Around
The protagonists and plot of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” were brilliantly presented in the premiere of its pilot episodes. Since so many different events take place in Middle-earth, it’s good to get an overview of the main players so you know who to turn to when they finally join the armies to defeat the villain. Episode 3 focused on high stakes and thrilling action, while the previous two episodes laid the groundwork for expected danger.
In the opening scenes of Episode 3 of Rings of Power, we see Galadriel and Mark Hall stranded at sea and at the mercy of a wooden log, while being rescued by a Numenoreon ship, and guess who was on that ship? Yes, Elendil, and he then took the couple to the beautiful city of Numenor.
The fact that no elf has set foot in the land of Numenor for centuries should come as no surprise, nor should the fact that no one there is happy with an elf wandering around. The storytelling in “The Rings of Power” continues to set new standards. Everything about the land of Numenor is so delightfully special that it makes you want to pack your bags and stay there for the rest of time.
Finally some action
Although there was an Elvin showdown with the Snow Orc in the pilot episode, fans were really yearning for some Elf-Orc action, and Episode 3 didn’t disappoint. Episode 3 immediately jumps into exciting scenes. It all starts with the kidnapping of Roundir by a band of Orcs; however, he is not the only one to have been kidnapped; several of his buddies were also taken prisoner. The mission of this group is to pave the way for the Orcs to invade strategic areas of Middle-earth.
The climax of the episode is an intense battle involving Arondir and his allies and the Orcs. The battle is well planned and quite violent. The Lord of the Rings films have never been about graphic violence, so there’s no gratuitous bloodshed as seen in the Scorcese films.
Rounding’s frantic efforts to aid his companions in their escape provide the episode’s climactic scenes. At this point, he’s easily the most badass elf I’ve seen so far. Not only does he bravely take on the orcs and their pet (I don’t know what it was, a dog! a wolf! who cares, he’s dead too!), but he also puts his comrades in front him in danger. Unfortunately for him, most of his troops perished in the fighting. ‘Adar’ intervenes just in time to save him from being killed by the orcs.
Who is Adar
There was a mention that the Elvish word Adar means “father”. We believe a fallen elf helped Sauron. It is likely that the orcs regard the leader as a father. After his fall, Morgoth is said to have corrupted some elves and locked them away.
All of this is told in The Silmarillion. Many new faces were introduced in this episode, and we may learn more about their history in future episodes. The miniseries seemed boring and slow at first, but eventually picked up pace, making it a fun show to watch on Friday nights.
Morfydd Clark reaffirms why the actress is perfect for the role of Galadriel. Her dialogue with Queen Miriel of Numenor was incredible, and hearing them both passionately defend their views highlighted the vital role women have played throughout Middle-earth history.
However, the episode’s standout performances come from Ismael Cruz Cordova who plays Arondir as well as Lloyd Owen who portrays Elendil. There is a huge mystery at the end of this episode since we will meet a new character who could become pivotal later.
