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Review: The dwarves once again prove why they’re the best part of The Rings of Power in Episode 206

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Review: The dwarves once again prove why they're the best part of The Rings of Power in Episode 206

As a lifelong fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, I must confess that this week’s episode of “The Rings of Power” left me with mixed feelings, much like a half-full ale mug on a stormy night in the Shire.

Each passing week brings a fresh installment of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power“, and here I am once more echoing my sentiments: the dwarves are charming, Sauron is masterfully cunning, while the rest is somewhat mediocre.

To begin with the aspects I appreciated, this show has an unusual knack for making the dwarves its standout characters. The couple Disa and Durin, in particular, have a charm that outshines other series characters. They are endearing, amusing, relatable, and they uphold their convictions without slipping into cliches or becoming overly sentimental. Their scenes consistently grab my focus, accounting for about 30% of my total attention. The Rings of Power possess a unique appeal, but unfortunately, the rest of the show seems to pale in comparison.

In this episode, Durin III frets over his king father being controlled by his ring. As Durin III continues to delve deeper into the mountain, there’s a risk of waking up the monster hidden beneath. Disa deduces that the best way to halt him is by sealing off the mine tunnel themselves. However, Durin IV finds it hard to disobey his father despite knowing he isn’t beyond redemption. The king may be far gone, but Durin IV still cherishes and admires him. The emotional scene where Durin IV breaks down crying showcases how the series skillfully combines personal drama with grandeur.

In the end, Durin and Disa decide to carry out their demonstration together. I think that if other characters were given this identical storyline, it might not be as effective as it is for the dwarves. Perhaps it’s because the dwarves are mythical beings who can perform extraordinary feats like conjuring huge bats with a melody, yet they aren’t so outlandish that we can’t empathize with their family struggles. Alternatively, it might be due to the fact that the dwarves are allowed brief moments of humor and individuality, something that seems scarcely granted to humans and elves in this series. Durin and Disa exchange witty banter. They go shopping, they argue and squabble. Seeing them happy makes their hardships more relatable, making it easier for me to feel compassion when they face difficulties, as I am familiar with what they have lost. The contrast adds depth to their characters.

The only question I have about the dwarves is what happened to Durin and Disa’s kids. I hope they found a good babysitter.

The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power review: season 2, Episode 6

I too find myself captivated by Sauron’s storyline in Eregion this season, as he skillfully deceives Celebrimbor, the elven smith, into forging the Rings of Power. Not only does Sauron persuade Celebrimbor that the rings are his fate, but he convinces all of Celebrimbor’s subordinates that their boss is losing his mind. In this intricate plot, Sauron, disguised as Annatar, portrays a patient and understanding confidant to Celebrimbor’s mood swings. He escalates the deception by altering Celebrimbor’s perception, making him believe that the elven city of Eregion is safe when in reality it’s under siege from Adar and his followers.

Sauron really wants him to complete those nine rings of power for men, no doubt to increase his control over the movers and shakers of Middle-earth. I can imagine a man like Ar-Pharazôn taking to corruption like a fish to water. Speaking of Pharazôn (and water), the new king of Númenor decides that Elendil must be punished after the fracas in last week’s episode that left Valandil dead; of course, Pharazôn’s cowardly son Kemen was actually responsible for that tragedy, but that’s not the story Pharazôn is going with.

In simpler terms, Elendil is a significant figure among those loyal to their beliefs, resisting Pharazôn’s ascent to authority. Pharazôn attempts to manipulate the situation by demanding Elendil pledge loyalty to him in public, or face death. However, Elendil refuses. In typical Númenorean fashion, when faced with a tricky predicament, they choose to imprison Elendil and cast him into the sea, leaving his fate to be determined by a colossal sea creature.

The best thing about this plotline is Pharazôn growing increasingly mad with power; he’s starting to use the Palantír and clealy it’s messing him up. The actual politicking reads as too simple, like the show wants to be Game of Thrones but doesn’t quite make it. Although the sea monster is a new twist. In the end, Míriel takes Elendil’s place and is tossed into the sea, which is apparently allowed under what must be the very colorful Númenorean legal code, and emerges unharmed, proof that she might be the rightful ruler of Númenor after all. This is why sea monster-based justice systems don’t work.

Long ago in Middle-earth, Adar persuades Galadriel that unity is key to vanquishing their mutual adversary: Sauron. At first, she hesitates but eventually trusts him and discloses details about the elven army’s strategies. However, Adar had merely been gathering intel and swiftly attacks Eregion, aiming to eliminate not only Sauron but Galadriel as well. Thus, Galadriel falls prey once more to a deceitful antagonist, performing actions she shouldn’t. This seems to be a recurring theme with her.

After making a brief visit to Rhûn, we check in on the harfoots residing in Stoor village, who seem leisurely without any significant events occurring. Meanwhile, the Stranger follows Tom Bombadil’s advice and searches for a magic staff. As an ardent fan of The Lord of the Rings books, I find the portrayal of Tom Bombadil unsettling. In the original story, he is indifferent to the larger world events with comic undertones; however, here he seems overly concerned about Sauron and the Dark Wizard ruling over Rhûn, a faction we have barely encountered. I struggle to envision a dedicated Lord of the Rings fan writing for this series and finding this character integration satisfying or even necessary.

Verdict

I enjoy “The Rings of Power,” but it sometimes seems disorganized and inconsistent. Characters like Tom Bombadil seem out of place within a story that doesn’t fully utilize him, and I find it challenging to forge an emotional bond with serious characters such as Elendil and Míriel. The events unfold in a way that feels both rushed and drawn-out at times. With only two episodes left this season, it appears some plotlines are just starting to gather momentum. This makes the more straightforward, engaging scenes involving the dwarves even more appealing.

As a devoted viewer, it’s evident that the series is gearing up for an epic showdown next week, and I can hardly wait! Fingers crossed this grand finale brings some much-needed clarity to the storyline. Let the climax unfold; I remain hopeful and eager to witness it all.

The Bullet Points of Power

  • Arondir shows up at the top of the episode, kills a few orcs and finds a map. He’s probabaly headed to Eregion. Tune in next week.
  • Poppy and the Stoor known as Nobody share a kiss. It’s a sweet scene. The harfoot sections came and went in a flash this week.
  • In The Silmarillion, we learn that Morgoth’s crown was beaten into a collar and fastened around his neck before he was tossed through the Door of Night. So I call bullshit on Adar having that miniature version. He got that at Party City.
  • I also don’t like the idea that Morgoth’s crown and Galadriel’s ring of power together can kill Sauron. It reduces the mystery of his godly immortality to a math equation: if we combine the powers of these two macguffins, maybe that will be enough to end him for good! I’m sure it’s difficult to write around the rules, such as they are, regarding the magic in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world. I think the best approach would be to give it up and embrace the ambiguity.

Episode Grade: C+

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2024-09-19 14:41

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