Every episode of The Lord of The Rings: Rings of Power has featured multiple storylines in different locations. Udûn is different. The episode brilliantly keeps the focus on the conflict in the Southlands.
Arondir and Bronwyn are preparing for Adar’s attack on Ostirith. Meanwhile, Galadriel, Halbrand and the Númenóreans are approaching from the sea.
The action sequences in this series have been good up to this point. However, the action in Udûn is a step above. The battle between the humans and Adar’s orcs is thrilling throughout. Like a great Lord of The Rings battle, there are multiple swings in momentum.
Udûn is action-packed but still takes time to build up and take stock during pauses in the respective battles. Halbrand and Galadriel both have moments of darkness but are pulled back from the precipice by each other. Arondir and Bronwyn’s already strong relationship is more deeply felt than in prior episodes. Even Isildur and his father Elendil have a tender father-son moment where Elendil explains the connection horses have to their masters.
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The episode even touches on how orcs aren’t particularly different than elves, dwarves or men. They have feelings just like every creature.
Topping off an already flawless episode is an amazing climax that quite literally shakes up the show.
With the overview out of the way, let’s dive deeper into the elements that stood in Udûn. There may be some minor spoilers. The Rings of Power is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
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The Battle in Udûn
Udûn means hell in elvish. The war in the Southlands begins. The battle swings in wild directions.
The humans get the early advantage by dropping the tower in Ostirith onto a bunch of orcs. An impressive move that gives Arondir, Bronwyn and the humans time to regroup. They set up a trap around the village. There are some tense moments during the battle. One of the most brutal moments in the episode is a one-on-one fight between Arondir and a giant orc. The orc nearly takes out Arondir’s eye until Bronwyn steps in.
When the orcs arrived, the trap is sprung and the humans once again appear to have won the skirmish. Unfortunately, Adar’s no fool. All of the supposed orcs were actually men. The same men who left the village to accept Adar’s offer. Adar attacks with larger numbers. Bronwyn is one of the many injured or killed in the battle.
Once again just as all seem lost for one side, the tide turns again. Adar threatens to kill Bronwyn. Theo reveals Sauron’s key. Before Adar can round up everyone in the tavern, the Númenóreans arrive. They lay waste to the orcs.
Each action sequence was full of surprises. All of the action sequences were brutal with ample gore and constant tension throughout.
Fighting the Darkness
Before arriving in the Southlands, Galadriel meets Isildur. She does a great job of instilling some confidence in the stable boy.
Galadriel, Halbrand and the Númenóreans run roughshod over the orcs. Adar tries to escape. Galdadriel gives chase with Halbrand in tow. Halbrand is so incensed by Adar’s presence he nearly kills him until Galadriel talks him down.
Galadriel also has her darkest moment of the series. In an interrogation of sorts, Adar reveals he considers the orcs as his children. They have feelings just like she does. She then threatens to drag his children into the light. Halbrand is able to save Galadriel from darkness. Adar denies his connection to Sauron.
Galadriel’s thirst for revenge is so encompassing she’s essentially a mirror to the very evil she’s fighting. Morfydd Clark is terrific in this scene.
Mount Doom
After the battle, all seems well. Halbrand is named as the leader. The Númenóreans and humans share a meal and look forward to the next part of their journey. Even Isildur and Elendil have a nice moment. Elendil even teaches Isildur about connecting to his horse, which is a subject Elendil learned from his late wife and Isildur’s mother.
Before the battle in the village, Arondir tries to destroy Sauron’s key. After failing, he hides the key under the tavern. Theo gives the sword to Adar after the Uruk threatens his mother.
Adar gives Sauron’s key to Waldreg before the Númenóreans arrived. Waldreg puts the key in the ground. He turns the key, which triggers a massive chain of events. First, streams of water come flooding into the tunnels dug out by the orcs. Then, a massive mountain erupts. Yes, this is the creation of Mount Doom. Everyone in the village runs to take cover with the exception of Galadriel. She stands firm as smoke, soot and flame engulf her to end the episode.
Udûn Final Thoughts
Udûn is a masterclass in pacing and fantasy storytelling. The action sequences were executed to perfection. Udûn‘s impeccable pacing ensures each action sequence is balanced out. Every action sequence features either a strong build-up or an aftermath that builds character. Arondir and Bronwyn’s seed planting is an example of the former. Isildur’s conversation with his father is proof of the latter.
I can’t wait to see how this series builds on the epic conclusion to this episode.
The Review
Udûn
PROS
- The action sequences were terrific.
- Arondir's cauterizing Bronwyn's wounds was a startling image.
- The constant twists and turns during the battle.
- Galadriel and Halbrand helping each other resist the darkness was quite powerful.
- The game changing climax was remarkable.
CONS
- Next week is too long to wait.
