Episode Grade: (7.9/10)
After the disappointing pilot, episode two does well to get the show back on track with more intriguing storylines. Bringing the dwarves into the fold to highlight their complicated relationship with the elves instantly adds much-needed drama to the show. With that said, the episode’s flow once again suffers from the many locations that are being covered.
Plot (40/50)
The origins of the rings of power is obviously an important part of the show -and the lore- so bringing this storyline into focus early on was necessary. I would even argue that it should’ve been done in the first episode. In any case, making the dwarf-elf dynamic a subplot of that main storyline was well done. The orcs reemerging is also a move in the right direction as it injects some action into show. Having this many unconnected locations to follow is not ideal, so it would be nice if some of these characters begin to converge sooner rather than later. The one thing that was done well in this episode is the addition of intrigue and mystery: whatever the dwarves are hiding (seems like a Silmaril), where the orcs are headed and who’s leading them there, Sauron’s magically regenerating sword with Theo, whatever happened to Halbrand’s home (could be Hordern), what happened to the people of Hordern (are they victims or instigators?), and finally, the identity of the stranger. The direction moving forward is not entirely clear, but that’s ok for now. It was nice to see the dwarves hiding a secret from the elves for once. Finally, fantasy and adventure are well and truly alive in this show, and it does look like it will get better as the season progresses.
Character Development (11/15)
The dynamic between Prince Durin and Elrond is the best-developed relationship so far. Currently, there are too many characters, and that’s significantly hampering the show’s ability to properly develop them.
Theme/Messages (4/5)
- Often times the people around you are a reflection of who you are.
- “Where there is love, it is not truly dark.”
- Trust is built brick by brick but is torn down all at once.
- “You may not claim that which you discarded.”
- “Strange how one object could be responsible for creating so much beauty and so much pain.”
- “True creation requires sacrifice.”
- Miscommunication is the cause of immeasurable damage.
Acting (12/15)
The duos of Morfydd Clark (Galadriel) and Charlie Vickers (Halbrand) as well as Robert Aramayo (Elrond) and Owain Arthur (Prince Durin) had decent chemistry.
Cinematography (12/15)
Once again, there were plenty of awesome shots of nature. Here are some scenes that stood out:
- Great shot showing how vast and daunting the sea is and how lost Galadriel truly is (3:14)
- Impressive shot of the elven city of Eregion (11:58)
- Stunning shots of the dwarven kingdom (17:35 onwards)