Episode 203 | The Rings of Power Season Two Breakdown & Reaction

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 203 Breakdown & Reaction

Please note that this video does contain spoilers! 

1. Return to the Southlands, AKA Mordor

1. We begin the episode with a flashback of Elendil freeing Berek, who then pursues Isildur into Shelob’s web. There is a very spider-filled scene which ends with Berek and Isildur escaping and fleeing into the woods. 

2. There is a moment of foreshadowing of the dead marshes when Isildur comes across fallen Númenórean soldiers in a bog. 

3. In the woods, Isildur and Berek come across an abandoned cart where they meet Estrid. Their dialogue is very cute, and together they journey towards Pelargir. On the way, they come across  a cart with some folks lying around injured. Of course it’s a trap, but Arondir rescues them and they follow him the rest of the way to Pelargir. (Also, Berek is stolen but don’t worry!)

2. Life in Pelargir

1. Pelargir is a relic of Númenor’s days past, which is exciting for Isildur to see.

2. Isildur and Theo go into the woods to rescue Berek, where they are intercepted by an Entwife.

3. Isildur has an intimate conversation with Estrid, where we learn more about how his mother died and how it affected him. Isildur feels that he wants to do something special enough to earn the sacrifice from his mom. Estrid says he needs to accept it as a gift given freely because he was precious to her, which was a beautiful moment. 

4. It is then revealed, however, that Estrid has previously sworn allegiance to Adar and is trying to cut or burn off her brand… the intrigue! 

3. Theo’s Darkness

1. The funeral pyre for Bronwyn was surprisingly touching. I didn’t feel strongly about her character in season one, but I think the grief of both Arondir and Theo was enough to make me cry like a baby. The way that Arondir communicates his grief is very subtle but powerful, and I think about the way that death is so foreign to elves. 

2. Theo is extremely bitter, blaming himself for his mother’s death. Arondir tries to advise him that anger towards yourself will destroy you, but Theo responds by telling Arondir that he isn’t his father and they don’t need to speak again.

4. Political Tension in Númenor

1. We open with Tar-Palantir’s memorial and quickly learn that all of Númenor blames Míriel for the loss of their soldiers. Eärien in particular is very hurt and blames Míriel for Isildur’s “death”. 

2. Elendil is operating as Míriel’s eyes and ears in the court. We love to see him simping, but it’s sad how readily he abandons Eärien to be with the Queen. Definitely losing dad points for that.  

3. In the tavern, Pharazôn, Belzegar, Kemen, and Eärien are conspiring against the Queen. Valandil insults Kemen and threatens him for speaking ill of the Queen. 

4. Eventually Eärien tells Pharzon about the Palantir and they concoct a plan to usurp her. 

5. Míriel’s coronation scene is interrupted when Eärien reveals the Palantir and a riot breaks out. 

1. “The grief of Númenor is sacred to me… For whom do you cry out? For those we have already buried? For your kingdom? Or for yourself?” - Míriel

2. “For Isildur!” - Eärien, revealing the Palantir 

3. “This elf-stone is your queen.” 

6. An Eagle arrives, meant as a sign of blessing upon Míriel;s coronation; but Belzegar rallies the crowd to believe that the Eagle favors Pharazôn . The Númenóreans are so easily swayed to his side.

5. Baby Orc!!!!!

1. In Mordor, Glug is conflicted because he is afraid of Sauron’s return but also doesn’t want to go to war. It is revealed that he has a wife and child, which is a really sweet moment. I love that we are seeing more of regular orc-life. 

2. Damrod the hill-troll arrives, and it will be lovely to see more of him later.

6. Annatar at Work in Eregion

1. Durin IV and Disa have been summoned to Eregion where they hear Celebrimbor’s proposal to make Rings of Power for the Dwarves. They are initially skeptical, but eventually Durin IV brings the proposal to his father. 

2. Celebrimbor writes a letter to Gil-galad telling him they’re closing the forge, illustrating his desperation and ambition at play.  

1. “I would grant us the space to complete our work. I have spent an age preparing for this… This is my moment. He will not take it away.” - Celebrimbor 

7. Khazad-dûm

1. Durin IV finally humbles himself before his father and pitches the idea of the Rings to him, although he doesn’t trust them. It is later seen that Durin III is into the idea so they begin to collaborate with the smiths of Eregion. 

Episode Three Thoughts:

• I liked this episode a tiny bit less than episode two, probably because there were no scenes with Galadriel or Elrond. It was a nice break from Rhûn, but I miss my elves! 

• It was nice to return to Númenor and I’m glad we’re finally cooking with the Kingsmen vs. Faithful plot. Eärien is fully up to no good and I’m here for it. 

• I’m hoping that we really get moving with episode four, since we’re already nearly at the halfway point of the season now. 

• I have the least to say about this episode when compared to the other two dropped this week, which I found a bit interesting. Make what you will of that.

• If all goes well, we’ll be back next week to discuss episode four.