Survivors of a cataclysm try to find safety, the Harfoots confront evil, Durin is torn between friendship and duty 

It was inevitable that after the action-packed high drama of last week, the aftermath would take things down a peg, but fortunately there’s enough momentum and new developments to keep things moving towards next week’s finale.

After their absence in the previous week’s episode, the storylines for the dwarves and Harfoots are well served, particularly the latter, and I think I’m finally warming towards these little people, who are showing some great resilience. An encounter with the mysterious beings who are tracking the giant is not the experience they anticipated, setting a new quest in motion.

Galadriel is surveying the aftermath of the fiery release from Mount Doom, searching for survivors. As anticipated, the main cast have all survived, though some characters are nursing major injuries. This episode is very much a starting point for adventures as the different factions start going their own way, particularly the Orcs and Adar, who have a renewed focus.

Verdict: A solid continuation of the story after last week’s game-changer. 7/10

Nick Joy