The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has really stuck true to its roots thus far. It’s given audiences in-depth storytelling and background in a way that is heartfelt and entertaining. It has also allowed the audience to journey past Middle Earth and explore the rest of this world.

We really see the story pick up

But we knew at some point that we had to return to the start, the latest episode brings us back to Middle Earth where we really see the story pick up.

All of the episodes have been great, but as we have mentioned before, in previous reviews, the writers are fighting a battle. They must decide how much of each group we get to see per episode. And honestly, so far, it’s balanced brilliantly. When every faction’s objective is the same, every faction gets screen time. When there is something bigger in mind that drives the plot forward the groups involved are front and center.

In this week’s episode, we are back on Middle Earth and there were clearly struggles. The orcs vs humans, light vs dark, and mythical vs ordinary are bigger themes that Tolkien uses as well as just enriching his story with two sides of the same coin in different ways. The pacing was brilliant, it just kept moving forward and the plot advanced so well that there wasn’t any time to miss the presence of elves or hobbits. 

What Happened?

We spent most of our time in the Southlands with the humans, watching them be resourceful and deliberate against the orcs. Using all of the daylight to booby trap their camp was so smart, yes they are eventually overrun but the way they were able to hold off the orcs was wonderful. Considering that really the only thing the factions of Middle Earth fear are orcs (and sometimes trolls) any of the humans surviving was impressive. 

One of the things that makes Tolkien so distinct and so brilliant is his dialogue. Every line is ornate and everything the characters say sounds beautiful, it’s what adds to the myth and magic of Middle Earth. Some of the best lines of this episode were;

“In the end, the shadow is but a small and passing thing”, which also articulates one of Tolkien’s main themes really well.

And…

“We can not satisfy thirst by drinking seawater”, is not only a beautiful line but a perfect commentary on the desire for revenge. 

What Comes Next?

This episode had a lot of action but it also had a lot of character advancement that is going to have major effects on the future of Middle Earth. First, Halbrand acknowledges and accepts his place as king of the Southlands. Second, the water run we see at the end of the episode ignites Mount Doom (? that is the theory). Third, the leader of the orcs claims that he has killed Sauron, now that obviously isn’t true but that should make his re-emergence quite epic for everyone. And fourth, Isildur and his dad have a major bonding moment that will lead to Isildur becoming a warrior. 

Episode 6 also opened up a lot of questions, the answers to which would have major consequences for the whole of Middle Earth. Now that Halbrand is king, what does that mean for his and Galadriel’s friendship/partnership? With Galadriel back in Middle Earth will Arondir go with her or stay with the humans? Having Numenor helped the people of the Southlands will they return home or help Galadriel on her quest?

The show will definitely answer these in time. But perhaps not this season as we know Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power is slated for five seasons. So we may be wandering Middle Earth for answers for a while. 

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