Episode 5 of Rings of Power kicks off the most extravagant television spectacle ever mounted, commencing with Nori engaging The Stranger in a conversation about their perilous journey. Nori highlights the numerous hazards that await them, emphasizing that if these diminutive halflings sustain any harm, they will be abandoned along the way. One could argue, perhaps ironically, that the Harfoots themselves pose the greatest threat of all?
Regardless, they press forward, their steps punctuated by a lilting melody as they traverse the vast landscape. As they delve deeper into the woods, Malva, the benevolent Harfoot, proposes that Sadoc should have confiscated Nori and the others' wheels, leaving them to fend for themselves.
Malva persists, stumbling upon a trove of mushrooms. Just as she begins to pluck them from the earth, a guttural shriek echoes from the forest's depths, unleashing a horde of creatures hell-bent on hunting them down. Fortunately, The Stranger unleashes his formidable power, repelling the beasts and sending them scattering in disarray.
Meanwhile, Adar receives word that the tunnel has been completed. His subordinate is instructed to rally the legions. "The hour has struck," he declares. Their plan is to assault the guard tower, where Bronwyn and the Southlanders are stationed.
Bronwyn rallies the troops, acknowledging that they must stand and fight to demonstrate their unwavering strength. Many raise their hands in solidarity... yet they are swiftly swayed by an elderly man advocating for a retreat to seek better fortune elsewhere. Tragically, this divides their forces in two.
The old man and his followers stumble upon Adar, who is compelled to slay one of his own to prove his unwavering honor and loyalty to Sauron. The orcs eventually commence their march towards the tower, leaving Bronwyn and her comrades to brace for an imminent and formidable challenge.
Over in Numenor, the Numenorian soldiers are undergoing rigorous training. Galadriel scoffs at their efforts, deciding to demonstrate her prowess by taking matters into her own hands. Of course, this is a familiar scene; it has been quite some time since we have witnessed another episode showcasing Galadriel's superiority over all.
As she triumphantly emerged victorious, not a single bead of sweat graced her brow. Amidst the applause, one couldn't help but marvel. Remember when the elves' job prospects caused a stir in the last episode? Now, behold an elf training an army and ascending to the rank of commander! It's bewildering to witness such applause, isn't it? Nevertheless, one could speculate, until the closing credits of this episode, that the applause is for Valandil, a warrior who narrowly missed out on surpassing Galadriel. Adhering to the pact with Elendil, he was duly promoted.
"The tide may swell and engulf a man, or ebb and cast him into the abyss of the sea," Pharazon uttered to his son, adding, "The art of navigating the current lies in discerning its next turn." Indeed, we all know there are only two possibilities: the high tide and the low tide. Such dialogue, though adorned with fancy words, is devoid of substance. This episode is filled with such empty rhetoric, and writing it down exposes its shallowness. Astonishingly, this dialogue stems from the most lavish show ever conceived.
Out on the shore, Isildur plotted to stow away on a vessel, but Kemen emerged, intent on destroying the cargo and igniting it. As they grappled, the lantern tumbled, igniting the load in a fiery explosion. Fortunately, Isildur had the presence of mind to seize Kemen and swing them both to safety before the entire vessel erupted in flames.
Within the towering structure, Galadriel and Pharazon clashed over their differing strategies. For now, Miriel opted to delay her decision until dawn, while Galadriel scowled and frowned. She approached Halbrand, offering a semblance of apology... yet her intentions were far from sincere. We all know that Galadriel only acts in her own self-interest, and in this instance, she sought Halbrand's voice at the council to sway the tide in her favor for the impending expedition.
Galadriel confesses her inability to halt her vengeance-driven quest, lamenting the mutiny of her companions who turned against her after she led them into a deadly trap and was willing to abandon them on the mountain's summit. Further, she reveals the betrayal of her closest friend in conspiring to exile her. Halbrand, moved by her plight, apologizes on behalf of those who have wronged Galadriel, while she urges him to return to the Southlands, honoring his people in the process.
Meanwhile, Gil-Galad and Elrond sit alongside Durin and the dwarves, raising their cups in celebration of the union between their races. After the festivities, Elrond keeps his promise to Durin, refraining from disclosing the dwarves' remarkable discovery deep within the mountains. As the light of the Eldar wanes, Celebrimbor quickly emphasizes that the mithril shall be the salvation of their dwindling race, though it might come with the cost of severing their newly forged alliance with the dwarves.
Eventually, Elrond reveals the gravity of the situation to Durin, confessing that the fate of the elves rests solely in his hands. Truthfully, the dwarves have been the epitome of charm and wit in this show, leaving a void in the episode without Disa's lively presence.
As the episode draws to a close, the council makes its decision unseen by the audience, and preparations for the journey to Middle-earth commence. With reverence, all rise to attention as Galadriel, armored and determined, steps onto the boat. She approaches Halbrand, and the pair grasp hands, united in purpose as they embark on this epic journey.
