The Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
But Halbrand knows otherwise.
Halbrands possible past is repeating itself in the present.
Its not, as Waldreg learns the hard way after calling Adar by that name.
(Is this the same shameful act Halbrand committed?
No wonder he suggests that everyone will hate him when they find out.)
So who is Adar, and what does he want?
We get some more hints this week as he comforts an orc.
Noting its aversion to sunlight, Adar says, Soon it will be gone.
And with it, the part of me that knew its warmth as well.
I shall miss it.
Is the plan to knock out the sun itself?
That sounds pretty bad!
Adars shaping up to be one of the series most compelling characters.
We see him commit awful acts, but he gives off an aura of sensitivity.
Most villagers want to stay in the tower, but those who dont shout their doubts with great scorn.
In Numenor, Miriel finds considerable enthusiasm for venturing to Middle-earth with Galadriel, but its certainly not universal.
Its not, well learn later.
Disa just needs a new table.
Middle-earth needs elves to protect it; elves need light.
Without it, oh boy, here comes trouble.)
Its not clear what the next step in the plan was to be.
Taking it by force?
As it turns out, that wont be necessary.
Durin wants to help the elves because in his heart he has no choicebutto help them.
(And he really wants that table.)
Durin is, of course, Durin III, and Durin IV still calls the shots.
Its not the most true-to-Tolkien touch in this episode, however.
He seems to mean well, but he also seems dangerous.
As with the rest of Partings, the series leaves it to future episodes to provide the answer.
Mithril Links
So just who is the Stranger, anyway?
Is he one of their own?
(Wizards do love robes and a staff.)
Theres also a theory that hes Sauron, though that possibility seems less likely as the series progresses.
This show skirts expectations, though, so who really knows?
Will we learn why theyre called those names?
(See also: all the dumb objections to the diverse casting of this show.)
Is the Grove actually the Shire by another name?
Are the harfoots moving toward a less peripatetic, more hobbity existence?
Bronwyn-Arondir kiss watch: not even close this week, particularly once Bronwyn suggests surrender.
Its nice to see Arondir behaving with fatherly affection toward Theo, however.
That kid needs some positive role models.
Ill serve you then, whoever you are!
Is Waldreg the shows most despicable character?
He loves Sauron, but any power-wielding Middle-earth fascist will do in a pinch.
Correction: An earlier version of this recap said there was a flashback to Halbrands past.
It was actually a cut to Adars present-day encounter with Waldreg, suggesting a thematic connection.
