Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power: Season 1 Episode 6: 'Where is He' Review

This episode was a whirlwind of intrigue and character development! There's a lot going on, and the way the writers are weaving them together is definitely a mixed bag.

Arondir’s encounter with the orc defectors seems like a clever way to connect him to the larger conflict brewing in Eregion. It’s nice to see the show integrating action with plot progression, especially with Arondir picking up that crucial map. The intertwining of Arondir's arc with the larger conflict in Eregion certainly adds depth, and it’s smart how they’ve used his encounter with the orcs to set him on a crucial path.

Celebrimbor’s descent into madness is fascinating, especially with Annatar’s manipulations at play. The costume change is a nice touch, symbolizing the duality of his character. Mirdania calling him out adds a layer of tension; it’s bold and really sets the tone for the shifting dynamics among the Elven smiths. Celebrimbor’s unraveling under Annatar's influence is a compelling exploration of ambition and hubris. His interactions with Mirdania reveal the fractures within the Elven community, and it’ll be interesting to see how that affects their cohesion as the pressure mounts. The subtlety of Annatar’s manipulation keeps the tension high.

The dinner scene with Galadriel and Adar is such a wild twist! It’s intriguing to see Galadriel wrestle with the idea of allegiance, even temporarily. Adar’s refusal to heed her warnings about Sauron shows the depth of his obsession, which adds to the complexity of their conflict. Galadriel’s dinner with Adar is a fascinating character moment, showing her internal struggle and the weight of her past decisions. Again, it’s a bold narrative choice that adds complexity to her character. Adar’s fixation on Sauron as the ultimate enemy, despite being manipulated himself, highlights the cyclical nature of power and obsession in Middle-earth.

As for Númenor, Elendil's defiance against Ar-Pharazôn is powerful. His character feels like a worthy ancestor to Aragorn, and the trial by sea is such a dramatic moment! Míriel stepping in at the last moment seems like a bold move, and it’s unclear how the people will react to her now being their potential queen. The shifting loyalties and rising tensions in Númenor definitely have potential for explosive developments.

The subplot with Tom Bombadil and The Stranger is a breath of fresh air, especially with the classic fantasy elements. Their journey seems rich with potential for deeper exploration of themes, especially regarding power and its mastery.

Nori’s interactions with the Stoors are another highlight, bringing a more personal touch to the overarching narratives. The budding romance between Poppy and Nobody adds a nice whimsical element to balance the darker tones elsewhere in the episode.

Overall, this episode really picks up the pace and injects some much-needed excitement into the series. I’m hoping the momentum carries forward as they wrap up the season! What do you think will be the biggest implications of these character arcs moving forward?