The Rings of Power Season 2: Episode 1-3 Spoiler Review

The Rings of Power Season 2 has finally arrived, and the first three episodes have brought us back to Middle-earth in a darker yet familiar way. Improving on Season 1, this season moves away from extensive world-building and dives straight into the action, with even bigger battles on the horizon, such as the highly anticipated Battle of Eregion. The first three episodes feature some long-awaited moments from the books, including the introduction of Annatar, the creation of the Rings, and the political intrigue in Númenor. However, some character choices and scenes in the first episode are still a bit puzzling or feel overly drawn out. It takes about halfway into episode 2 to fully get into it, but once you do there is no looking back and the show picks up tremendously.

Let’s unpack everything that’s happened so far and break it down episode by episode.

Episode 1: Elven Kings Under the Sky

3.5/5

The first episode, much like the premiere of Season 1, has the challenging task of reintroducing the world, setting, characters, and plot. In many ways, this is executed exceptionally well. For example, the 20-minute prologue focusing on Sauron is captivating and immediately hooks viewers. Despite its short duration, Jack Lowden delivers a unique portrayal of Sauron, almost like a dictator at a political rally, which works remarkably well. This prologue with Sauron also features some of the most brutal visuals and intense moments ever seen in a Middle-earth adaptation. We then get arguably the best performance of the episode from Charlie Vickers as Halbrand. He explains his backstory and whereabouts in Season 2, including where the sigil came from and how he ended up on the boat. For a show that can sometimes go over the top with explanations (like with the Silmamithril), it was refreshing to see an explanation that made sense regarding how he ended up on the raft.

The Lord of the Rings movies needed an Ian Mckellen and the Rings of Power now have their Ian Mckellen figure and that is actor Ben Daniels as Círdan. When you see Gandalf in the movies it is already known that he is wise and knowledge beyond count – he is a maiar- but despite that he still had that homeliness and feeling of comfort that was especially seen with the Hobbits. In a show that has lacked this type of figure thus far, with the closest being Sadoc Burrows (Sir Lenny Henry), Ben Daniels as Círdan radiates this sense of comfort where Elrond especially feels safe to confide in whereas in Season 1 and even season 2 he felt more isolated (excluding Durin IV). When Círdan in episode 1 explained things to Elrond such as whether the rings had the taint of Sauron, it wasn’t done in a way similar to Gil-galad’s (Benjamin Walker’s) approach or Galadriel’s (Morfydd Clark) more urgent approach- you can see the wisdom behind his eyes. However, there is a character moment and choice made by Círdan which to me (as someone who read the books) was quite confusing and seemed a bit out of character for someone that is meant to be so wise and it did involve the three elven rings.

Ben Daniels as Cirdan

The best parts of episode 1 without a doubt go the scenes between Adar (Sam Hazeldine) and Halbrand in Mordor with the pair showcasing amazing chemistry, especially with Halbrand shielding his hatred for Adar but still as a nod to the viewers giving a few stairs or glances that he knows he is secretly in control despite being chained up. The best scene of the episode by far was the discussion between Adar and Halbrand where Adar recounts his corruption from elf to orc and Sauron’s specific involvement with it, which even brought Halbrand a tear and was very powerful.

Charlie Vickers as Halbrand ©Primevideo

The Rhûn storyline did have some good parts, but dragged the episode on for a bit too long at some points. Though there were some dialogue scenes, especially between Nori and The Stranger where they recount the importance of names and it’s attachments to beings. Hearing Daniel Weyman’s fully english accent and speaking normally now as The Stranger is also a pleasure and slowly allowing us the viewers to get used to whoever The Stranger will end up being. Though, as mentioned earlier some of the scenes in Rhûn dragged a bit and maybe one reason why is because maybe we are all waiting for them to reach Tom Bombadil.

So, as mentioned at the start, the first episode of  Season 2 similar to the first episode of Season 1 had to reintroduce the world and its setting, characters and plot and at some points it had been executed tremendously well, but there was one part a bit less so. The whole Galadriel- Elrond- Gil-galad dynamic and storyline in episode 1 and 2 involved some unusual character choices and eventually lethargic plotting. Elrond and Galadriel (Elrond moreso) are going through what seems like a toxic breakup with Elrond being a bit more toxic out of the two and some viewers may think rightly so as Galadriel admits to everyone she did bring back Sauron. We see this humiliation from Galadriel across the 2 episodes with the constant reminders from both Elrond and Gil-galad and the reasoning for doing this from the showrunners at surface level makes sense- this is meant to be a learning moment for Galadriel and something she will have to live with. But it went a tad excessive and spanned 2-episodes and felt like it could be wrapped in one and she didn’t need to constantly be reminded every time she was in a scene. Despite this, the scene between Gil-galad and Galadriel where Gil-galad mentions at the end of the conversation that he still wants to keep Galadriel here because he believes in her, was a nice change and a lot more relaxed and reserved from Gil-galad and Galadriel’s responses in the coversation weren’t hasty or rash or impulsive unlike we saw in Season 1, for example in the opening scene in the Numenorean throne room.

Morfydd Clark as Galadriel ©Primevideo

Overall, episode 1 of Season 2 is vastly better than the start to Season 1, things are moving and at the end of the day this episode was mainly focused on Sauron- Adar and that delivered with Círdan being a massive highlight despite the somewhat reminiscent plottingwith the elves which luckily seems self contained to the first 2 episodes and probably was going to happen due to some writing decisions in Season 1. As an aside, the moment the three elven bearers put on the ring near the end was also a highlight with Bear McCreary’s score shining through (quite literally). But that’s episode 1 done, episode 2 is where it begins…

Best performance: Charlie Vickers (Sauron), Sam Hazeldine (Adar)

Episode 2: Where the Stars are Strange

4/5

Episode 2 is a very strong episode and it is probably what we have been waiting 4 years for, as Season 1 focused on world-building, character introductions, and creating a visual spectacle, the first episode of Season 2 still ties up loose ends from the previous season and sets the stage for what’s to come. However, with episode 2, the show finally feels less like a series of expositional scenes and more like compelling television. The pacing in Episode 2 is much better, as it seamlessly shifts between the different storylines, effectively advancing the story.

Morfydd Clark is subtly changing her performance of Galadriel, she seems more reserved when in conversations with the likes of Elrond and Gil-galad, almost as if she is holding something within her, Clark is bringing some patience to her performance. The conversations between Galadriel and Gil-galad continue and include a good use of foreshadowing such as Gil-galad seeing “white towers fall”. Though, it still feels like Galadriel is getting questioned a bit too much about her involvement but narratively it makes sense.

We finally get a proper introduction to the Dwarves again in Khazad-dûm and out of all the storylines it is still the main one with all round amazing performances by everyone, especially Durin IV and Disa. But this time it includes the introduction of Narvi the Dwarf (Kevin Eldon) who seamlessly joins the story quite well as being one of the main Dwarven mining technicians. Durin III and Durin IV’s reunion was mightly needed as it could have been a plot point that could have potentially dragged for a number of episodes but instead was wrapped up early and now seeing them in Eregion advances the story well.

Owain Arthur as Durin IV and Sophia Nomvete as Disa ©Primevideo

The Rhûn storyline vastly improves in this episode as well with the stakes now rising due to the introduction of Ciaran Hinds’ Evil Wizard character who sets hunt for the Stranger using all his possible magical servants. Bridie Sission’s Dweller character was a surprising and welcome return as it makes sense to have at least one foe for the Stranger linked from Season 1.

The strongest part is without a doubt the dynamic between Charlie Vickers (Halbrand/ Annatar) and Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) who work off each-other so well and it seem like both actors know the role that their characters play. The main reason why this works so well is because as mentioned earlier- it makes sense. The show is starting to move away from over explaining and justifying things through adapting and re working the lore (Silmamithril) and instead we just see what book fans have wanted to see for ages, the interaction between Sauron and Celebrimbor. The last 15 minutes of episode 2 is some of the best moments from the show so far which was very exciting to see the full showcase of Annatar as the emissary of the Valar and the show did not hold back in that introduction.

Charlie Vickers as Halbrand and Charles Edwards as Celebrimbor ©Primevideo

Episode 2 delivers mostly all round a great episode of storylines progressing and progressing in a way which is still ecntral to the shennanigans happening in Eregion and Annatar- it is clear by now that Annatar is central to all.

Best performance: Charles Edwards (Celebrimbor), Charlie Vickers (Sauron)

Episode 3: The Eagle and the Sceptre

4/5

Episode 3 is where the season fully starts to take shape and goes beyond the traditional storylines of the Lindon- Elven plot and Rhûn whereby we finally get our return to Numenor which provides probably the best ‘television’ from the Rings of Power so far. The beginning political tensions are clearly seen with characters such as Earein (Ema Horvath) Kemen (Leon Wadham) and Valandil (Alex Tarrant) taking more centre stage and the scene in the pub between all these characters and Lord Belzagar (Will Keen and Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle). It feeling more like ‘television’ is in regards to the fact that it feels like its own separated story and feels contained in a way that we can see the motivation of all the characters. Elendil (Lloyd Owen) is good but not as involved in the episode besides supporting Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) who has a terrific scene with Pharazon where they discuss the dress for the crowning ceremony and the wider political implications of the colour of the gown.

The final scenes and moments in Numenor in episode 3 sets the story up perfectly for the Faithful vs Kingsmen escalation after the events that unfold and hopefully we will see it flesh out. Let’s hope that we do as despite the Numenor scenes and storyline this season probably being some of the best ‘television’ we have gotten of the show so far- there is just not enough of Numenor. Maybe across the space of 3- episodes there has been about just over 20 minutes of time spent in Numenor and next weeks episode is the halfway mark for the season. Still good to be reserved as maybe this is where the Numenor story picks up, but I do potentially worry if the show will do the storyline justice in regards to screen time- it absolutely deserves it, but at the same time this is the Sauron and Eregion show this season.

Trystand Gravelle as Pharazon ©Primevideo

Despite Numenor being some of the best stuff so far, the heart and soul of episode 3 goes to Isildur (Maxim Baldry) who’s character shines above the rest in this episode. We see his return with Berek which is quite emotional alongside him being captured in Shelob’s Lair which was very reminiscent (in a good way) to Frodo being trapped in Shelob’s Lair in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ mainly due to the similar horror aspect and directing style- it was scary!

Maxim Baldry as Isildur ©Primevideo

We see Isildur on his Journey to Pelargir throughout the episode and he encounters orcs, Adar- supporting humans and even a woman named Estrid (Nia Towle) who already by the end of the episode you can see that connection growing. The heart melting scene between Isildur and Estrid (with Theo watching them) about the fate of their parents and their deaths was probably the best scene of the episode and both Maxim Baldry and Nia Towle deliver a powerful moment. We do then have the superhero (or should we say super elf) who saves the day which is Arondir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) who provides some of the few action moments from the first few episodes and is clearly in pain after the death of Bronwyn and Ismael show’s a now more hardened Arondir which works reasonably well.

But of course… best till last and that is the Dwarves of Khazad-dum and Annatar/Celebrimbor in Eregion which shows the taint and effect Annatar (Sauron) has on the rings in a good way and in a way that makes sense which I was personally very happy about as it was nothing too complicated or over the top- it made sense. This moment where Sauron taints the creation of the Dwarven rings so nonchalant and discreetly was good to see. Annatar further playing with Celebrimbor’s mind and releasing the worst traits out of him such as when he ended up lying to the High king Gil-galad to protect the ringmaking was smart and even though it is not heavily explicit to viewers that he is fully corrupted as of yet, you can see the gradual steps taken. Furthermore, seeing Annatar even get privately frustrated and impatient with Celebrimbor in front of the Dwarves was very interesting. The 2 Durin’s have finally made up and I am so thankful that it has happened in episode 3 in fear of it continuing for too long and Peter Mullan’s final joke towards Durin IV at the end of their exchange gave the funniest laugh so far. Disa continues to be the Dwarf of reason and Sophia Nomvete continues to excel in the role in grounding the 2 Durin’s at time.

Peter Mullan as King Durin III ©Primevideo

Episode 3 is a strong episode and is paced very well, in fact one of the best paced episodes of the show so far, mainly because the scenes that normally take up the most time and importance (Lindon-elven and Rhûn) are put aside and gives room for some of the more background characters to come centre stage whilst the ringmaking and Annatar shenanigans in Eregion also importantly sharing the limelight too. Episode 3 finishes strong with some familiar creatures and episode 4 is shaping up to be an exciting episode.