By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review contains spoilers.
I eagerly anticipate every Thursday, knowing a new episode of The Rings of Power will drop, and if Season 2 continues its current trajectory, the show only improves with each passing week!
Last week’s episode hit me hard emotionally, touching on storylines that are particularly meaningful to me. As a standalone, it was excellent. What I love, though, is how the show avoids complacency, offering something new and different every time. The contrast between the emotional depth of last week’s episode and the narrative-driven focus of this latest one was striking, yet just as engaging and entertaining.
Given that the episode is titled “Halls of Stone,” it’s no surprise that we begin in Khazad-dûm, where the Seven Dwarven Rings have been completed and are already influencing King Durin, much to his son’s discomfort. The duality here is palpable: the hope these rings offer in the short term is starkly at odds with the looming doom we know they’ll bring. The Dwarves’ victory is beautifully underscored by Bear McCreary’s masterful score, something we’ve come to expect from his brilliant work.
Meanwhile, in Eregion, the Doors of Durin are revealed, marking a special moment – especially given the turbulent future awaiting the Dwarves and Elves. The scenes between these two races are a blend of warmth and impending tragedy. The interaction between Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) and Annatar (Charlie Vickers) was a standout, with both actors delivering intense performances. As Annatar pushes forward with the creation of the Rings of Power for men, Mirdania (Amelia Kenworthy) stumbles upon a ring design that grants its wearer invisibility, allowing them to enter the Unseen World – foreshadowing the rise of the Nazgûl. Annatar’s influence over the Elven smiths continues to deepen, bending them to his will.
Across the seas in Númenor, Pharazôn (Trystan Gravelle) is scheming, with ambitions that stretch beyond his kingdom’s shores. It’s remarkable to see how quickly the thirst for power corrupts. If you thought the tension between Celebrimbor and Annatar was high, brace yourself for the fiery confrontation between Elendil (Lloyd Owen) and Eärien (Ema Horvath). Eärien may have just claimed the title of the most “unlikeable character” in the show, and Horvath’s performance is key to eliciting such a strong reaction. Yet, this dubious honour didn’t last long, as Kemen (Leon Wadham) snatched it away with his cowardly murder of Valandil (Alex Tarrant). Bear McCreary once again weaves magic with a tragic, yet beautiful score.
Last week’s episode centred on the natural world of Middle-earth, from Tom Bombadil to the Ents, and the promise of the Shire. It resonated deeply with me on an emotional level. This week, the focus shifted toward the industrial bustle, advancing the narrative toward the forging of the Rings of Power and the beginning of their corruption. While there wasn’t much “action” in the traditional sense, the rich storytelling and layered complexity made the episode highly enjoyable. It highlights themes of corruption, whether through the rings or political ambition, as we see in Númenor. This stands in stark contrast to the honesty and hopefulness of the previous episode. The juxtaposition is incredibly effective, setting the stage for the final stretch of the season.
With a tantalising sting at the end of the episode, all eyes look towards next week, and what is set to be an explosive episode, in more ways than one…
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.
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