'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 7 Review: Strong, emotional penultimate episode sets up terrific finale

Although the episode was less explosive than the previous one, it kept the ball rolling with good writing, stunning visuals, and great acting
Morfydd Clark as Galadriel and Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' (Amazon Studios)
Morfydd Clark as Galadriel and Tyroe Muhafidin as Theo in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' (Amazon Studios)

Contains Spoilers for 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 7

Last week’s ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ was undoubtedly the series’ finest episode yet. Some people went on to say that it was one of the most exhilarating TV episodes of all time. Titled ‘Udun’, the episode saw our heroes fighting against Adar and his army of Orcs. However, when we thought that the good guys won, something catastrophic happened and changed everything. At the end of the episode, we saw Mount Doom erupting after the floodgates were opened with the help of the Black Sword. It was the beginning of the end for the Southlands and its people and that’s what we see in the penultimate episode of the Amazon fantasy series.

Episode 7, titled ‘The Eye’, is all about the devastation that was caused by the eruption of Mount Doom. We see Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) covered in ash and the entire Southlands turning red because of the volcano eruption. Everyone is trying to find their loved one and fighting the blazing fire to get out of that place as quickly as possible. The commander of the Northern Armies is looking out for Halbrand and Elendil, but can’t seem to find them. However, she does get to see Theo and they both try to find others, including Bronwyn, Arondir, and Miriel.

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Even though the emotions were high in the Southlands, they were nothing compared to what was happening in the kingdom of the Dwarves. King Durin said “no” to mining deeper for Mithril. Durin IV was really disheartened and told Elrond that his father said no. Elrond understood the situation and left the small piece of Mithril on the table. A leaf that was turning black due to darkness immediately turned into a bright yellow leaf making Durin believe that he has to help his friend.

A still from 'The Rings of Power' Episode 7 (Amazon Studios)
A still from 'The Rings of Power' Episode 7 (Amazon Studios)

However, the scene that completely broke us was the conversation between Durin IV and his father. They both are presenting their own reason for helping or not helping the Dwarf, giving Prince Durin a chance to let his father know why he has been wrong. This particular scene made everyone emotional because the conversation that took place in that scene came straight from the heart. It also showed how a son doesn’t want to live under his father’s shadow and wants to be something more than what his father intended him to be. It was one of the best scenes of the series and Owain Arthur gave a splendid performance.

On the other hand, we saw three new mysterious characters making entries to the series, and this time in good capacity. First things first, those three people are 100 percent bad guys and are looking to find the Stranger. Nori tried to fool them but they caught her lying and burnt every single caravan that the Harfoots had. It’s highly possible that they are Sauron’s adversaries who are trying to find the Stranger who might turn out to be a danger to them.

A still from 'The Rings of Power' Episode 7 (Amazon Studios)
A still from 'The Rings of Power' Episode 7 (Amazon Studios)

There are loads of sequences that will keep you on the edge of your seat and make you feel emotional. But the episode ends with a stunning revelation and gives an official confirmation that The Southlands are now ‘MORDOR’.

A strong penultimate episode that sets up a terrific finale and even though it was less explosive than the previous, but kept the ball rolling with good writing and great acting.

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