The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 8 is now available on Amazon Prime Video.
Guys, it is time to throw your doubts about Amazon’s adaptation of Tolkien’s works into a trashcan. Season 1 has concluded in an epic, satisfactory, and visually breathtaking way. We have a finale that delivers. And it also takes the entire show on a new path.
SPOILER WARNING
There is no sign of the Dwarves or the Southmen in Episode 8. It means that the duo of J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay have tried to cover the show’s loose ends in the latest episode. The finale is not without its flaws. And we can debate about the episodes’ slow pacing forever. Still, it serves as an exciting and adventurous ride. Yes, we need Season 2!
Episode 8, titled “Alloyed”, starts with The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) encountering the evil cultists that we saw in the last episode. The Dweller (Bridie Sisson) and her sisters bow before him and address him as Lord Sauron. Whoa! They try to connect with him and urge him to stop using his powers before learning how to control them. On the other hand, Nori and the rest of her Harfoot gang appear to save him.
However, Sauron’s identity does not last long as The Stranger uses all his strength and powers to save Nori. He realises his inner goodness and finishes those evil cultists. But every great victory comes with a great sacrifice. In this case, poor Sadoc (Lenny Henry) makes the great sacrifice. He dies as the sun rises.
This scene makes it quite clear that The Stranger is none other than our beloved Gandalf. One of the cultists realised that he was not Lord Sauron while fighting against him. Instead, he was an Istari (Wizard). We are familiar with the three wizards/istari (The Maiar) from Tolkien’s works: Gandalf, Saruman, and Radagast. We cannot expect goodness from Saruman as he was highly ambitious and later became one of Sauron’s allies. And Radagast was way too eccentric. Although, his loyalty, selflessness, and love towards animals are unmatched.
We also see The Stranger talking with Nori and expressing his desire to go to Rhun to find out more about himself. The latter’s parents tell her to go with him as they believe that she is a part of something greater now.
The second part of the episode briefly focuses on the Numenoreans. We see them sailing back to their home while taking care of their injured ones. Upon reaching the island, they discover mourning flags hung for King Tar-Palantir (Ken Blackburn). No doubt that things will become hard for Queen Regent Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) after her father’s death. Also, we cannot put Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) completely out of the frame here.
Meanwhile, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) arrives in Eregion with a seriously injured Hallbrand (Charlie Vickers). She hands him over to the Elven healers. Also, she explains everything to Elrond (Robert Aramayo). The latter also informs her about the current well-being of the Elves.
Sometime later, Hallbrand gives Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) the idea of making an alloy with the Mithril piece to amplify its powers and save the Elven community. His deep interest in Celebrimbor’s work sows the seeds of doubts in Galadriel’s mind. She commands one of the Elven servants to gather all information about the past kings of Southlands and the crest that Hallbrand wears. Soon, she discovers that the lineage died over a thousand years ago. This scenario forces her to confront him.
Hallbrand reveals to Galadriel that he is Sauron! GASP! He informs her that he is not that bad. He wants to bestow peace on the entire Middle-earth and take her as his queen.
As a result of the above-mentioned scenario, Galadriel donates her brother’s dagger (made up of pure Valinorean silver and gold) to Celebrimbor to forge three Elvish rings. The episode ends with Hallbrand entering the lands of Mordor! Be careful, Adar!
The final episode gives a satisfying conclusion to the overall show. It focuses more on the story and characterisation rather than showing mesmerising magical stuff only. The series has utilised Tolkien’s appendices in a refreshing and enthralling (if not perfect) manner. We all know that a ‘Middle-earth-shattering’ clash between good and bad will take place in future. But how will it happen? That’s what we want to know!
Stream all episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned for more updates.