The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Review: Middle-earth Remains More Exciting Than Númenor (Season 3 Episodes 1-4)

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 has finally arrived, and so much happens on the first four episodes that it is tough to keep up.

A five-year time jump brings significant changes for several characters in both Middle-earth and Númenor, as storylines shift drastically.

Sauron is now completely focused on handing out the Nine Rings to expand his dominion in Middle-earth, including the eastern region of Rhûn, where Gandalf currently resides.

As Gandalf’s journey in Rhûn unfolds, the narrative teases his eventual inclusion in the fight against Sauron. However, the most surprising aspect of Gandalf’s time in Rhûn is the fact that he is even there at all.

In The Two Towers, Faramir recounts Gandalf telling him that he has never been east, meaning this is a completely new storyline that does not exist in the book, allowing the show to get creative with the possibilities.

Season 3 finally reveals the Dark Wizard as Pallando, one of the original five Istari. Since the books reveal little about Pallando, the show seizes this excellent opportunity to expand on his character, intertwining his story with Gandalf’s.

So far, Gandalf and Pallando’s storyline is compelling. It will be fascinating to see how they interact and what Gandalf will do to try to save Pallando and stop Sauron.

This plot even includes the personification of the Secret Fire, a shocking but innovative change from the books that significantly raises the stakes for Gandalf.

The only disappointing aspect of Gandalf’s storyline is Tom Bombadil continuing to mentor him in magic.

It still makes no sense for Tom to care about teaching Gandalf because he never takes a side during Middle-earth conflicts, no matter how dire they become.

While it is lovely to see Tom, considering he does not appear in the movies, it is unfortunate that the show portrays him as a mentor rather than Gandalf’s peer.

Galadriel: A Master Ring would give Sauron the power to bind all Ring-bearers to his will. In time, he could govern our minds, our thoughts, our very actions.

Gandalf might not leave Rhûn just yet, but the Elves have their hands full fighting Sauron even after five years.

It is a treat to see fan favorites back in action, from Galadriel in battle to Elrond ruling Rivendell.

While Elrond does not appear much on the first four episodes, his Season 3 storyline has begun its trajectory and will only get more exciting once he arrives in Númenor with Gil-galad.

However, Galadriel ends up on an unexpected expedition traveling north with Arondir and, shockingly, Marnûkh — an orc who defects from Sauron.

While it might seem like Marnûkh’s character counteracts Orc lore, it is actually a bold and exciting decision to portray an Orc defying Sauron.

The Dark Lord enslaves Orcs, and while they might be naturally violent, they are still fully realized living beings with souls and their own agency. They might revel in brutality, but they still do not get to decide how they want to live.

Even though Marnûkh meets a tragic end, his character is definitely one of the best parts of the first four episodes. The idea of Orc agency complicates the narrative and demonstrates how Sauron’s dominion affects everyone, including violent beings.

Marnûkh even manages to befriend Arondir, a surprising twist given Arondir’s disdain for Orcs. Of course, Arondir has witnessed Orcs at their worst, including murdering Bronwyn, so it is only natural that he and Marnûkh do not get along at first.

However, their friendship progresses, and the last thing Marnûkh hears before he dies is Arondir refusing to leave him behind. It illustrates how far these two characters have come, both as individuals and in their unusual dynamic.

Marnûkh and Arondir also exemplify the heart of The Lord of the Rings universe: the integral role friendship plays in each book.

Unfortunately, Arondir dies in one of the show’s most heartbreaking deaths yet — stabbed by Theo right after discovering he is now part of Sauron’s Nazgûl.

Arondir’s death is particularly devastating because he dies believing he has failed Theo, his one saving grace after Bronwyn’s death. Of course, five years is a long time without seeing each other, but Arondir plans to check up on Theo’s well-being.

When Arondir realizes Theo now serves Sauron, he feels like he betrays his mission, and more importantly, Bronwyn. There is nothing Arondir can do for Theo, especially since Sauron completely controls him, regardless of how Theo might feel. 

Arondir: I will not run from the Shadow.

The best part of the Elven storylines is Celeborn and Galadriel’s relationship, from the thrilling flashbacks depicting how they fall in love to their epic reunion on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 Episode 4. 

Celeborn and Galadriel have a romance for the ages, and it is high time that the show integrates Celeborn back into the narrative.

Jamie Campbell Bower is an excellent Celeborn, and his chemistry with Morfydd Clark’s Galadriel is sweet and passionate.

Disa: Don’t you see? This is why Sauron wants us to wear them. To divide us, one against the other. But we’re Dwarves. We don’t need Rings to beat Sauron. We just need to remember who we are.

Meanwhile, things have only grown more dire for Durin, as his brother has taken control of Khazad-dûm, and his marriage with Disa is in jeopardy.

Disa and Durin have one of the best relationships in the show. They are both characters to be reckoned with, and it is always a delight to see them on screen.

Hopefully, the situation with Thráin does not signify the end of their marriage. However, now that it appears Durin has lost just about everything, it will be intriguing to see what is next, especially once he learns Thráin has sided with Sauron.

The weakest part of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 so far is the Númenor storyline.

After almost three seasons, Númenor’s civil war is still ongoing, and there is only so much that they can do to prolong it, especially since it is growing stale.

This storyline has gone on for too long, and given that Númenor must eventually fall, it is time for these characters to integrate with Middle-earth.

The Downfall of Númenor will take time to occur, and the show must bring Númenor and Sauron together to instigate the event. Otherwise, it will be too late, and there will be no choice but to rush it.

Despite this unnecessarily lengthy narrative, Eärien’s character coming full circle is still a highlight. After being responsible for Pharazôn’s usurpation of Míriel’s throne, she has spent the last five years secretly working with the Faithful to end Pharazôn’s reign.

Eärien ends up committing suicide after she is found out, refusing to give up any information that could hurt Númenóreans dedicated to the Faithful. Her death is tragic, but it is an excellent example of the show’s incredible strength in character development. 

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The first four episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power are available to stream on Prime Video. 

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