Rings of Power 2×04: The Oldest Man in Middle Earth

If there was anything different about the first episodes, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Poweris his turn toward darkness. Especially when the story becomes a confrontation—psychological and real—with darkness. This trend continues in the fourth episode, which quickly brings the series to the mid-season mark and makes it clear: that the tone of the presentation will only become darker.

As planned in Episode 3, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo) set off for Eregion in a small party. The purpose is twofold. On the one hand, to check that all is well in the kingdom of the Elven smiths. On the other hand, to investigate what kind of pernicious effect Sauron’s (Charlie Vickers) malevolent presence may have had on the creation of the three Elven Rings of Power. As you may recall, the magical jewels are already in the hands of Cirdan (Ben Daniels), High King Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker) and Galadriel herself.

Together, the mysterious objects managed to heal the evil that had afflicted the children of Valinor and demonstrated their power. But the fact that Sauron collaborated in his forge makes the miracle seem tainted by darkness. So finding Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) becomes a priority. But soon there are problems along the way, including a collapsed bridge that could lead them directly to this region. Trying to get there, Elrond decides to go south. Only for the sake of the ring that Galadriel wears, to show him what lurks in the shadows of the earth. But for now, The future Lord of Rivendell has only one goal – to carry out his orders, so he ignores it.

Fear is becoming more dangerous in Middle-earth

On the other side of the land, Rune has been reduced to a desolate wasteland by the power that the Stranger (Daniel Weyman) has unleashed without control. Sure, he managed to fight off the minions of the local Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds), but the sandstorm he caused has thrown Nori (Markella Cavenagh) and Poppy (Megan Richards) into the air. So now the search is twofold. The nameless Istar, He knows that there is an evil force at work in the region, and what’s more, he is actively looking for it.

But in the midst of his desperate escape, he runs into an old acquaintance from J. R. R. Tolkien’s books who has never been included in any of his film adaptations. This is Tom Bombadil (Rory Kinnear), one of the most beloved and enigmatic characters in British fiction. The oldest being in Middle-earth, he is also the most knowledgeable, and the only one in Arda who is unaffected by Sauron’s power. On this occasion, In the Prime Video series, he is shown to be very similar to how he is described in the books.

Dressed in outlandish attire, the mysterious and lonely character (his wife Goldberry has not yet appeared in the series) communicates in riddles and half-truths. As a result, the conversation between him and the Stranger is disconcerting. Especially when, in the midst of the increasingly incomprehensible dialogue, the nameless Istar encounters what appear to be a pair of Ents (voiced by Jim Broadbent and Olivia Williams), the saga’s memorable talking trees. Overall, the sequence is a bit rushed and awkward. Especially when it’s noticeable, Very fast presentation, no interest in delving into the characters.

Turning Interest to the Stranger

Overall, Tom Bombadil’s speech is of great interest. In addition to confirming his age – he insists that he is older than the stars, rivers and trees – he declares that his wisdom is based on observation. A point that allows the Stranger to understand that he was not really looking for a star map, but, in fact, information he receives from a mysterious and ancient creature.

Another interesting point is that it finally becomes clear that the Dark Wizard, as yet unnamed but in hiding, is looking for a way to control his magic. The overall story suggests that both the Stranger and the powerful Istar, who lives in the shadow of Rune, at least share a common origin. However, the plot fails to fully establish the line that unites both characters. Especially when it is revealed almost immediately that the mysterious and evil man from the region surrendered to the darkness as soon as he arrived. Is this Saruman? There is little evidence on this matter.

New ancestors of the hobbits

A little further from where the Stranger is looking for them, Nori and Poppy are lost in the middle of the desert, making an increasingly difficult walk. But almost by the will of “fate” – a concept that is very present in the fourth chapter of the series – they come across a surprise. It is a Forth, another subspecies from which hobbits are descended and which, Like the pelosos, they are small in stature and can walk.

For The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Powerseems to play a major role in the description of the new tribe and spends a lot of time on stage. Which also provides data on the Dark Wizard. Not only does he cause fear (that is, of course), but he is also trying to control the region. Which in a sense makes him equal to Sauron.

The plot tries to delve into the idea that evil lurks in various places in Middle-earth, but the script partly fails to provide a coherent map of events. At this point, everything seems to indicate that there will be a confrontation between Sauron, once he has succeeded in taking the Rings, and a man living in the East. What makes this clear is a brief scene in which a visible Istar announces that he will take care of himself. The stranger will provoke a confrontation against “every force” that competes with him.

South, land of darkness

Once in the South, Galadriel and Elrond discover that the advance of Evil in the area is far worse than they had anticipated. In fact, they are about to face the greatest incarnation of terror in the midst of a desperate escape. The ghosts of Quebradas de los Tumulos are perhaps the darkest point of the chapter on the infestation of evil. The series essentially uses the resource to show the extent to which the Elves of Lindon are oblivious to what is happening. Which includes discovering thatHigh King Gil-galad’s envoys to Eregion are slain.

Also in the south, Arundir (Ismael Cruz Cordova) discovers that Theo (Tyro Muhafidin) may be in a dangerous situation after his disappearance last week. This makes the elf suspect – and rightly so – that Estrid (Nia Taul) may betray them. Especially when he discovers the mark of Adar on his neck. Which will lead to The characters will sooner or later depend on Estrid’s good will to save their lives.

In the final episode, the episode shows Adar (Sam Hazeldine) attacking Galadriel, who tries to stop him, while Elrond escapes with his Ring. Again, The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power You are having serious difficulty organizing all the information you want to display. This turns Chapter 4 into a jumbled map of influences and situations. One of the lowest points of the plot.