The Rings of Power Episode 5 continues to build the tension, diving deeper into the political drama, the rise of Annatar, and the ongoing mystery of the dwarves. From the earthquake-rattled Dwarven kingdom to the political intrigue brewing in Númenor, it feels like every episode of this show is an intricate dance between what we know from The Lord of the Rings and the new elements being introduced. This episode masterfully juggles tension, character development, and just the right amount of mythological hints to keep us hooked.
NÚMENOR DRAMA: EXPERTLY EXECUTED POLITICAL DRAMA
Let’s be honest, the politics in Númenor are starting to give off strong Game of Thrones vibes, minus the incest, of course. There’s power play at every turn, especially with the rise of King Gil-Galad. He’s like that boss you didn’t vote for, but you know you’re stuck with. Meanwhile, the Queen-Regent Míriel and her number one knight Elendil are definitely in trouble. They’ve got targets on their backs, and Gil-Galad isn’t about to let them off easy. The real question is, how does this all tie into Isildur? Watching his journey, knowing his eventual fate, has been one of the coolest parts of the show for fans like me who aren’t diving into it with every piece of lore memorized.
Also, the transference of power situation is heating up. The scene in the crypt left me screaming at my screen like I was watching a horror movie. The suspense and tension in that scene? Top-notch. I won’t spoil it, but let’s just say it was one of the most gut-wrenching moments of the episode.
ANNATAR’S MANIPULATION MASTERCLASS
Watching Annatar manipulate Celebrimbor is chef’s kiss—it’s easily one of the highlights of the episode. Celebrimbor’s importance to Annatar’s plan is undeniable. Annatar may be powerful, but even the Dark Lord himself can’t forge those rings without some serious help. What’s fascinating is how Annatar weaves lies and half-truths, manipulating everyone around him without outright deceit. He’s got the scheming skills of Littlefinger, but without any of that annoying monologuing. And can we take a moment to question Sauron’s refusal to lie? What’s up with that? I mean, you’re the embodiment of evil—just say it already!
DWARVES AND DOOM
King Durrin’s slow corruption by the rings is subtle, yet powerful. We’re watching the start of something that won’t have a happy ending. And while we know where this story goes, the show still makes us hope that maybe, just maybe, they’ll avoid the path we know they’ll eventually take. The whispering of the rings is a haunting nod to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, reminding us just how dangerous these little trinkets are.
For those hoping to see more of Elrond or the Harfoots, well, this episode is pretty light on their storylines. Elrond’s sprinting across Middle-Earth trying to warn everyone about the orc movements, but he’s mostly a background character in this episode. It feels like they’re saving the big elf action for future episodes.
GALADRIEL: THE SILENT FORCE
We’ve all got our theories about Galadriel, right? Is Sauron really crushing on her? Because the tension between them is palpable. Her presence looms large over every episode, even when she’s not the central focus. As the political and mystical elements swirl, Galadriel’s connection to Sauron continues to evolve, adding a layer of complexity that feels like a slow-burning fire ready to explode. Whether or not she realizes it, Galadriel’s decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping Middle-Earth’s future.
WHAT’S BENEATH THE MINES?
Now, here’s the kicker: What exactly is lurking beneath those Dwarven mines? Whatever it is, it’s got me shook—and rightly so. We all know the whispers of a Balrog, but this episode gives us some serious hints that something dark and ancient is about to emerge. The episode leaves us with more questions than answers, but that’s the beauty of it. It keeps us guessing, keeps us hooked.
PERFORMANCES THAT SHINE
Shout out to Charlie Vickers as Annatar—this man is serving up some Lord of the Rings meets House of Cards realness. His performance is layered, with nods to the original Peter Jackson films while also adding new depth. His human form feels like an Aragorn tribute, while his elven presence has a hint of Legolas’s calm control. The scenes where he’s manipulating Celebrimbor are so tense, they could be taught in an acting class.
Overall, The Rings of Power Episode 5 continues to pull us deeper into its intricate web of storytelling. It’s got less action, sure, but the character development and political maneuvering more than make up for it. I can’t wait to see where this show takes us next—especially with those Dwarven mines and whatever nightmare is about to crawl out of them.