Episode 6 marks a climatic turning point for Rings of Power season one. This episode is titled “Udun” and focuses entirely on the Southlands. Bronwyn, her son Theo, and Arondir try desperately to defend against the might of Adar’s orc forces while Galadriel and the Numenorians make landfall on Middle Earth.

There is a heavy emphasis on action in this episode. However, it doesn’t do much to redeem the sloppy writing. I enjoyed some of the choreography here, but the mechanics and strategy of this battle scene are all over the place in terms of quality. Fight beats are extremely predictable and generic with little care given to the logic behind character actions or capabilities. The entire pace of the battle also feels quite rushed. There is a lot that happens here, and it feels extremely awkward when compared to the slower-paced episodes that have encompassed a majority of this show.

I would like to make a correction from my earlier reviews. I was firmly of the opinion that Adar was meant to be Sauron, but it turns out that isn’t the case. I do like this decision, as it allows for a less linear narrative going forth. Sauron like his master, Morgoth is known for his deception. It makes sense he would remain in the shadows during this time, choosing instead to act through lesser agents.

I also enjoyed Halbrand in this episode. He is easily the best-written of the original characters, though his plotline is again tarnished by the abysmal pacing of this episode. Everyone he comes across instantly accepts and recognizes him as king without any complaint. It’s incredibly immersion-breaking and highlights another big issue that I have with writing.

Almost no one in this show acts like a real person. Sure, The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy world that is unlike our own in many ways, but it was constructed in a way that felt extremely believable. When you read Tolkien’s books, Middle Earth feels like a real place with people and cultures that mirror our own world. Every character, no matter how big a role they play in the larger tale, has an extensive history and background just like in real life.

The Peter Jackson films managed to capture this element perfectly. In the siege of Helm’s Deep, there are multiple scenes dedicated to the common folk of Rohan. They voice fears and feel discontent as the Uruk-Hai chase them into a corner knowing they have little chance against them. The situation is so dire, our heroes begin to doubt and argue with each other. Even Aragorn, who argues for the defense of Rohan and delivers various words of encouragement, feels hopeless at the odds. Though the people are receptive, you can still feel the fear they harbor under the surface. The battle itself begins after one of the commoners of Rohan prematurely fires an arrow in his anxiety about the coming slaughter.

In contrast, Rings of Power characters never feel doubt. They charge into a force of monsters with no objection or military training because someone gave a halfhearted corny speech. It’s utterly ridiculous and immediately detaches the viewer from the story unfolding on screen.

Watching the Rings of Power, I’m left thinking to myself, “What fun is fantasy if we can’t imagine ourselves in the world, interacting with people that behave more like our own friends, family, and acquaintances rather than puppets on strings?”.

Rings of Power

3

Score

3.0/10

Pros

• Decent Fight Choreography

Cons

• Pacing
• Robot Characters
• Logic Does Not Exist