Udûn

From Episode 5, we were expecting the big battle between Orcs and the humans of the Southlands. Which happens, but with several surprises.

What really astonishes is what Adar later explains. His relationship with Sauron, which is not what was expected.

From Episode 5, I had thought of an extra. Tolkien's own notes, written up for The Silmarillion, suggest that Sauron tried to repent. So he could both be The Stranger and genuinely trying to help. I wrote a blog on this: 'The Rings of Power: Not All Who Wonder Or Wander Are Lost'.

What comes out now is nothing I expected, but supporting this view. Watch it and be amazed!

We now see why the start was slow. What is unfolding is different from what Tolkien wrote. But very consistent with his repeated point that it is easy to become evil by using the wrong methods with a real intent to do good.

I try not to use the rating 10/10 too often, in order to keep it for more special occasions. This is definitely one of them!

The episode is action packed and spectacular - we get a lot of really great scenes that makes you unable to sit still while watching, because it's so intense or just from pure hype. But it's not all just plotless action, as we also get a lot of answers to many questions in this episode and the dialog between characters is meaningful and well written.

Many elements in the previous episodes has built up to this and now we're finally here. I can't wait to see where this show takes us next!

Wow. Seventy minutes of exciting action, beautiful and moving moments. This episode made all of us, almost shout at the tv worrying about our favourite characters. Arondir is just so terrific and Bronwyn and Galadriel are too as is Halbrand. The exciting battles were reminiscent of true LoTR Helms Deep. You just had to see what would happen next!! All the people who have criticised the colour and gender mix of this series are missing so much, Numenor and the boats were just too glorious to behold, tonight's episode built on character development and shows so much promise for what's coming next. The people who might criticise this brilliant episode, they just need to turn off the tv and go to bed!

Amazing episode. Yes there are still a lot of conveniences and characters are protected with plot armor, but this episode was just thrilling from start to finish with the ending image quite a sight to see. Some serious tension throughout but also still found so much time for levity with the villagers. Adar has been so cliched so far but this episode gave him some fascinating development. The real star though was the directing from Charlotte Brandstrom. Really felt like out of all the directors so far, she replicates Peter Jackson style in the best ways: the sweeping shots of the armies and horse riding, the almost slasher body horror of war, but also real moments of emotion. I kinda squealed when Isildur got that side hug from daddy. This is fun TV!

After a lot of set-up and introduction to characters, motivations, goals and different locations we finally get an episode where it feels like there is a plot and story moving forward!!

The production value really shows! Everything looked great in this episode! Great direction and visuals! This was the first episode that bad me on the edge at some parts! The show felt boring at times doing some of the previous episodes, but this was the first episode that i enjoyed from beginning to end!

Overall i feel like we are closing in on the ACTUAL show and story! The last 5min blew me Away! I have not read the source material but i think i know what it means!

This episode was the closest to Peter jacksons movies!