The Rings of Power: Season 2 Finale Review– A Jaw-Dropping Conclusion!

The Rings of Power Season 2 finale aired on October 3rd, and wow, did they wrap things up in the most epic way possible. We saw many deaths, intense battles, and incredible storylines throughout the season, but Episode 8 perfectly ties it all together.

Season 1 introduced us to the Second Age of Middle-earth, right after the war with Morgoth. As the land was healing, there were still shadows lurking, waiting to grow. While Season 1 kept things relatively light, Season 2 took a much darker turn, and we felt it with every twist and turn.

The entire season has been beautifully directed, with stunning visuals, and it's been an absolute treat to follow the parallel storylines. It’ll be exciting to see how all these threads come together in future seasons. Now, let’s dive into what made this finale so unforgettable...

King Durin’s Death

In Khazad-dûm, King Durin III (Peter Mullan) meets his tragic end fighting the Balrog. Under the influence of one of the seven rings forged by Celebrimbor (Charles Edwards) at Sauron’s request, King Durin stubbornly keeps mining the mountain. His obsession leads him to summon the Balrog, and in a heroic moment, he dies battling the beast with his axe to protect his son, Prince Durin (Owain Arthur). Sadly, these events prevent Prince Durin from coming to Elrond’s (Robert Aramayo) aid during the battle in Eregion. Now crowned as the new king, Prince Durin faces a civil war as many dwarves challenge his claim to the throne.

Celebrimbor’s Painful Death

Celebrimbor manages to escape the mind prison that Sauron (Charlie Vickers) had trapped him in, and in an effort to keep the nine rings of men safe, he gives them to Galadriel (Morfydd Clark). But Sauron hunts him down, tortures him, and eventually kills him with arrows, trying to find out where he hid the rings. In his final moments, Celebrimbor finds peace, telling Sauron, “I’m going to elf heaven, and you’re going to be stuck in the hell of your own making.” Even in death, it feels like Celebrimbor has won.

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Adar’s Fate Sealed 

Adar (Joseph Mawle), who once plotted against Sauron, gets his hands on Galadriel’s elven ring. However, he chooses to return it to her and asks her to join him in defeating Sauron. But karma catches up with him—his own "children," the orcs, betray him just like they once betrayed Sauron. Adar’s death at the hands of his own followers was a surprising twist, but in true orc fashion, they always follow the stronger leader, and Sauron was able to convince them this time.

Sauron’s Army and Galadriel’s Defiance

After killing Celebrimbor, Sauron rallies the orcs off-screen and prepares for battle. In an intense duel with Galadriel, he demands she hand over the nine rings of men and her own ring, Nenya. They exchange blows, and in between, Sauron proposes to her for a second time, offering her a crown. Galadriel refuses and fights off his manipulative tricks. Sauron wounds her, but in true Galadriel fashion, she remains defiant. Though Sauron manages to steal the nine rings, Galadriel keeps Nenya. In a dramatic moment, she falls from the mountain, telling Sauron to heal himself before trying to heal Middle-earth. Badass, right?

The Stranger’s True Name

The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) finally finds himself in this episode. After being presented with a choice—to find himself or go after his friends—he chooses the latter. When his friends are captured by a dark wizard, the Stranger refuses to join him, leading to an epic rescue mission. After helping the Stoors, the Stranger is dubbed "Grand Elf," and in a sweet revelation, we finally learn his true identity: Gandalf! It was such a heartfelt moment, confirming what many fans had already suspected.

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The Elves’ Retreat to Rivendell  

With Eregion destroyed and the elves struggling, Durin’s dwarves arrive just in time to help. The remaining elves, including Galadriel, Elrond, and Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova), retreat to Rivendell. In a touching scene, Elrond and the High King (Benjamin Walker) use the rings to save Galadriel after her fall. Now, they are more determined than ever to fight Sauron, as his power grows stronger.

As Season 2 ends, we’re left with so many burning questions. Will Sauron succeed in forging the nine rings for men? Will the elves lose their battle against the orcs, causing Eregion to fall? The stakes have never been higher, and with Season 3 on the horizon, we’re in for an even wilder ride. This season has been nothing short of amazing—fantastic battles, brilliant storytelling, and some of the best twists we’ve seen. I can’t wait to see what’s next for *The Rings of Power*. Bring on Season 3!