S T
[1] Huff L. Wheel of Time showrunner dissects season 3 finale's major deaths, changes from the books, and updates on season 4. Entertainment Weekly. 2025 Apr 17. Available from: https://ew.com/wheel-of-time-boss-season-3-finale-major-deaths-season-4-11716884
[2] Watson LC. Bearing witness to female trauma in comics: an analysis of Women in Refrigerators [master’s thesis]. San Marcos (TX): Texas State University; 2018. Available from: https://digital.library.txst.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/f6be12af-c993-41d3-8ea5-f30167ddeb03/content
[3] Birchmore A, Kettrey HH. Exploring the boundaries of the Parasocial Contact Hypothesis: An experimental analysis of the effects of the ‘Bury Your Gays’ media trope on homophobic and sexist attitudes. Feminist Media Studies. 2021:1–17. Quoted in: Cover R, Milne C. The ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope in contemporary television: Generational shifts in production responses to audience dissent. J Pop Cult. 2023 Nov 10. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpcu.13255
[4] Prime Video. Inside Episode 8. The Wheel of Time, season 3, episode 8 [video extra, 8 min]. 2025 Apr 17. Available from: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0GJQT2M2YFEHY26BZE5A80BJ4O/
[5] WoTseries [Omar]. The Wheel of Time Season Finale Rafe Judkins Instagram AMA. Wheel of Time TV Series News (WoTseries.com). 2025 Apr 17. Available from: https://www.wotseries.com/2025/04/17/wheel-of-time-season-finale-rafe-judkins-instagram-ama/
[6] GLAAD. Where We Are on TV: 2023–2024. Los Angeles (CA): GLAAD; 2024. Available from: https://glaad.org/whereweareontv
[7] Avatar A. Does The Wheel of Time show have a colorism problem? [YouTube video, 12 min]. 2025 Apr 18. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Nemk5spYA
[8] Lane C. ‘Five billion conversations have gone into it’: The Wheel of Time showrunner Rafe Judkins breaks down the season 3 finale, from new faces to shocking losses. Collider. 2025 Apr 18. Available from: https://collider.com/the-wheel…
Read our Open Letter to Rafe Judkins regarding Siuan Sanche:
➡️ bit.ly/Siuan ⬅️
#TheWheelOfTime #SiuanDeservesBetter #SiuanSanche #WoTonPrime #TwitterOfTime #BuryYourGays #LesbianRepresentation #WoTSkies
Sharing appreciated.
