The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 – Episode 4 “Eldest” Review

By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review contains spoilers.

After last week’s triple-header, I expected this review to be much shorter, but it turns out I’ve written even more! That’s entirely due to the sheer scale of this fourth episode. If the first batch of episodes is anything to go by, these reviews aren’t getting any shorter! Episode 4 of The Rings of Power (Season 2) is once again brimming with characters, narrative depth, and stunning visuals.

We begin in Lindon, where tensions between Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) are running high, and their friendship seems poised for a serious test as they prepare to travel to Eregion. But before they can depart, they need a team! Elrond assembles a company of Elven warriors: Daemor (Oliver Alvin-Wilson), Camnir (Calam Lynch), Vorohil (Charlie Rix), and Rían (Selina Lo). What stood out in this opening sequence were the sweeping shots of their journey. It felt like a nod to classic Peter Jackson, with characters running across vast landscapes captured by aerial camerawork. The use of map overlays to mark their progress was a lovely touch, reinforcing the fantasy and adventure elements. As they enter a dark forest, an ominous presence makes itself known, starting with the eerie disappearance of Daemor. The Barrow-wights launch a mass attack, and the Elves quickly realise their weapons are ineffective – they must use the weapons of their enemies to survive.

Meanwhile, in Rhûn, following the destructive sandstorm spell, The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) continues searching for Nori (Markella Kavenagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards). Instead of finding the Harfoots, he encounters a “Goat Farmer,” played by the always-brilliant Rory Kinnear. Knowing from the trailer who this mysterious character was – Tom Bombadil – I couldn’t have been more thrilled! Kinnear is perfectly cast, portraying Tom with charm, humour, and warmth, capturing the character’s eccentricity. There’s still an air of mystery around Tom Bombadil’s true nature, as Tolkien intended, but so far, the show’s take on him is incredibly enjoyable.

Nori and Poppy, meanwhile, find themselves on an unexpected adventure, meeting a local Harfoot named Merimac (Gavi Singh Chera). Only here, in Rhûn, they aren’t called Harfoots but Stoors (or Sand Hobbits). Merimac leads the pair to his village, and I loved how “living underground” seemed so foreign to the Harfoots – knowing this is the precursor to what will one day become Hobbit culture. It’s interesting to see how halflings from across Middle-earth may have eventually united and blended their ways. At the village, we meet Gundabale (Tanya Moodie), who shares with Nori the history of Sadoc Burrow’s (Sir Lenny Henry) family – Stoor wanderers who ventured to a distant land in search of the “Sûzat.” The realisation that the Sûzat is the Shire gave me goosebumps, especially with “This Wandering Day” playing in the background.

In the forests near Pelargir, the Southlander refugees, led by Isildur (Maxim Baldry) and Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), search for Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin). Estrid (Nia Towle) plays a manipulative role in events, but nothing escapes Arondir’s sharp eyes, and her deception is revealed. Estrid leads Isildur and Arondir deeper into the forest, where they encounter Winterbloom (Olivia Williams) and Snaggleroot (Jim Broadbent). There are no words in Elvish, Entish, or the tongues of men to describe the destruction caused by the Orc army, which has raised the ancient forest. This sequence was both heartbreaking and poetically beautiful. Seeing the Ents again was a truly magical moment.

As the Orc army advances on Eregion, Camnir is struck by a stray arrow from an Orc hunting party. In an unexpected twist, Galadriel uses the ring to heal his wound, surprising both herself and Elrond. She then hands the ring to Elrond and bravely confronts the Orcs alone, while the others escape. The episode ends with her face-to-face encounter with Adar.

Wow. This might just be my favourite episode so far. It was packed with lore, emotional weight, and narrative depth, while also balancing darker elements and action sequences to maintain a great pacing. The inclusion of the Shire, Tom Bombadil, Ents, and Barrow-wights made it a treasure trove for fans. Rufus Wainwright’s rendition of “Old Tom Bombadil” was the perfect finishing touch, leaving me breathless and grinning.

What did you think of the latest episode of Season 2 of The Rings of Power? Let us know in the comments or find us on social media.