The second episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, entitled “Where the Stars Are Strange” gives us more insight into what the rest of middle Earth has been dealing with. The first episode of the season focused mostly on the Elves. They were the first to receive rings, and they are currently the faction in Middle Earth with the closest relationship to Sauron. The second episode, “Where Stars Are Strange,” gives us a closer look into our other characters. In the last episode, we saw that Nori, Poppy, and The Stranger are being followed by a mysterious someone, and Adar and the Orcs are forging Mordor.

The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power, Season 2, Episode 1, “Where the Stars Are Strange”

In Season Two of The Rings of Power, the epic drama unfolds as Sauron (Charlie Vickers), cast out and alone, strategically plots his return to power. He sets in motion the creation of the Rings of Power, aiming to control Middle-earth. Beloved characters face increasing darkness, testing their resolve and straining friendships. As kingdoms crumble and darkness looms, the forces of good fight desperately to protect what matters most. The series brings to life the legendary Second Age of Middle-earth, showcasing the forging of powers, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the testing of heroes against Tolkien’s most formidable villain.

Last season, Dwarf Prince Durin IV (Owain Arthur) was pretty much exiled. Now he and Princess Disa (Sophia Nomvete) have walked away from their riches and are shopping among the common dwarves. When they are in the marketplace, the mountain experiences an earthquake, and then the lights go out. Having seen very little of Durin and Disa so far, the show really sets you up to worry about them every second they aren’t on screen.

Galadriel’s Prophetic Vision

Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) dreams of the Rings prophecy, “Three for Elven kings under the sky, Seven for the dwarf lords in their halls of stone, Nine for mortal men doomed to die”…she sees this before Lord Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) is quite brutally killed. This also confirms to her that Sauron has already gotten to Celebrimbor. Galadriel doesn’t really gain her prophetic ability until wearing the ring. They seem to simply enhance the innate Elven magic that they possess. The Elven messengers sent to Celebrimbor were killed before they could warn him, meaning that he is unaware that Halbrand and Sauron are one and the same. When Celebrimbor finally speaks with Halbrand, he is very easily manipulated.

The Stranger’s Name and Rising Power, Key Character Developments, and the Rings of Power

The beings following The Stranger (Daniel Weyman), Nori Brandyfoot (Markella Kavenagh), and Poppy Proudfellow (Megan Richards) are given a clearer background. The White Wings bring warnings of Sauron to who we only know as the Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds). The title of the episode could apply to most of the episode. It could be about The Stranger and the halflings venturing where they’ve never been before. Possibly about Celebrimbor forging invisible messages out of Mithril. It could refer to the dwarves being cut off from their mountain. Or maybe it’s about the Elves’ new prophetic abilities.

The Stranger has this whole piece about already having a name and that you know it in your heart when you hear it. This means that, if the show’s writing stays consistent, we will find out who he is by the end of this season. The girls find a well of water, and at it, The Stranger acquires a staff. However, the trackers that have been following them find and attack them. The Stranger unleashes magic but loses control and, in doing so, loses Nori and Poppy.

Disa seems to have a more prominent role this season, which is great because she was amazing last season but a bit underutilized. Durin and Disa are really a beautiful couple. She has no problem pushing back against his stubbornness; she even stands up to the king. And he very clearly wants what is best for her and their family. Galadriel finally admits that she is vulnerable to Sauron, but Elrond still refuses to help her. It’s clear that there will come a point where he won’t have a choice. But by then, it might be too late to stop him. It is Círdan (Ben Daniels) who convinces Elrond that the rings can be used for good.

“Where the Stars are Strange” – A Fitting Title for a Focused and Fast-Paced Season

“Where the Stars are Strange” really gets to the point as far as what this season is going to be about. The pacing of this season seems to be much faster. There is a better balance between storylines; you never have to go too terribly long without following your favorite character. This season is also very much more focused. The Elves have their story, Galadriel pointed out that Sauron will need more to accomplish what he wants. We have heard the prophecy, and Halbrand directly asks Celebrimbor for rings for men. We have also seen the ring’s power over creatures. The season will expand on this concept, as will the relationship between Celebrimbor and Halbrand, as well as Galadriel and Halbrand.

The first season’s success, with over 100 million viewers, sets high expectations for the second. It has garnered a massive global audience and achieved record-breaking milestones, including the largest premiere in Prime Video’s history. Stream all of season one and watch season two episodes weekly on Prime Video.