The second episode takes us deep into the heart of Khazad-Dûm. The dwarves are busy working, but trouble brews beneath the mountain. A sudden rockfall destroys a bridge, serving as an ominous sign. Disa, sensing the shift, feels the bond with the mountain may be lost. Her concern grows, and she pushes Durin to speak with his father and mend their fractured relationship. Unfortunately, Durin’s father remains distant, refusing to reconcile, leaving their father-son tension unresolved against the looming darkness.
Meanwhile, Galadriel wrestles with unsettling visions tied to her connection with Sauron through the Ring. Distracted and haunted, she pushes for a bold attack on Mordor but shares her suspicions with Gil-Galad that Sauron may be using the Rings to corrupt them from within. Gil-Galad, however, remains unconvinced, believing Celebrimbor’s secrets are safe.
Elsewhere, the Stranger and his companions, Nori and Poppy, find themselves hunted by Brank and his men. As danger approaches, the Stranger’s powers come to life, conjuring a powerful storm to fend off their attackers. At the same time, Sauron—disguised as Halbrand—continues his manipulation of Celebrimbor, weaving a web of deceit and drawing him closer with promises of greatness.
This episode builds tension effectively, but it does so at the expense of pacing. The dwarves’ storyline is rich with emotional conflict, especially between Durin and his father, yet it feels somewhat overshadowed by the slower moments. Disa’s fear and Durin’s optimism are engaging, but the pacing drags, leaving some scenes feeling like filler.
Galadriel’s storyline is where the stakes truly rise, but her dialogue still feels uneven. Her intense connection to Sauron and her push to strike at Mordor add layers of intrigue, but lines like her harp metaphor take away from the gravity of the situation.
The Stranger’s magical tornado scene is visually impressive, yet his plot with the Harfoots feels disconnected from the larger narrative, which lessens the urgency. Sauron’s manipulation of Celebrimbor is the highlight, though. It’s fascinating to see him subtly tighten his grip on Middle-Earth’s fate, even if the emotional depth of their interactions could be richer.
The episode successfully raises the stakes, but with so many moving parts, it sometimes feels like we’re left wanting more cohesion. Still, the darkness is creeping closer, and the tension continues to build, making us eager for what’s next.
