“It is not strength that overcomes darkness, but light”
War has reached the walls of Eregion. The battle marching towards the great Elven city all season has finally begun in earnest, although by now it’s clear that the greatest fight is held within Celebrimbor’s tower.
Annatar watches all his deviously laid plans come to fruition as Adar’s Orc army launches their assault. Inside the city, the Nine Rings for Mortal Men are almost complete. Charlie Vickers plays Annatar with such zeal that it’s enthralling. The Lord of Gifts is so delightfully sinister, while still appearing to have compassion and hatred for what he claims he has been forced to do. It’s all an act but you’ll desperately want to believe it; in some ways, you’ll think Sauron wants to believe it too.
I said in my full review that Charles Edwards steals the season; this episode is his finest work yet. The way he embodies Celebrimbor’s growing struggle is visceral. You’ll flinch at every brutal blow, every revelation, every thrash of resistance. And you’ll admire how he remains a true High Elf through and through; the blood of Fëanor runs through his veins but he remains noble in his fight with the darkness. It is heartbreaking to watch and Edwards’ courageous performance will bring tears to your eyes.
Outside the city walls, Elrond (Robert Aramayo) puts his leadership skills to the test, doing everything he can to save Eregion. It is honestly a crime that we hardly see Elrond and Durin (Owain Arthur) together this season, but they more than make up for it here. Elrond begs his friend for help against the Orcs but Khazad-dûm has a fight of their own from within. Prince Durin comes into his own in this episode, torn between duty and friendship, proving he is the Dwarf of legends.
As the Elven guard rushes to Eregion’s aid, Adar (Sam Hazeldine) puts his plans in motion. Elrond bargains with Adar for Galadriel’s (Morfydd Clark) life; however, the Uruk does not yet see the underrated skill of his enemy. But we all will see it in this episode: Robert Aramayo shows off Elrond’s exceptional fighting skills and his talent at rallying all life. We also see a tenderness to him, even in battle, that reminds us why Elrond is so resolute about defending the Elven way of life.
Speaking of fighting prowess, Gil-galad cuts a striking figure as he leads the battle, even in the face of certain doom. I’m so glad we finally get to see High King Gil-galad’s heroics on-screen and Benjamin Walker gives his character an impressive aura. And Arondir, who has been adrift for most of the season, finds his sense of purpose here and shows off his superb fighting skills. Ismael Cruz Córdova is so graceful and dynamic in his fight scenes, once again showing off the prowess of the Elves.
The battle scenes are captivating in their deadly grandeur, dark skies billowing with smoke and fire and the screams of Elves and Orcs alike. The costuming and makeup design of the Orcs and other creatures here are excellent, giving them all distinct and menacing personas. Their threat seems overwhelming, but it is in these dire scenes that heroes are made. The lines of hope in this episode from Prince Durin, Galadriel, and Elrond, designed to rally the Free Folk in their darkest hour, are some of the best-written moments in the entire show and will have you fiercely rooting for every character who stands with them. Their pain will become yours, their faith will make your heart bleed, and their sacrifices will take your breath away.
While the action scenes will have you on the edge of your seat, cheering and yelling and ready to smite the TV screen, “Doomed to Die” slows down to show the grief that comes with so much death and destruction. It doesn’t shy away from the gruesome horrors of war, even when the shock of violence makes you choke. Instead, it holds your gaze, forcing you to sit with the loss and feel how it impacts those left behind. You see the impossible choices our heroes must make, and how each life is precious. And it’s not just the loss of the Free Folk you’ll feel; the way The Rings of Power has taken the time to give the Orcs more agency and drive is a fascinating take that pays off immensely.
“Doomed to Die” is the most gripping episode of the season. There are so many moments where I audibly gasped; each scene is sprawling with twists and staggering revelations. Just like an astute commander in battle, the feints and power plays that have you doubting everything are revealed to be perfectly designed to reel you in. “Doomed to Die” is the mighty explosion of immense pressure the season has been working so diligently to build, and it’s worth every second. You won’t be able to tear your eyes away—and with one episode to go, you’ll be left demanding to know where on Middle-earth the show is going to go from here.
