The Rings of Power Partings Review: Slowly charting a combative course towards Middle Earth

Partings is another setup episode for The Rings of Power. However, Partings is a step above last week’s episode. There are several ways to connect different storylines together. The most common are is literally bringing the characters together or tieing them together thematically. Partings chooses the latter and it really works to the show’s benefit

The Rings of Power still has too many storylines. However, Partings does a great job of tieing disparate storylines into a connected theme. All of them feature characters discussing what’s good, evil, right and wrong.

One of my favorite aspects of Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers was the dynamic between Théoden and Gandalf. Both are on the same side, they just have slightly different perspectives. Théoden chooses to run to Helm’s Deep, while Gandalf wants to meet Isongard in open battle. Théoden is looking out for his kingdom. Gandolf is looking out for all of Middle Earth. They both have good points.

The same aspect of characters on the same side having different perspectives works wonderfully in Partings. Elrond considers breaking his oath to Durin. Galadriel wants Halbrand to step up as king, but each of them has valid reasons to distrust the other. Finally, in the Southlands, Arondir and Bronwyn discuss the ramifications of accepting or refusing Adar’s ultimatum

Bear McCreary continues to elevate the series with his awe-inspiring score. The CGI and cinematography are beyond compare. The only aspect that isn’t working is the Harfoots. Initially, it seemed like the Harfoots would provide some humanity and warmth. One positive aspect of the Harfoots in Partings is an incredible song that captures the beauty of Middle Earth. Unfortunately, the introduction of Durin captures the humor while retaining some understood stakes.

The ending of Partings confirms business is about to pick up in the series’ latter half.

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

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Preparing for departure to Middle Earth in Partings

Númenor is preparing to set sail for Middle Earth. However, before they leave, there are a few loose ends to tie up.

Halbrand is shocked to find out Galadriel has promised Halbrand as the king to Queen Regent Míriel. They both take interesting shots at each other. Halbrand points out that all Galadriel wants is revenge for her brother. Galadriel points out that from a certain perspective it could look like Halbrand coerced Galadriel into this crusade. Eventually, Galadriel admits this fight against the darkness is all she has. She’s been ostracised by the elves because to them they see the same level of evil Galadriel is trying to find already inside of her.

Meanwhile, Isildur is trying to find a spot in the war machine. His father Elendil, says no since Isildur continues to reject other duties, while everyone else around him is stepping up. Eventually, Isildur gets a spot mucking out stalls after he saves Pharazôn’s son.

Morfydd Clark continues to shine with this interpretation of Galadriel. The intensity in her eyes as she’s making a point is mesmerizing. Partings does a great job of showing the evil Halbrand and Galadriel are trying to fight.

Elrond’s dilemma

The bromance between Elrond and Durin is once again the highlight of the series.

Durin joins Elrond in Lindon. High King Gil-galad wants to know why the dwarves have been so active as of late. Durin evades the question by talking about how the stone used for the table they’re sharing a meal cost a lot of dwarves their lives. Turns out Durin was just messing with the king.

After the meal, Gil-galad has a conversation with Elrond. He wants to know whether the dwarves are mining mithril. Elrond refuses to answer due to the vow he made to Durin. Gil-galad reveals that if they don’t do something to reverse course, darkness will overtake these lands and their immortal lives could become mortal. He even mentions he sent Galadriel away to curb this blight. Mithril could help. Even after Gil-galad’s story, Elrond refuses to divulge Durin’s secret.

Then, Gil-galad poses an interesting conundrum. What is more important the vow Elrond made to a friend or the demise of the elves?

After the meeting, Elrond heads back with Durin and a fellowship of elves carrying the tabletop. Elrond reveals the conversation he had with Gil-galad. Durin agrees to talk with his father about mining for mithril.

Durin and Elrond continue to be the best characters on the show. Elrond’s loyalty is impressive to watch. Even in the face of his race’s potential demise, he won’t betray a friend’s confidence. Meanwhile, Durin can turn any light moment serious and contentious moment into a joke.

Everything about this storyline is quintessential Lord of the Rings. Darkness threatens to overtake good, but human decency provides just that little spec of hope worth fighting for.

The Fate of Man

In the Southlands, Bronwyn shares Arondir’s message from Adar to the rest of the citizens. They can pledge fealty to Adar and give up their hold on the lands or they can die. Half the kingdom decides to join Adar.

While they wait for Adar’s forces, Theo works on his archery skills. Arondir offers him some advice and the kid is hesitant to listen at first. He doesn’t know if there’s a point in even fighting back. The conversation is enough for Theo to show Arondir Sauron’s sword, which is actually a key.

Bronwyn wonders if they should have just taken Adar’s deal. Perhaps, mankind is destined to align itself with evil. Arondir looks at it differently. He considers the fact that half of the kingdom stayed as a sign that the tower is worth fighting over. Although, he also doesn’t have a plan to combat Adar’s forces, Luckily, Bronwyn and Arondir look up at the tower, which seems to signal they plan to drop the tower on top of the orcs.

Arondir continues to improve with each episode. I like his faith in humanity after watching over the kingdom for a while. Theo was less angsty in Partings which was a bonus. Bronwyn’s crisis of conscience provided some depth to her character.

Partings Final Thoughts

Every storyline, even the Harfoots, dealt with the concept of good and evil. The decision to connect these storylines thematically does a great job of establishing stakes. Some of them are more immediate concerns than others, but it’s always good to sow interesting seeds for the future.

After Partings, it looks like the action sequences are coming soon, which should make all of the foundational work in these six episodes pay off.

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