In Episode 4 we find Elrond and Galadriel strategizing their next move to locate Celebrimbor. They decide to gather a small group of skilled fighters—a classic ensemble to embark on this quest. As they traverse the eerie landscape of Eregion, Elrond’s decision to go south clashes with Galadriel’s instincts about the evil lurking in the hills.
Meanwhile, the Stranger arrives at a house owned by Tom Bombadil. After a brief encounter, he unwittingly gets trapped by an Ent while trying to recover a map. Nori and Poppy, still navigating their Harfoot journey, encounter Merimac and learn about the new “Stoors” who live in a village nearby. Here, Nori hears about a prophecy involving a “suzat,” tying their fate to a promised land.
Back in Eregion, our band of elves faces a new threat: Barrow-wights. Elrond saves Galadriel from their grasp, revealing that only the blades with which the wights were buried can defeat them. As they fend off these dark creatures, Galadriel feels the ring she possesses is guiding them towards a greater purpose.
The climax sees Galadriel face a legion of orcs alone, showcasing her strength. However, Adar’s arrival extinguishes her fierce flame. Meanwhile, Isildur and Arondir are on a quest to find Theo, leading to a tense confrontation with Ents. Their bond with the forest deepens, yet romantic tensions complicate their mission.
This episode continues the trend of dragging its narrative through familiar territory, leaning heavily on scenes reminiscent of Peter Jackson’s films. The dialogue feels recycled, and the attempts to create tension often fall flat. Galadriel’s character is portrayed as a warrior, yet the writing struggles to make her journey compelling.
The subplot involving Nori and Poppy seems to distract more than it contributes, feeling like unnecessary padding in an already bloated narrative. The pacing issues are glaring, leaving us yearning for stronger character development and meaningful stakes. The supposed “girl-boss” moments lack the depth needed to make us genuinely invested.
Ultimately, The Rings of Power feels like an expensive tribute to its source material rather than a bold reimagining. As we reach the midpoint of the season, the lack of originality and coherence remains disheartening. Here’s hoping the second half can find its footing, but I’m not holding my breath.
