The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Udûn

We’ve reached the first battle of this saga on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 1 Episode 6, “Udûn,” and it’s kind of chaotic.

Let me start by saying that this episode was one of the strongest in focus. If you’ve been reading my reviews you know that one of my biggest complaints is how this series pulls us away from storylines just when we’re starting to get invested in them. Since “Udûn” focuses on the Southlands it provides us with a more coherent storyline.

However, that’s also the downfall to this episode. 

Since the series has spent so much time cutting between four different storylines that now that we’re starting to get into battles it feels like we don’t have enough attachment to some of the characters to really feel what’s at stake. 

“Udûn” does have it’s moments. The reveal that the Orcs made those that surrendered fight for them and when Bronwyn is injured are two scenes that stand out and it’s mostly due to the amazing performances from Nazanin Boniadi and Ismael Cruz Córdova.

What they have done in crafting the relationship between Bronwyn and Arondir draws me in and feels like some of the most Tolkein-esque writing from the entire episode.

On a whole though, this episode centers largely around the battle and given that there isn’t a strong connection to these characters it’s hard to care when the focus is on anyone but Bronwyn, Arondir, or Theo. 

“Udûn” does add in some moments that tie in lore. Adar and Galadriel’s chat about the origins of the Orcs is one of the best conversations so far. It’s hard to tell how any of that will matter, but it’s still a nice layer of lore to add to the series.

Last, but not least, is the explosive final sequence where we see the eruption of Mt. Doom. We knew that this iconic mountain was going to have to come into play eventually and having this victory quickly turn into a downfall feels like the perfect point in the story to introduce this landmark. 

Overall, “Udûn,” feels like it could have been great battle sequence. It its so many of the right notes, but it doesn’t quite connect with its audience the way it needs to.

Stray Thoughts:

• Anyone else think Halbrand is up to something? Because he’s giving “don’t trust this dude” vibes. 
• I am not saying that we need great lighting in every battle scene but can you please add just a little bit of light so that we can see what’s going on. Especially when you’re panning into something. It’s not an artistic choice it’s just frustrating especially when there is music and other indicators that tell us something important is about to happen. 
• Galadriel and Halbrand…are they going to hook up? See my first point as to why I would not support that pairing, but it feels like they are building towards it. 
• Thanks for reminding us, again, that Elves have better senses than humans! That seems to be used only when it serves the plot and never just as a matter of fact.
• It wouldn’t have surprised me if Bronwyn had died on this episode. The series has already set up the expectation that human/elf pairings equal death. 

What did you think of this episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power airs new episodes Fridays on Amazon’s Prime Video. 

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