The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5 Review

The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5 Review

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in Middle Earth, let me tell you that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 is nothing short of a dream come true. The fifth episode, titled “Halls of Stone,” was a masterclass in storytelling and world-building. I’ve been following this series since its inception, and I must say, it’s been an epic journey so far.


In the second season of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” the Middle Earth tale continues to unfold in an engaging fashion. Last week, viewers were treated to their initial live-action glimpse of Tom Bombadil, portrayed by Rory Kinnear, a character from JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Furthermore, the creators ensured that fans embarked on a nostalgic trip by incorporating locations like The Barrow Downs and the Ents into the storyline.

In contrast, the episode ends with an awe-inspiring moment as Adar encounters Galadriel and seizes control over her. The closing scenes offer a sneak peek into Adar’s strategies for defeating Sauron. If Episode 4 delved deep into the impending conflict in Middle Earth, Episode 5 sheds light on developments happening elsewhere in Middle Earth, focusing on locations like Eregion, Khazad-dûm, and Númenor.

In the upcoming episode titled “Halls of Stone,” Louise Hooper and Sanaa Hamri take the helm once more. These talented directors did an exceptional job in directing the previous installment, showcasing impressive fight scenes and stunning visuals. The Halls of Stone episode offers a glimpse into the insidious influence of Sauron’s power and deception on the people of Middle Earth. We’ve seen Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) being swayed by Lord Annatar (Charlie Vickers) in the past, but this episode delves deeper into how the rings are also manipulating people to abandon their core values. Although there’s less action compared to the previous episode of The Rings of Power, it remains a powerful addition to the series due to its compelling storyline.

The main events portrayed in “Halls of Stone” unfold in Eregion, Númenor, and Khazad-dûm. The story commences with an extended sequence set within Khazad-dûm, where King Durin (played by Peter Mullan) experiences the first instance of madness caused by the rings. At first, he utilizes the ring’s power to restore light to his realm. However, his actions raise concerns among Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) and Disa (Sophia Nomvete), as they question their king’s reliance on the ring for guidance. Their doubts intensify when King Durin makes ill-advised decisions and orders his people to dig deeper in search of gold hidden within the mountain depths.

Simultaneously in Eregion, Dwarves bestow upon Elves a treasured token – the Doors of Durin, identical to those seen by the Fellowship in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Despite their amicable relationship, the Elves and Dwarves remain oblivious to the malicious intentions of Sauron, who manipulates Celebrimbor into creating the nine rings for men. This secret dialogue between Sauron and Celebrimbor underscores Sauron’s immense influence, as he subtly corrupts one of Middle-earth’s brightest Elves and positions Celebrimbor as a villain in the eyes of his fellow Elven-smiths and allies.

The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5 Review

In another version, viewers are now privy to the events unfolding in Númenor, where power struggles ensue. Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) aggressively seeks the throne, declaring that those loyal to Miriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) have no place of significance within Númenor’s hierarchy. He even removes Elendil (Lloyd Owen) from his post in Númenor’s Sea Guard. The tale of Númenor is captivating and full of mystery, much like contemporary power struggles. Just as people today will do anything to rule supreme, Pharazon spins a narrative that pins Miriel as the cause of Númenor’s decline. Despite the difficulty in choosing a favorite character in the series, Earien (Ema Horvath), Elendil’s daughter, stands out as particularly irritating. She appears to lack independent thought and blindly follows Pharazon’s commands due to the loss of her uncle, Isildur, in battle (even though he is not deceased). However, a pivotal moment in the Númenor storyline will captivate audiences and ultimately sadden them. It’s commendable that the creators devoted considerable time to Númenor in this episode, as the struggle between good and evil resonates with viewers while the events in Númenor mirror contemporary human experiences.

In this tale, numerous engaging dialogues unfold among diverse characters. Simultaneously, viewers catch a sneak peek into the functionality of the rings, given their abundance of Mithril, and Sauron’s malevolent schemes. The climax of Halls of Stone leaves no doubt that Elves are grappling with a monumental challenge in safeguarding Middle Earth. Celebrimbor fails to repel Sauron’s onslaught, while Morfydd Clark (Galadriel) finds herself encircled by hordes of Orcs. At the same time, the High King informs Elrond that vanquishing two distinct types of antagonists concurrently is an arduous task. This marks the start of a potential disaster in Middle Earth.

Gradually and persistently, Sauron appears to be making progress in reaching his goal. Occasionally, he may seem concerned for the people, but in truth, this is merely a façade; he has no genuine care for them and only wishes to appear as their savior. Among the series’ most outstanding episodes, “Halls of Stone” shines not only for its gripping storyline but also for its vivid depiction of greed and the repercussions of power. This episode explores the intricacies of human desire, showing us the chaos that ensues when equally powerful forces clash.

The Rings of Power Season 2 Episode 5 Review

In the second season of “The Rings of Power,” the show maintains its exceptional skill in crafting immersive worlds, offering audiences a sneak peek at the gradual deterioration of Middle Earth’s tranquil period.

All five episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 are streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

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2024-09-12 17:14