By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)
This review contains spoilers.
Following last week’s tantalising cliffhanger, many would expect the story to dive straight into the heart of the action. However, the opening scene exceeded those expectations and delivered something even more satisfying – exactly the moment I had hoped they would begin with. Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards), now on the verge of completing the nine rings, appears serene. Yet, cracks are beginning to show in Annatar’s (Charlie Vickers) deceitful glamour. With an army at the gates of Eregion, Annatar must hasten Celebrimbor’s work, as Adar’s (Sam Hazeldine) siege slowly wears down their defenses.
Meanwhile, in Khazad-dûm, Durin and Disa brace for the next wave of conflict. Narvi (Kevin Eldon) and his men join them, acknowledging the insidious corruption of King Durin by the rings. This sets the stage for the scene I had eagerly anticipated all season: Durin’s emotional reunion with Elrond (Robert Aramayo). Their bond was a standout element of the first season, and like Elrond, my heart sang at their reunion. If only this fleeting moment of joy could have lasted longer. But just as Gondor will call for aid in the future, Elrond must now ask – Will Khazad-dûm answer?
With the river dammed and the ground assault in full swing, Celebrimbor finally pierces through Annatar’s illusion, forcing him to reveal his true identity. As suspected, the mysterious batch of Mithril was nothing more than another of Sauron’s deceptions – a manifestation of his blood, which explains the corrupting power of the Rings of Men. Sauron’s plot to turn Commander Malendol (Simon Haines) and Mirdania (Amelia Kenworthy) against Celebrimbor unfolds precisely as planned. To seal Celebrimbor’s fate, Sauron uses his dark magic to make it appear as though Celebrimbor himself hurls Mirdania from the battlements to her death. This shocking twist was both brutal and stunningly effective, leaving me in awe of its narrative impact. Yet just as Sauron believes victory is his, his smile fades as the blast of a horn pierces the air.
I’ve always loved the use of horns in Middle-earth media, whether in films or games, and this moment was no exception. Elrond’s arrival, heralded by that majestic horn, is right up there with the best of them. The Lindon army charges in, but what captivated me even more than the breathtaking sight of the horses was the visual metaphor of light advancing to dispel the encroaching darkness. This kind of layered storytelling draws me in every time, blending production design and narrative to create something truly special. It was a bold move to subvert the expected large-scale battle as Adar plays his trump card – Galadriel (Morfydd Clark). Fortunately, with help from Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), she manages to escape and make it inside Eregion. However, with no Dwarven reinforcements forthcoming due to King Durin’s manic actions, the tide of battle shifts in Adar’s favour – especially now that he possesses Nenya. The stakes have never been higher as we head into next week’s Season Two finale.
After last week’s episode, which jumped between multiple locations, this episode benefited immensely from staying focused primarily on Eregion. The result was an incredibly well-executed chapter, filled with intense action, emotional depth, and stunning visuals. Charles Edwards continues to shine this season, delivering perhaps the strongest performance in a cast brimming with talent – a true testament to his skill. I also love how the show portrays the Orcs as more than mere mindless foes. Giving them depth, especially through a character like Glûg (Robert Strange), is a brilliant and daring choice, and one I deeply appreciate. Moreover, despite much of the episode’s action taking place at night, every detail was visible – a feat many similar shows have recently struggled with. This episode felt epic in scale and could easily have served as a finale in its own right. This was truly an incredible episode of The Rings of Power!
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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