Before the new book comes along to change anything, I'd like to get in one last kick...

Our hero, Rand al'Thor, beat up his pop, and nearly disintegrated the guy. The Dragon nearly killed Cadsuane, a powerful force for good. Then attacked an army that hadn't struck first. Finally, he nearly vaporized whole cities of innocents, and considered doing that to the world.

That's a pretty sucky road to travel, isn't it? That's full of lots of insanity, and/or losing all control. I hate how much I've lost sight of our old plucky and clever adventurer, Rand.

I think it would've been nice to see our hero lose control in useful ways. Remember (SPOILERS) in TSR, Rand killing that group by the fire? He was crazy when he did it, but he was still right. There's no moping or whining in those moments. There's no narcissistic destruction.

But I could still see lots of ways that Rand's natural preoccupations could've combined with his insanity and his downward emotional spiral. Well, look at my list:

1. Rand could've gone to the Black Tower with the CK, put a shield on Taim. Rand would then beat Taim senseless in front of all the ashaman and dedicated and soldiers.

"There's a reason that Taim was your teacher!... He can't DO anything! He's just a filthy darkfriend and murderer!" Rand shouts triumphantly. "I am the Dragon, you mother-cup-drinking goats!" Cackling, al Thor opens a gateway into Taim's prone body, then strides away from the BT after charring his own name into the grounds, 30-foot wide.

Better than vaporizing Ebou Dar, right?

2. Rand could've gone to the nearer parts of the Blight and shot a massive blast of BF toward, but not at, SG. Hell, it couldn't hurt, and it would've still been the wrong thing to do.

3. Gone to the Tower and Compulsed Elaida secretly. She would go and get the WT to give in to Egwene's reign. Pretty dark...

4. Traveled to Tear, rediscovered flying. Speeding through the air, Rand laughs like the Joker. He flies over the western coast of Randland, destroying every Seanchan ship. He doesn't check to see if only Seanchan are there.

5. Rand could've used his ability to find Mat. Then asked Mat about Tuon, pumping his buddy Cauthon for information. Wearing a maniacal grin, Rand disguises himself and slips through the Ebou Dar palace. He slaps an adam on Tuon - the kind Elayne made - and tells her that she's about to understand why she should make a treaty with him. Then he opens a gateway into the Southern Blight. End TGS.

Can you see better ways for Rand to have finally lost it?

Also, an alternate, 6 - Rand could've gone to the BT, asked to see Taim in private. Then made a lava-monster that ripped him to shreds. Dark, handy, and a nice call-back.