By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review contains spoilers.
Prepare for an exhilarating journey across Middle-earth in the latest episode of The Rings of Power. This week’s instalment masterfully weaves together every subplot, character, and location in a fast-paced, tightly written narrative. Despite the complexity, the episode shines, a testament to the high-quality writing that never stumbles.
We begin in Eregion, where Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) teeters on the edge. The weight of his task is compounded by guilt, leaving him vulnerable to Anatar’s influence. Edwards delivers another outstanding performance, solidifying his place as one of the standout actors this season. Meanwhile, Anatar (Charlie Vickers), now in control of Eregion’s stewardship, seeks to manipulate more minds – though he faces growing opposition, sensing that Adar is plotting against him and the city.
Outside Eregion, Adar (Sam Hazeldine) and Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) form an uneasy alliance, with Adar intending to use the crown and the three Elven rings to vanquish Sauron for good. While I still miss Joseph Mawle’s portrayal of Adar, Hazeldine brings subtle differences to the character that are truly enjoyable.
In Númenor, the aftermath of last week’s riots sees Elendil (Lloyd Owen) facing a rigged public hearing before “King” Pharazôn. True to form, Elendil remains defiant, denouncing the false king. His punishment? Trial by Abyss – cast into the sea. Eärien’s (Ema Horvath) crocodile tears fail to sway both me and Elendil. She’s chosen her side and must live with it. I can’t wait for Isildur’s return and to witness her reaction. Before Elendil faces the trial, Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) steps in, confronting her destiny – proving her innocence and rightful title of Tar-Míriel, the rightful Queen of the Sea.
A return to Rhûn was welcome, as I needed more of Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear), whose absence was keenly felt last week. Kinnear is mesmerising in his role. Similarly, the brief appearance of the Harfoots, while a small part of the episode, nudges their storyline towards its inevitable next steps.
In Khazad-dûm, Anatar’s arrival meets with resistance, as Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) remains one of the few characters immune to his manipulations. Initially, King Durin’s refusal to give up more Mithril seemed like a surprising victory, but Anatar’s visions of the Balrog and King Durin’s subsequent plan to exploit Middle-earth with Mithril weaponry signal further impending doom. The Dwarves of Khazad-dûm are heading towards their downfall, and though we know their fate, watching Prince Durin and Princess Disa struggle is no less heartbreaking.
The episode concludes with the siege of Eregion beginning – everything is falling into place for Sauron’s grand design.
As I mentioned earlier, despite the abundance of plotlines, this episode handles them with precision, delivering a fast-paced, balanced narrative as we approach the penultimate episode. Every storyline is building towards its climax. Once again, the cast is impeccable, with performances that shine as brilliantly as the Light of Galadriel.
Next week’s episode promises to be packed with action, as the threads of conflict and long-awaited reunions draw closer to the heart of the overarching narrative.
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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