‘The Rings of Power’ Season 2, Episode 2 Recap: Strange Weather

Blog: The Master of the Rings

The Stranger attempts magic once more, but the outcome is inconsistent. Currently, Sauron outperforms him in this skill.

August 29, 2024, at 10:44 a.m. Eastern Time.

Amazon recently put out the first three episodes of Season 2 of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" all at once. Dive into the recaps for Episode 1 and Episode 3 to catch up on the latest adventures in Middle Earth.

Season 2, Episode 2: 'Mysterious Stars'

The surprise betrayal by Halbrand in the final episode of Season 1 of "The Rings of Power" shifted the spotlight onto a storyline that had previously lacked a recognizable villain. Although Galadriel had suspicions about Sauron's continued existence and had convinced the Numenoreans to protect the Southlands from Adar's orcs, the threat posed by Sauron still felt somewhat abstract and distant.

Quoting the show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," there were moments last season when it was difficult to understand Galadriel's plans without wondering: "Who is it against? Who are we competing against?"

At the start of Season 2, it was confirmed that Sauron was real. However, he disappeared after creating the first three powerful rings, so he is still seen as a scary figure looming in the background rather than an immediate danger for our protagonists. In these episodes, we learn about some of Sauron's hidden plots, but we also see the return of some smaller villains and challenges that were introduced in Season 1. This reminds us that the elves, dwarfs, and humans still have many issues to resolve - both within their own groups and in their interactions with each other - before they can come together to defeat their ultimate enemy.

Below are five key points and insights from Episode 2:

The Strange Witches Have Returned!

Do you recall the ending of Season 1 when the Stranger had to defend his harfoot companions against three mysterious figures in white robes who mistakenly called him the “Dark Lord?” This plot twist from the writers of "Rings of Power" was a clever tactic to throw off viewers and prevent them from realizing too soon that Halbrand was actually Sauron in disguise. It also served as a reminder to the Stranger of his true identity as an Istari, a member of a ancient group of wizards who have a history of intervening in Middle-earth's events in different incarnations.

In the second episode of this season, the mystical beings come back to their headquarters to give the Dark Wizard (Ciaran Hinds) an update on their meeting with the Stranger. This scene is very creative and visually stunning, showing a woman bleeding on the floor with hundreds of butterflies fluttering around her. These butterflies were the mystics' transformed form after the Stranger attacked them. They then come together to form a different woman.

It's a very detailed moment that is longer than necessary (in a positive way). The main reason for this scene is to introduce the Dark Wizard's masked mortal soldiers, who declare their plan to either capture the Istari or "kill the halflings he considers friends."

The Stranger's Control Slips

The Dark Wizard's followers quickly attack the Stranger, Nori, and Poppy. The travelers suspect the Stranger has a secret name as they see their pursuers. They bravely venture into a treacherous desert to escape their enemies and speed up their journey. However, they become weak and thirsty from lack of water. Suddenly, they stumble upon a well in the desert, along with a flag displaying a symbol similar to those carried by the Dark Wizard's followers. The well, actually a hidden bell, rings out and draws the horse-riding hunters towards them.

In this part of the show, the beginning is enjoyable and the ending is filled with disaster. The Stranger and the harfoots have a great relationship, as shown by the funny exchange between Nori and the Stranger after her unsuccessful search for food. There is a sense of connection between them when the Stranger picks up a staff that resembles something a wizard would use, hinting at his potential and true abilities. The atmosphere is pleasant and heartwarming.

Elrond Changes His Mind, Somewhat

After successfully putting the elves' rings on three fingers and reclaiming their realm, Gil-galad begins to consider the possible purposes for their newfound powers. The main goal for the elves is to stop Sauron, who could be in either Mordor with Adar, or heading to Eregion to coerce Celebrimbor into making him his own ring. Galadriel believes Eregion is the more likely destination, but Gil-galad, aware of her susceptibility to manipulation by Sauron, seeks Elrond's opinion before making a decision.

Elrond has made it clear that he believes his people should not use the rings to avoid becoming Sauron's allies. He also criticizes Galadriel for her actions in trying to help Halbrand become a king. However, a discussion with Cirdan about poetry changes Elrond's mind. Cirdan suggests that even if a poet is flawed, their work can still be appreciated. This leads Elrond to reconsider his objections and trust that the elves can use the rings for good, despite their creator being evil.

Elrond still has doubts deep down, but he agrees to lead a mission to Eregion, commissioned by Gil-galad. This surprises Galadriel, who always thought she would be the one in charge.

Halbrand Undergoes Rebranding

In the first episode of this season, Sauron, disguised as Halbrand, arrived in Eregion looking to talk to Celebrimbor. Celebrimbor, who had not been warned about Sauron by Gil-galad, finally meets with him in the second episode. Sauron tricks Celebrimbor by pretending to have spoken to Galadriel and claiming to have seen the rings' power. He takes advantage of Celebrimbor's fears, making him believe that the elf leaders only care about the rings, not the craftsmen who created them.

Sauron struggles to persuade Celebrimbor to create additional rings at first. However, he then deceives him with a half-truth, claiming to be Annatar, the Lord of Gifts from a distant realm, not Halbrand. He convinces Celebrimbor that he is there to assist him in becoming the powerful ruler of the rings.

This is all taken from J.R.R. Tolkien's stories: Sauron pretending to be Annatar, influencing Celebrimbor and having his rings made. It’s interesting to see how it unfolds in this show, expanding on the Season 1 connection between Celebrimbor and Halbrand (an original character created for "Rings of Power").

The Dwarfs Lose Their Light

As Sauron argues for additional rings, he reassures Celebrimbor that the dwarfs, specifically King Durin III, are facing a major crisis in Khazad-dum. This crisis involves an earthquake that has caused the collapse of the kingdom’s light-shafts, hindering the growth of food necessary for survival. Despite efforts by the kingdom’s “stone singers,” led by Disa, the wife of Durin IV, no connection can be reestablished with the mountain. King Durin III is likely to accept any offers of aid due to the severity of the situation.

Certainly, the main issue at hand is that the two Durins have been arguing ever since Durin IV assisted the elves in getting their first batch of mithril. If a father and son can't talk to each other, how can their entire community connect with their mountain residence?

This problem gets right to the heart of one of the challenges the characters in this story confront. While Sauron poses a threat to all of Middle-earth, the ones who are supposed to oppose him often end up being their own biggest obstacles.