The sixth episode opens with Arondir tracking rogue orcs in the woods, leading to the discovery of a cryptic map. Meanwhile, Celebrimbor grows increasingly frustrated with his elven helpers, only to be manipulated further by Sauron, who gains more control over Eregion. Sauron, under the guise of helping Celebrimbor, takes charge of the city’s affairs and begins investigating the delayed mithril shipment from the Dwarves.
As tensions rise, a chilling event shakes the town—an unidentified body is found with a sinister message carved into its chest: “Where is He?” While Celebrimbor remains in the dark, Sauron secretly buries the body, hiding the message from master Smith. Over in Númenor, Elendil faces a life-altering decision: swear fealty to Pharazôn or face execution. Despite the pressure from Muriel and Earien, Elendil refuses to bow, staying true to his principles. As the Valar are called upon to judge his fate, Muriel, now blind, steps forward to face her reckoning, taking the place of Elendil.
Elsewhere, Sauron’s influence continues to spread. Galadriel, now working with Adar, devises a plan to confront Sauron, but their uneasy alliance is filled with suspicion. At the same time, the dwarves face internal strife as King Durin, consumed by power, refuses to cooperate with Sauron’s request for mithril, leading to a dangerous shift in their kingdom.
This episode builds on several key plotlines, offering intense moments of suspense and character development. Arondir’s pursuit of the orcs provides an engaging start, and the discovery of the cryptic map hints at deeper mysteries yet to unfold. Celebrimbor’s interactions with Sauron are particularly compelling, as we witness the master Smith unknowingly falling into Sauron’s trap, setting the stage for the forging of the rings.
However, the episode suffers from pacing issues, particularly in Númenor, where Elendil’s moral dilemma is powerful but drawn out. The dramatic tension is present, yet the scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged, diluting their impact. The episode shines in its depiction of Sauron’s quiet manipulation and the growing unrest in Eregion, but the lack of urgency in certain plotlines makes the hour-long runtime feel stretched.
Overall, while the episode successfully builds tension and deepens character arcs, the slow pacing prevents it from reaching its full potential. With the stage set for a larger conflict, the stakes are rising, but a tighter narrative would have made this installment more impactful.
