‘The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power’ Episode 5 Review – The Rise Of Sauron Is Upon Us

War Is Upon Us

In the latest installment in Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power we find our many storylines coming together for one common goal: Darkness is falling upon the land of Middle-Earth. With only a few episodes left in this season, audiences are going to be in for quite the wild ride going forward.

The Stranger Becomes Even Stranger

While the plot lines between Galadriel and Númenor start to merge with that of Arondir, Bronwyn and the remaining Men of Middle-Earth, we still have the reclusive and nomadic Harfoots, traveling across the lands to their new home. Nori, Poppy, and The Stranger have managed to keep up with the rest of the community despite Largo’s injuries. And while we still haven’t quite figured out who or what The Stranger is, we certainly got a lot more answers this episode. But with each answer we got, more and more questions arose. Who are those mysterious cloaked figures investigating the landing site of The Stranger? Could this be Sauron in disguise? Only time will tell and I for one am really looking forward to having the truth revealed.

The Fate of the Elves

While the other parties draw closer to meeting, there is still the plot with Elrond and Lord Durin. Robert Aramayo is such a standout actor in this show. His portrayal of Elrond certainly matches the caliber that Hugo Weaving had brought to the role. His relationship with his friend Prince Durin of Khazad-dûm is something truly special and feels very similar to the bond that Legolas and Gimli shared in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Tonight’s episode breaks down some of the walls of distrust that the two shared and some pretty crazy significance comes of it. With the fate of the elves resting so squarely on the dwarven prince’s shoulders, die hard fans of the franchise should be very excited to see how this plot plays out. I know I am. Let’s just say the finale will certainly have things heating up.

Darkness Tightens Its Grip on Middle-Earth

As I say week after week, I absolutely adore Ismael Cruz Córdova as Arondir. His chemistry with Nazanin Boniadi as Bronwyn is fantastic. With Adar and the Orcs closing in on the surviving humans of Middle-Earth, Bronwyn must rally the people together to take on the evil that is threatening their homes. But how does Theo fit into all of this? His past is shrouded in mystery and darkness. How did he happen upon that shattered sword bearing the mark of Sauron? Adar and the Orcs seem to be stopping at nothing to acquire that weapon. And now that other’s know of the swords existence, what will they do with Theo and his mysterious origins? These next couple episodes are going to deliver some power fight scenes and some of the highest stakes this show has yet to show us.

Men and Elves Fighting Side By Side Once Again

I really don’t know how anyone can dislike Morfydd Clark as Galadriel, especially after her argument with Halbrand this episode. Her motives revealed on why she must return to Middle-Earth and avenge her brother is some seriously powerful stuff. The delivery of her lines and her demeanor gave me chills. It brings us that much closer to seeing how Galadriel becomes the insanely powerful and mysterious woman we come to know her as in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. And what about Halbrand? His character arc feels a tad too similar to Aragorn’s story from the original films, but you can’t help but get excited watching him battle his inner demons and what it means to lead. I cannot wait to see how these two will come together and lead Númenor into battle against the forces of evil that Sauron and Adar lead. Númenor has been quite the exciting location for the series. Soon, we will see how and if the Queen Regent’s vision will come to pass.

The Journey Continues

We are rapidly approaching the season finale for Rings of Power. I’ve been absolutely blown away by this show and the immense quality of the show. It really can’t be said enough how amazing the visuals, score, costuming, and fight choreography is. Every episode seems to step it up in every aspect of the show. Let us know what you thought of tonight’s episode! Sound off in the comments below. The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premiers every Thursday night at 9pm PT on Prime Video.