The Rings of Power ‘Adar’ review: The glorious reveal of Numenor leads to the best episode of the series so far

The first two episodes of The Lord of The Ring: The Rings of Power built a strong foundation. However, Adar, the 3rd episode, reveals the true potential of the series.

The premiere episodes stretched themselves thin with separate storylines for Galadriel, Elrond, the Harfoots as well as the humans and elves in The Southlands. Adar narrows the focus to three storylines, which allows each storyline to reveal new characters, lore and visceral action sequences. Elrond and the dwarves are left out of this episode.

Galadriel and Halbrand are rescued and taken to the kingdom of men, Numenor. A metropolis designed by Elves and given as a gift to the men and women who sided with the elves in the war against Morgoth. Nori’s secret is revealed in the Harfoots storyline. Arondir is alive following his capture near the end of last week’s episode. He’s taken to a camp of sorts overseen by orcs. Arondir and Galadriel’s stories are tonally grim. The Harfoots’ story represents hope and decency that makes Middle-earth a place worth saving.

Adar continues the series calling card of gorgeous cinematography and CGI. The only issue with Adar was the introduction of Isildur. His disinterest in joining Numenor’s navy isn’t given the depth that Halbrand’s story is given. Overall, though that’s a small gripe in an excellent episode of fantasy television.

With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Adar. There may be some minor spoilers. The Rings of Power is available to stream on Amazon Prime.

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The wonders and dark secrets of Numenor

Galadriel and Halbrand wake up on a ship heading towards Numenor. The kingdom is a glorious metropolis of stone and mountains surrounded by water. Numenor was a gift from the elves to the humans after serving as allies during the war against Morgoth.

However, in the present, Galadriel and Halbrand’s presence is unwanted. A tension-filled conversation between Galadriel and Queen Regent Míriel is somewhat salvaged by Halbrand. Galadriel wants a ship to aid in her journey to Middle-earth. Miriel is reluctant to help. Halbrand offers to give the queen some time to consider Galadriel’s request.

Galadriel does have some support. Captain Elendil is the man who saved Galadriel and Halbrand. He’s ordered by the queen to watch over Galadriel. When Galadriel tries to commandeer a ship, it’s his words that quell her rage. Elendil takes Galadriel to Numenor’s house of lore where she discovers the kingdom of Sauron is indeed in the Southlands.

Halbrand’s identity is partially revealed as well. His ancestors allied with Morgoth in the war against the elves. Halbrand doesn’t have the nobility of Aragorn, but there is a reluctance to fall into the same darkness as his ancestors.

Everything about Numenor is equal parts wondrous and dangerous. Isildur is introduced in the series. He was the human who could have destroyed the ring of power, but failed and doomed Middle-earth in The Lord of The Rings.

Adar: A mysterious foe

After his abduction. Arondir wakes up in an orc labor camp. His leg is fastened with a legcuff and he’s ordered by an orc to start digging. Arondir’s already in a trench so the reason for digging isn’t apparent.

Arondir’s not alone. His two elf comrades were also captured by the orcs. They concoct a plan. One of them will break free during daylight. If they can get out of the trench, they can bring an army back to destroy these orcs.

Arondir has a terrific action sequence where he’s able to take out a couple of orcs and a worg. Unfortunately, his two comrades aren’t as lucky. One is killed pretty quickly by an orc who slits his throat. The Watchwarden makes it out of the trench thanks to Arondir but is felled by arrows.

A commander orc orders the men to bring Arondir before Adar. The episode ends with Adar walking into the frame. The striking sure seems like it could be Sauron.

The violence and grim nature of this part of Middle-earth were really well done. Arondir skill seems comparable to Legolas.

A new journey for the Harfoots

The Harfoots are preparing to move to a new location. Marigold and Largo Brandyfoot are concerned about moving given the condition of Largo’s ankle. The Harfoots’ custom is if a member can’t move with the pack, then they’re left behind.

Nori is still trying to keep the mystery man a secret. She is able to steal some papers from Sadoc Burrows, which she gives to The Stranger. Unfortunately, the papers catch fire. In an attempt to douse the flame, he breaks a tent structure and Nori’s secret is revealed.

Nori is quickly forgiven. Later, she explains to her mom there’s something special about him.

There’s nothing monumental in this storyline, but it provides a little light in an episode full of darkness.

Adar Final Thoughts

Focusing on three storylines allows every scene more room to breathe. Adar has some great performances, adds layers to established lore and generates heart in the face of a lot of darkness.

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