'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.

RELATED ARTICLES

'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 6 Review: Battle takes centerstage in show's FINEST episode yet

'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' Episode 6: Did Adar kill [SPOILER]? SHOCKING revelation stuns Galadriel

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.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Mayor of Kingstown’ is heading to Netflix, giving fans another way to watch Jeremy Renner lead Taylor Sheridan’s hit drama.
28 minutes ago
The show’s creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, shared a cryptic post ahead of the upcoming Season 29
1 hour ago
The highly anticipated book adaptation is set to premiere this October, bringing iconic characters to life.
1 hour ago
‘Will Trent’ Season 5 is scheduled to air in January 2027, but an exact premiere date has not yet been announced
5 hours ago
Netflix is bringing Larry McMurtry’s beloved Western novel to the small screen with a team fans may already know.
6 hours ago
‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ returned with Season 25 on September 8, with Mariska Hargitay and Kaia Gerber set to appear on the next episode
8 hours ago
'Dexter: Resurrection' Season 2 will pick up three years after the first installment
8 hours ago
Alice’s finale choice brings her closer to Catherine as Liz Meriwether maps out the Hulu drama’s next chapter.
15 hours ago
Season 4 will test whether Colter can make room for a relationship without leaving his work or Billie behind.
20 hours ago
Dexter returns for another season with Michael C. Hall reprising his role in the hit crime drama, and the release date is sooner than you think.
20 hours ago