In the fifth episode, things take a dramatic turn in Númenor. Pharazôn’s manipulations are at their peak, as he pushes his son, Kemen, to commit terrible acts in the name of ambition. Pharazôn uses Kemen’s grief over his mother to convince him to betray Elendil and kill Valandil. This betrayal creates a horrifying ripple in the power dynamics of Númenor. Kemen’s decision to murder Valandil is both inevitable and tragic, making it one of the episode’s most intense moments.
Meanwhile, the Dwarves’ storyline brings a mix of light and darkness. Prince Durin and Disa are still a joy to watch, as they continue to provide a grounded yet fascinating narrative. The tension between Durin and his father, King Durin Senior, is palpable. There’s also a beautiful moment when the Dwarves witness the sunlight pouring into the mine, which adds a layer of hope to an otherwise grim episode.
On the Elven front, Sauron, disguised as Annatar, tightens his grip on Celebrimbor. His manipulation is in full force, wearing down Celebrimbor with psychological tricks. Sauron’s calm demeanor hides a sinister agenda, pushing Celebrimbor toward forging the Nine Rings. Despite Celebrimbor’s awareness of Annatar’s deceit, he can’t fully resist the pull of the challenge. The looming danger feels ever-present, setting up a high-stakes future.
Episode 5 excels in tension and atmosphere. The episode deepens Númenor’s political intrigue, with Pharazôn’s manipulation of Kemen showing just how dark the series is willing to go. The shift in power as Kemen betrays Elendil is gripping and brings a layer of unpredictability to the storyline. Pharazôn’s motivations are clear, but the consequences of his actions are disturbing, especially given the familial manipulation at play.
The Dwarven subplot, though quieter, continues to charm, offering moments of relief amidst the tension. Durin and Disa’s relationship is one of the series’ most enjoyable aspects, and their moments here remind us of the emotional stakes involved. The blending of lighter and darker tones works well.
Sauron’s growing influence over Celebrimbor is masterfully done. The slow, inevitable descent into forging the Rings is fascinating to watch. Overall, the episode pushes the narrative forward, giving us plenty of drama, intrigue, and emotional weight. It’s an engaging watch, with more darkness to come.
