As a long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, I must admit that this week’s episode of The Rings of Power was a delightful rollercoaster ride through Middle-earth. From the tense encounters between humans and ents to the intriguing developments surrounding the Stranger and Tom Bombadil, there was no shortage of excitement and suspense.
It’s never easy when a co-worker becomes your boss, and as this episode opens, Galadriel does not deal with it well. Elrond asks if she knows any good archers or swordsmen for their expedition to Eregion, but she replies with some un-elvish snark. She’s called out on it, replies earnestly, and dutifully begins making plans. Once so cordial, even friendly, this relationship has suddenly picked up sharp edges. Then, as if they’d used the fast travel option, they move across the map where they discover Eregion’s going to be a little harder to access than they’d planned due the destruction of the bridge they’d planned to cross. If they go north, it’ll take an extra two weeks. And if they go south, they might be walking into a den of evil, per the vision offered by Galadriel’s ring. Elrond still hates Galadriel’s ring and its visions and resents her bad attitude. But, bound by a sense of shared duty, they press on together.
Galadriel harbors unspecific concerns about an impending danger, contrastingly, in Rhûn, the Stranger encounters pressing issues: He’s misplaced his hobbit-like friends. Swiftly, he acquires a fresh ally, though – a recluse (Rory Kinnear) humming cheerily and flashing a wise smile. It seems like he’s bartered his little companions for a big one, but fortunately, the Stranger doesn’t view it that way. Upon asking for assistance in locating his harfoot comrades, he’s responded with, “Isn’t that what you were searching for, and isn’t this what you have now?” Then, the Stranger’s celestial chart is swept away, and when he tries to break off a branch resembling his protective staff from the pursuing riders, he vanishes inside the tree (ent?) it was attached to. Everything seems to be going awry for him
In a delightful twist of fate, both Nori and Poppy managed to make it through the tempest reminiscent of “The Wizard of Oz,” which had taken them away in the last episode. Upon waking, they find themselves smack dab in the heart of an unfamiliar terrain. Granted, they were already rather lost before, but at least they had a general idea of where to go
Despite the danger, no one was willing to introduce the strangers to “The Gund,” also known as Tanya Moodie’s character in the credits, unless they pledged to treat her with due respect (and not refer to her as “The Gund”). Subsequently, the strangers discovered a bustling village nestled within a narrow canyon. Here, children played, trade flourished, and The Gund was determined to preserve this tranquility, undoubtedly, from outsiders who were unaware of the differences between harfoots and stoors
She’s quite intimidating, but not for Nori who dislikes the harsh mannerisms of the Gund towards Nobody and as she put it, stands up to her. She’s advanced too far to be hindered by an overprotective mayor. However, when Nori brings up her missing friend being a wizard, there’s a sudden silence among the stoors. They are familiar only with the Dark Wizard and hold him in disdain. In no moment, Nori and Poppy change from unwelcome visitors to captives
The narrative shifts focus to a figure resembling Saruman, who is shown feeling aggravated because he hasn’t captured the enigmatic stranger yet. It’s time for delegation: they’ll search for the Harfoot tribe while this Dark Wizard pursues the Stranger. Since he’s currently trapped in a tree, it shouldn’t be overly challenging for him
Luckily for the stranger, his new companion is inclined to save him from the menacing tree. However, I wonder if this person has a name, it seems like it’s been a long time since anyone referred to them by one, but yes, they were once known as “Bombadil. Tom Bombadil.” He’s a jovial character, welcoming the stranger into his abode. However, he is peculiar in his own way, for he enjoys singing and from another room, the stranger can hear a woman’s voice harmonizing with the melody, though there appears to be no female present
What’s the story behind Tom Bombadil? He appears to be incredibly ancient, older than the stars that he refers to as “newcomers.” In his own words, he’s more than just old; he’s the “eldest,” and no additional explanation is required. His age seems to be may not require any further clarification isn’tainly, and this is self-explanation needs no elaboration. It’his staff is like a name. It belongs to you if you prove yourself worthy of it.” And, Tom Bombadil hints, he currently isn’t. However, with the right training, perhaps he will be. As for the Stranger’s offer to become Tom Bombadil’s apprentice, starting with his staff from the tree, he receives some enigmatic advice that might even confuse the wise Jedi Master: “A wizard’s staff is like a name. It’s yours to wield already if you prove yourself worthy of it.”
Tom Bombadil isn’t eager to take on another apprentice, considering his last one transformed into the Dark Wizard. Moreover, he’s aware of the potential consequences: the Dark Wizard might align with Sauron to conquer the world, unless courageous heroes emerge to thwart them. However, who could those heroes be? Ah, yes, it’s the enigmatic figure known as the Stranger
In other places, Galadriel foresaw ominous enemies approaching Eregion via the southern route, which was troubling because it crossed the Barrow-downs where the very trees seemed uneasy. This disquiet was justified as the Barrow-downs harbored wicked skeletons known as Barrow-wights – although, according to Tolkien’s lore, they shouldn’t have been present in that region of Middle Earth at this particular point in time (feel free to discuss it with the show creators). Despite being powerless against elf weaponry, these creatures were fearsome, and their own weapons were something else entirely
To avoid any misunderstanding that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power had neglected the refugees in the ancient Númenórean settlement of Pelargir, the plot instead focuses on the pursuit of Theo, who was abducted by enigmatic attackers in the previous episode during their assault on the Wild Men. The grisly findings of dead bodies and dismembered limbs suggest a grim situation, yet Isildur, Arondir, and Estrid, with her expertise on the Wild Men, maintain optimism and decide to journey northward
Isildur and Estrid share a significant moment near the fountain, though Isildur is mindful of her betrothed. However, this tranquility is disrupted as Arondir inquires about the wound on her neck, which he learns is an effort to conceal Adar’s mark. This development is not favorable for Arondir and Estrid’s budding romance but beneficial for the hunt for Theo. While they argue, Arondir discovers a vital clue that solves the mystery. Contrary to initial suspicions, Theo wasn’t abducted by humans or beasts. Instead, he is being kept by the Ents. After Estrid gets another chance to prove herself by saving both her friends from the colossal, mud-dwelling worm that nearly consumed them, they proceed on their journey. Later in the night, Isildur decides to release her, and just as it seems she might grab his sword and escape, he vows to safeguard her despite her wild nature. This promise is followed by a poignant pause interrupted by the arrival of the Ents
Regrettably, upon returning to Stor village, it would typically mean exile for Harfoot visitors. However, thanks to Poppy revealing the name of their leader, this isn’t the case. The name echoes an ancient tale of a Stor who embarked on his own journey with a pledge to guide those he left behind to a land of promise called Sûza. This resonates with Nori, illuminating why her people are eternal wanderers, possibly having lost sight of their original goal. Their quest for historical answers is disrupted by the arrival of the riders. Yet, despite the looming danger, Gund does not abandon her unexpected guests
Could Estrid and Arondir manage to set aside their disputes, might Galadriel and Elrond be able to do so as well? The ring of power’s influence has caused a rift between these two, but maybe it doesn’t have to persist. They share the same ultimate goal, don’t they? And while Elrond remains cautious, they both concur that defeating Sauron is their foremost concern. A significant glance passes between them, hinting at deeper emotions, until a third elf interrupts with a dire report: the sound of drums
Sure, drums are scary. But are they as scary as ents with a grudge against anyone who’s taken an ax to a tree? It looks for a moment like Arondir’s past transgressions against trees will be his doom. But they find common ground with Arondir and his friends, after a tense meeting, an apology from Arondir, some friendly handholding (if what ents have on the ends of their limbs can be called hands), and a promise to protect the ents from future harm. (If the ents Snaggleroot and Winterbloom sound familiar, that’s because they’re voiced by Jim Broadbent and Olivia Williams.) After that, the ents let loose their prisoners. Theo, seemingly realizing what a jerk he’s been, hugs Arondir. And, uh oh, there’s Estrid’s betrothed who’s not, as it turns out, imaginary or dead and has a name: Hagen. (He’s played by Gabriel Akuwudike.)
In this captivating tale, the ominous drumbeats signal the impending doom of an orcish horde. A wounded comrade’s groans were nearly our undoing, but thankfully, Galadriel, in a swift move, utilized the mystical ring to heal them. This act seems to shift Elrond’s perspective on this enigmatic artifact, which is fortunate as she subsequently passes it to him, effectively surrendering herself as a captive to safeguard her comrades (though not before annihilating a considerable number of orcs in the heat of battle). The question of who Galadriel was truly defending remains unanswered. As the episode reaches its climax, she stands toe-to-toe with Adar himself, leaving us on the edge of our seats, eager to discover the truth
This episode is quite action-packed, as there are no scenes set at Númenór or Khazad-dûm. It’s only been a week since the first episode of this season premiered on Prime Video, but by the end of this one, we’ve already reached the midpoint. The challenge lies in striking a balance between moving the story forward while allowing the characters time to develop. Episode four manages this well, blending intense action sequences (like encounters with skeletons and worms) with tender moments such as Poppy quickly falling for Nobody, and vice versa. Additionally, it incorporates familiar faces from Tolkien’s works and Peter Jackson’s films, including characters like Galadriel and a shot of her leaning back in her saddle as a sword narrowly misses her. While there may not be anything entirely new, this episode demonstrates The Rings of Power’s knack for creative reinterpretation
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As the premiere of this season approached for “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”, it was hinted that Tom Bombadil would appear. In this episode, the show kept its word on that promise. Tom Bombadil is one of the most significant characters left out in Peter Jackson’s movies due to his lack of impact on the storyline. However, in this adaptation, he has a purpose and a somewhat more active role than in Tolkien’s novel, guiding the Stranger towards his fate. While not everyone may be satisfied with this interpretation of Tom Bombadil, Rory Kinnear’s portrayal as a kind-hearted oddball adds depth to the character
Following Bombadil’s statement, “It is your duty to confront them, the two powerful wizards Sauron and the one unnamed,” there can be little question about whom this mysterious figure is. However, since he has not yet been formally identified, he continues to be known as the Stranger until a new title is bestowed upon him
The first season primarily focused on the romantic tension between Arondir and Bronwyn, a relationship that was somewhat taboo. Now that Bronwyn has left, other characters appear to be experiencing their own romantic feelings. In this episode, we see Poppy and Nobody, Isildur and Estrid, and possibly Galadriel and Elrond at different points of infatuation (though with elves it can be hard to distinguish between deep respect and affection)
When it comes to Tom Bombadil, you might recognize the tune as Rufus Wainwright’s rendition, collaborating with Bear McCreary on the series soundtrack, playing during the final credits
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2024-09-05 17:30