Where the Stars are Strange

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season 2 premiere focuses on Galadriel, Sauron, Elrond, and the three rings created by Celebrimbor in the first season. The episode begins with Prince Durin and Disa roughing it with the common folk after their tiff with King Durin. Disa senses an earthquake, and the earth shakes and a bridge is destroyed. Mordor's resurgence is causing issues throughout Middle-earth, and it is unclear whether this is due to dwarves mining too deep.

In the second episode, "Where the Stars are Strange," Galadriel has terrible visions, seeing Celebrimbor killed by the vines of a tree. Gil-galad and his advisors discuss plans to invade Mordor, and Galadriel shares her plan to attack Mordor using the rings to influence people and their will. However, Gil-galad refuses to let her leave for Eregion to warn Celebrimbor of the danger Sauron poses. Sauron, disguised as Halbrand, is denied entry to Eregion by Celebrimbor but stays until he changes his mind. He waits for word from Lindon, which should arrive any day. Days pass without any word from Celebrimbor. Galadriel travels to Eregion to see if Sauron has returned, but she asks for Elrond's help. Elrond shuts her down, telling her that Sauron has already influenced her, Gil-galad, and others. She pleads with Elrond to help her, but he refuses. Elrond seeks the counsel of Cirdan, who shows him the power of the rings and warns them to remain in the hands of the Elves and be used for good. Cirdan asks Elrond to guide his friends, including Galadriel and Gil-galad, before the darkness spreads across Middle-earth and blinds everyone. In Eregion, Celebrimbor crafts a Mithril-shaped item and asks Halbrand to leave or be removed. Halbrand manipulates Celebrimbor by claiming to have spoken with Galadriel but has his hooks on Celebrimbor. He offers him food and drink in exchange for finding out if the rings worked and revealing that the rings saved the Elves. Celebrimbor celebrates the occasion and continues to manipulate Halbrand. Halbrand reveals that he is Annatar, a messenger from the Valar and gift-giver, and that the rings of power are the only way to limit the darkness spreading through Middle-earth. Annatar promises to work with Celebrimbor to make him "the Lord of the Rings." Celebrimbor turns down the opportunity and they work together. The minions of a Dark Wizard, played by Ciarán Hinds, follow them, and they learn that the Stranger and Nori are headed for Rhûn. They use an invisibility blanket similar to the one used by Frodo and Sam after causing a rockslide at The Black Gate of Mordor in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. As they continue across the desert landscape, the Stranger collapses and they find a well near them. A bell chimes while they try to bring back the unconscious Stranger, who wakes and finds a staff similar to the one from his dream..

Honestly, I am quite shocked by the rating of this episode. The premiere of season 2 was decent (better than most season 1 episodes), while the third episode was possibly the worst of the show. But this one is what the show needs to be. The dialogue is slightly better though it still feels forced. But as a whole, the episode is captivating without having to show epic battles etc. Great pacing, impeccable visuals, improved performances along with an exceptional one from Charlie Vickers. Besides that, there is a legendary scene near the end of the episode which had me dumbfounded in the best way possible. Wishing for the rest of the season to be like THIS. Although after seeing the third episode, it might seem unlikely.

Where the Stars are Strange is as beautiful and cinematic as all other visual depictions of Middle Earth and its characters. However, if you struggle with season long arcs that slow burn with build up to momentous events, you will probably find your patience wearing thin.

Personally I like all scenes but find some plot threads more interesting than others at this stage in the season. I think everything involving the elf and dwarf characters are the strongest for me.

I particularly like the interaction between Disa and the Durins, as these involve (by far) the most charismatic performers in the show. The more screen time Owain Arthur and. Sophia Nomvete have the better.

Morfydd Clark continue embody Galadriel perfectly and her scenes with Robert Aramayo and Benjamin Walker work very well.

I think the weakest moments, although still reasonably good, involve Gandalf and the half-foots. Never thought I'd say that in a Tolkien related story!

For me its a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.

I really, really enjoyed the first two episodes of the second season. I only liked the final episode of season 1, so I didn't have high expectations, but here I am, having binge watched these 2 episodes cause I liked them so much.

I think there was a big crisis meeting, because a lot of common criticism about season 1 seems to have been taken to heart. The show looks much better and more "realistic". Season 1 often looked like an instagram filter. The writing is less clunky. It doesn't always work, but it no longer distracts. The show feels so much more lighter and exciting without the additional baggage of the Numenor and Southland storylines, which I hated last season. The remaining storylines seem to have a clear vision where they want to go and I am already invested in them. The series also touches on some interesting moral questions for the first time, by having the elves fight amongst oneself whether they should use the rings or not.

Also positive to mention: the over-reliance on music to create drama is gone. Galadriel is becoming much more tolerable as a lead. Andfinally, a quick shout-out to Mr Vickers, who I think does a great job as Sauron. Honestly, this was a great start to the new season and the best episodes of this show by a milestone!

The latest episode of The Lord of the Rings series is dynamic and captivating. At times, it sparks the imagination, transporting viewers to new and vivid worlds, with an intense pace that keeps you fully engaged. The performances are solid, and it's impressive how well the cast brings the characters to life. The actor portraying Sauron does an exceptional job, delivering a performance that truly stands out. However, the entire cast is well-balanced, with each actor contributing to the strength of the ensemble.

The special effects are expertly crafted, enhancing the magical atmosphere without overwhelming the story. However, it's surprising to see how the quality noticeably drops in the following episodes. This episode sets a high standard, establishing the direction the series should follow to maintain its magic and energy.