The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power 2×05: Middle-earth Fights Darkness

In the fifth episode of the second season The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power They delve into the nature of evil in Middle-earth. An interesting topic that has been touched upon several times, but the latest issue explores it in depth using several different scenarios. The result is a map of the situation that makes it clear that the mythical land is becoming corrupted on all sides. This is not news – after all, That’s the idea of ​​the series – but yes, it’s an interesting approach.

Which leads to the argument Khazad-dum. The Dwarf Kingdom is in grave danger, and in the new chapter it is closer than ever. The inability of its inhabitants to dig holes that allow light to pass through and therefore benefit crops makes survival underground increasingly difficult. But for King Durin III (Peter Mullan), the priority is different – to find gold. Which confirms that the ring he brought from Eregion is beginning to poison his intentions. Most worryingly, The fact is that at the bottom of the great dwarven mines lives a dark presence.

Something that Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) immediately notices and makes him wary of what they might find in their haphazard, ambition-driven excavations. As always, the script The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power spend time pondering the greed in the Dwarf kingdom. At the same time, it’s the only visible sign of Sauron’s (Charlie Vickers) influence on the race. However, the script has trouble establishing its true relevance—the potential for large-scale tragedy—so the subplot feels disjointed. with the rest of what happens in the chapter.

A plan prepared in the forges

In Eregion, Annatar’s manipulations become more precise and lead to a key point. The creation of more magical jewels to implement the overall plan, which is half revealed in Chapter 4. Plot The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Powerplays on the idea of ​​Sauron’s duplicity on two fronts. First, by showing that the character knows which spots to touch to make people obey him, without it being too obvious that he’s exerting pressure. The other extreme is the ability Mayan corrupted to achieve small successes even when his victims resist him.

Of course, at the center of everything he does is Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards), who finally begins to notice that Annatar is trying to push his will. Once again, the show shows that this is the most carefully crafted conflict, the one that is best handled and that supports the premise of season two. Namely, that evil is everywhere, and that darkness is much more than violence. The argument benefits from the ability Edwards, to give the elven blacksmith the status of a victim of an even greater tragedy.

It is also common knowledge that Annatar needs Celebrimbor, which ultimately explains why he cannot carry out his plan. This is despite the fact that he had the largest forge in Middle-earth at his disposal and enough mithril to do so. But the truth is that, while Annatar’s skill is amazing, it cannot compare to that of the famous smith of Valinor. So he needs your help to carry out forge the remaining rings that will allow his plan to come to fruition.

Nine Rings for Male Kings

Of course, this is easier said than done. One of the most interesting things about the chapter is that it makes it clear that this Sauron with the face of Annatar is not yet the same creature that readers and fans of the film trilogy know. In fact, he is an evil creature who is still learning his limits and how make your undoubted abilities work to your advantage.

In a particularly interesting twist The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Powershows that the rings are capable of revealing the true nature of the evil that dwells in Annatar. And this is true, suggesting that the corruption in the forge is more than just a threat. The plot twist is well thought out, and manages to combine Lindon, Eregion, and the Dwarven kingdom into one premise. This, while making it clear that the Rings are capable of influencing personality and behavior – as it happens with Durin – and be the perfect weapon.

But no one has a clear idea of ​​what they can actually do. This makes Chapter 4 a small intrigue, which occasionally displays cruel malice to hide the intentions of its villain. It does not always work so effectively – you regret when the thick atmosphere dissolves – and in the end everything points to the goal. Show Annatar that he must destroy the kingdom of Eregion.

Political chaos in Numenor

With Pharazon (Tristan Gravel) on the throne, the island of Numenor begins to suffer under a harsh regime with totalitarian overtones. Including the search for traitors and an iron fist to punish enemies. The series shows that what was once a prosperous and free kingdom has degenerated so much from the wisdom on which it was founded that it has become a nest of all kinds of corruption. The idea is interesting and is actually implemented in a comprehensive manner. But the production The Prime Video star has trouble with the political subtleties the script demands.

Chapter 5 thus spends more time than necessary speculating on what will be a turning point in the order of things. The Isle of Man is currently in chaos. What could possibly coincide with the arrival of—it has perhaps been hinted at?—a powerful ring Elven, who ultimately buries the goodness and righteousness of the enclave.

Finally, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) discovers in a brief scene that Adair’s (Sam Hazeldine) intentions are closer to hers than she might have guessed. At least the wicked elf makes that clear. Both are united by the need to confront Sauron and stop his advance. Episode Five The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power It is unclear how this will happen, but yes, this is the ultimate goal of the entire orc campaign to the north. But again, the show misses an interesting point by leaving specific explanations up in the air.