Episode Grade: (7.9/10)
The main plot is finally starting to shape as multiple storylines and characters converge towards the Southlands. Galadriel has finally managed to find some support in Numenor and is now ready to return to Middle Earth. The orchestrator of the assembly of orcs has been identified as Adar, an elf, who has set his sights on the humans that have taken refuge in the Elvish watchtower, led by Bronwyn. As added motivation, the orcs have reported back that the hilt Adar has been after is also at the watchtower.
Plot (40/50)
Galadriel’s time at Numenor has finally been made relevant now that the Queen will support her with 10 ships of men in her fight against Sauron in the Southlands. With that said, the 180-degree change in the Queen and her people’s minds over some petals falling is barely believable, regardless of how much of an omen that is. The situation with Galadriel’s departure seems inconsistent as well. If she was truly sent off, then the petals falling might make sense, at which point the Queen would’ve had to quickly call Galadriel back and somehow keep her return a secret from everyone until her speech. That’s a stretch, but it just about works out. However, the way it was presented made it seem like Galadriel’s departure was a ruse, at which point, why would the petals have fallen? Either way the whole situation was not written well. The landscape in the Southlands is getting interesting though, with Adar and his orcs now shifting focus to the remaining humans that have taken refuge in the watchtower. There was solid if unspectacular development in Celebrimbor’s tower and the dwarfish-elvish relations. The dwarfish discovery of mithril was a nice bit of consistency. It also adds intrigue given mithril is later associated with elves. By the way, my guess that the dwarves had come across a Silmaril is flat out wrong. There’s also some intrigue regarding Waldreg’s allegiance to Sauron and Theo’s willingness to use the hilt. It makes you wonder who else is loyal to Sauron and how many are willing to embrace Adar as their leader. Moving on, Adar being an elf was a bit surprising and original considering elves have always been portrayed as morally-sound creatures, even when they’re the “bad guys.” There was some suspense in Theo’s hide-and-seek with the orcs. There was some good adventure and fantasy aspects in the episode. Finally, all directions point to a battle over the Southlands.
Character Development (11/15)
Despite only appearing for a few minutes, Adar is already one of the most interesting characters in the show. He shows compassion to the orcs and to Arondir. Making him an elf automatically adds intrigue to his backstory, now it’s up to the writers to actually give it to us. Waldreg’s allegiances to Sauron and Theo’s willingness to use the hilt give us something to watch out for moving forward. Back in Numenor, I was half-expecting Pharazon to turn on the Queen Regent, but that didn’t come to pass.
Theme/Messages (4/5)
- It’s easy to present immigrants as a very serious threat to a large part of just about any population.
- Spend time with the people you love before it’s too late.
- “Even the hottest coals eventually cool.”
- “Faith may bind one heart… but it is too fine a thread from which to hang a kingdom.”
Acting (12/15)
Joseph Mawle (Adar) was great in the limited time he was given. Ismael Cruz Cordova (Arondir) continues to deliver solid performances.
Cinematography (12/15)
There were a couple nice shots in this episode:
- Nice shots of the sun glaring (50:43, 51:10).
- Nice shot of King Durin’s room overlooking the mountain city (55:50).