Major Spoilers

Some resolutions in the finale…

King Durrin III and Prince Durrin IV, along with Princess Disa, provide some of the high points of the episode as they have all season. The conflict between them continues and reaches a poignant conclusion. If only all the subplots had been equally affecting and effective. Father and son clash one final time before the king – at last – comes to his senses and overcomes the influence of the ring. He bids his son a heartbreaking farewell before charging into fatal battle against the beast he unleashed from the depths of the mountain. The casting, writing, directing and set design (by the narrowest margin, as the sky-high production values gave us glorious sets all around) serve the elves best among all the peoples of Middle-earth.

In Númenor, Kemen and Pharazôn continue their irritating villainy while Eärien acquires some backbone or self-awareness or both and finally saves her father at one point. Kemen sails across the sea where he spreads even more aggravation, to no one’s great surprise. He’s consistent if nothing else.

One brief scene reminds us that Saruman is still around and looking to increase his power.

Anticlimactically, Gandalf reunites with Nori and Poppy, and acquires his name and his staff. Bombadil delivers a nice message about choosing friendship and loyalty over power. This wholly-expected characterization of Gandalf adds neither depth nor surprise to the proceedings and, considering the length of the subplot, isn’t much of a payoff.

Which leaves Sauron and the elves. As this is only season 2 of a purported (potential?) seven seasons – not to mention the length of the source material The Silmarillion – clearly this particular battle won’t end well. In contrast, the spectacular swordfight between Sauron and Galadriel herself is a huge and welcome payoff after the long-running lead-up. Galadriel in all her magnificence faces off against Sauron in all his malevolence. Wonderful fight choreography, directing, and cinematography, as well as great emotion. It doesn’t matter that the end result is a forgone conclusion. This is how prequels should be. We also get a nice tag at the end with Elrond finally accepting the elven Rings, and he, Galadriel and the High King rallying the rest of the elves who survived.

The series remains a visual feast with a great cast. It’s clearly a labor of love. Overall, it does also seem to be gaining momentum.

Verdict: A whole bunch more combat in the finale. 7/10

Rigel Ailur