The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Recap: When Coronations Go Wrong

As a fan who has grown attached to the characters in The Rings of Power, I must admit that the sudden departure of Bronwyn has left a noticeable void. It seems that Nazanin Boniadi, our beloved Bronwyn, has chosen to part ways with the show, and while her decision to support the #WomanLifeFreedom movement in her native Iran is admirable, it’s hard not to feel a pang of sadness knowing that her departure from the series was unrelated.

The advantage of the gradual introduction of characters in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power‘s second season is that it allows the series to explore each region of Middle-earth without hastily jumping from one location to another. However, after three episodes, we find ourselves needing to refresh our memory on the complex politics of Númenor and the key figures involved, as they play a significant role in shaping the uncertain future of this island kingdom. These influential individuals range from Queen Regent Míriel, who was recently blinded, to Berek, the unbroken horse that remains untamable following the presumed death of its master Isildur, who is currently roaming free across Middle-earth.

In the beginning of the episode, that’s where we encounter him, but Berek’s quest doesn’t appear to be motivated by melancholic wandering. Rather, it seems he suspects Isildur is still alive (a suspicion strengthened by Isildur’s significant role in the upcoming storyline). His pursuit is perilous, leading him to encounter both ravenous orcs (who turn out to be less of a challenge) and a massive spider who has Isildur hidden away as a potential meal (a more formidable foe, yet not an insurmountable obstacle).

From a devoted cinephile’s perspective, I’d rephrase it as follows:

In essence, multiple factors are at play in this situation. On one hand, Pharazôn publicly supports Míriel and assists her in choosing a coronation dress. However, in private at a tavern, he listens to Lord Belzagar and his son Kemen’s flattery and gossip, criticizing Míriel behind her back, claiming that Pharazôn would make a better leader due to her blindness. Pharazon only mildly defends himself by acknowledging his numerous supporters but not enough to claim the throne. Eärien hints at a possible way to increase support, which intrigues Isildur’s companion Valandil, who expresses anger towards Kemen through subtle threats of violence. Although they do not engage in physical combat, it is apparent that tension will escalate. Meanwhile, Míriel realizes the palantír has vanished, leaving unresolved matters to address once the drinking subsides. In summary, there’s a lot of unfinished business brewing under the surface.

In the region known as Mordor, a formidable stranger makes his entrance. Standing head and shoulders above the other orcs, Damrod – “hill-troll of the Ered Mithrin, slayer of stone giants, consumer of dragon bones” – leaves an indelible impression with his imposing presence. His demeanor suggests he could effortlessly snap the necks of those around him, and carrying the head of an orc only serves to heighten this perception. However, it is not until he inquires about Sauron that one begins to wonder what his true intentions are.

During another occasion, Celebrimbor entertains Durin IV and Disa in Eregion, proposing a unique arrangement: He offers seven magical rings to the dwarves, promising that these would rejuvenate Khazad-dûm if they provide some mithril. Although the proposition seems appealing, Durin IV harbors concerns due to the need to consult Durin III, whom he avoids. Moreover, there’s a mysterious figure known as Annatar (later revealed to be Sauron), who claims familiarity with Elrond despite never having been mentioned by him before. This Annatar individual seems well-versed in many things, including the plan to gift rings to dwarves, which he presents to Celebrimbor. This information sparks the motivation Celebrimbor needs to pursue ring-making, even if it means doing so without Gil-Galad’s blessing and feigning forge closure. Despite his noble intentions, one can’t help but recall that saying about good intentions, can they?

As Sauron manipulates Celebrimbor, Isildur and Berek traverse a desolate landscape littered with fallen comrades (and fortunately, boots fitting for Isildur). Eventually, they stumble upon an abandoned camp where Isildur is wounded by Estrid, assuming him to be an orc in a somewhat unusual encounter that echoes the concept of a romantic first meeting in “The Rings of Power” (though it’s not quite as charming due to a subsequent scene). The duo then decide to search for potential survivors in Pelargir, an ancient Númenoran settlement tucked away in what seems like a tranquil valley.

As Isildur approaches what appears to be a survivor of an orc attack, he unexpectedly falls into a trap and is assaulted by hostile Wild Men – followers of Adar who are desperate and violent. A clue that this wasn’t just any ordinary victim is the branded sigil on his arm, which Isildur regrets not spotting sooner. Just when things seem dire, Arondir arrives to save the day. However, he seems unusually somber because his beloved Bronwyn has perished, leaving him alone and making Theo – a young, troubled character introduced this season – an orphan.

Theo’s picked up some of his mother’s skills as a healer, but he’s not doing well. He’s angry and resents Arondir’s attempts to be his father figure, telling him, “Everything you were to be is ashes now.” He’s a little more open to Isildur, however, offering to help him retrieve Berek under the cover of darkness. But first, Isildur spends a little time getting to know Estrid (never mind that she tells him she’s waiting for her “betrothed”). They share sad stories of guilt and lost parents over a campfire while Theo listens in sympathetically. Then, after Theo and Isildur leave, Estrid takes a moment to burn the Adar sigil on her back. Is she a true believer, or did she do what she had to do to survive?

As a film enthusiast immersed in this unfolding tale, I can only speculate on what lies ahead. In the interim, while I engage with the devotees of the Wild Men, Isildur sneaks off with Berek. Unfortunately, our conversation doesn’t go smoothly, but it seems the thieves encounter some form of peril instead. As I flee in panic, a towering, terrifying presence ambushes me. Alas, the nature of this ominous figure must also remain a mystery until we unravel more of the story – though the sound of groaning timber certainly hints at something sinister.

In Khazad-dûm, Durin III found himself grappling with the challenging duty of steering his kingdom through turbulent times, while also needing to engage his son, who had come to discuss Celebrimbor’s proposal of mithril for rings. This situation required a significant amount of humility from Durin IV and the bravery to question whether such an offer was beneficial. However, despite his reservations, we see later in the episode’s silent finale that the king ultimately agreed to it.

Prior to our arrival, we’ll revisit Númenor for Míriel’s coronation. However, the proceedings don’t start off smoothly. A mourning subject disrupts the ceremony, leading Míriel to deliver a rousing speech that eventually wins over her doubtful audience. But then, Eärien arrives with the palantír and accuses Míriel of using it to make decisions. This accusation creates quite a stir, to understate it, giving Pharazôn the opportunity to question Míriel’s right to rule. To add insult to injury, he’s followed by a massive eagle, the appearance of which is seen as a propitious sign, much like when an eagle appeared to honor Tar-Palantir’s ascension years earlier.

Amazon Prime Video decided to air the first three episodes of this eight-episode series simultaneously, and by the end of the third, this choice appears quite strategic. Each episode has its share of setting up the storyline, but also ramps up the action significantly, especially in the third episode where Míriel, the queen regent who seems to have been born for the throne, experiences a meteoric rise and fall at an astonishing pace. With all these foundational elements established, it looks like The Rings of Power is now poised to gain momentum. (Whether it will or not remains to be seen.)

Mithril Links

Bronwyn’s departure from the show in the storyline is actually based on a real-life event: Nazanin Boniadi chose to leave the production. Initially, it was suggested that this decision was related to her activism for the #WomanLifeFreedom movement in her native Iran, but she has since clarified that this was not the case and the choice was unrelated to her advocacy.

2024-08-30 00:54

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Recap: When Coronations Go Wrong

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