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Rings of Power season 2 has chosen a vast canvas, and at any point in any episode, several things are going on simultaneously. The latest episode is no different. In the vein of the first three episodes of season 2, episode 4 does not give all the principal characters screen time.
For instance, after driving much of the story forward in the 3-episode premiere, Sauron is off-screen in Rings of Power season 2 episode 4. Conversely, after a total absence in episode 3, Adar is back in action in episode 4. Adar’s arrival is indeed a plot twist that ends the episode on a suspenseful note.
Episode 4, titled Eldest, was released on Amazon Prime on September 5, 2024. Its synopsis reads:
“The Stranger finds what he’s been searching for. Arondir and Isildur search for Theo. Galadriel and Elrond walk into a trap.”
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The already complicated plot of Rings of Power season 2 advances in episode 4 through introducing some key characters, and the progress in the journeys of the known ones.
Rings of Power season 2 episode 4 ends with a glimpse of Adar
In episode 4, Galadriel, Elrond, and their team finally discover that Gil-galad's messenger to Eregion has been killed. This messenger was tasked with warning Celebrimbor to stay alert since Sauron was planning something sinister.
The ending of Episode 3 showed that Celebrimbor had already started making more rings in the presence of Sauron, who had by now taken up the disguise of Annatar. Thus, Galadriel and Elrond’s discovery in episode 4 is a concerning one.
Stopped by a broken bridge on their way to Eregion, Galadriel and Elrond decide to reach there via Tyrn Gorthad. On the journey, Galadriel remarks that no price ought to be too high to pay when it comes to protecting the rings from falling into the wrong hands.
Meanwhile, an army of orcs is marching toward Eregion, and two of them spot it. Galadriel hands over her ring to Eregion and asks him to leave the spot, as she stays behind to take on the orcs.
She does a commendable job, and the orcs are no threat to her. In fact, she wreaks havoc on the orc army and orders them to go back to the dark. However, the closing shots of Rings of Power season 2 episode 4 show Adar arriving, and checking Galadriel’s hitherto impressive charge.
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Rings of Power season 2 finally introduces Tom Bombadil
The principal characters in Rings of Power season 2 are scattered as of now, and one episode can highlight the journeys of only a few of them at a time. However, episode 4, for the first time in the series, brings Tom Bombadil on screen, and it is the Stranger through whom this happens.
In Rhûn, the Stranger keeps wandering around in search of Poppy and Nori. While following a goat, he comes in front of an old, bearded man. The latter introduces himself, saying,
“Been a while since I’ve been called much of anything, but folk used to call me Tom Bombadil.”
What follows is a mysterious and amusing encounter between the Stranger and Bombadil. Tom constantly speaks in riddles, and the Stranger has a hard time following him. However, certain crucial things are learned through this encounter.
For instance, we come to know that Bombadil is an ancient creature who has seen more of Middle-Earth than anyone else. At the same time, we learn that though the Stranger is promising, he is still not ready to wield magic. This Stranger, in some episode in the distant future, will be revealed to be none other than Gandalf.
Read More: Rings of Power Season 2 release schedule
What’s up with Arondir, Isildur, and Estrid?
Arondir and Isildur were shown in Rings of Power season 2 only in episode 3. In episode 4, however, they are looking for Theo together with Estrid.
Their journey is marked by conflict with Estrid since there are suspicions that she might actually be serving Adar. However, it is soon found out that she is not a mole - she is just trying to survive by following whatever options she comes across.
Arondir and Isildur finally meet Theo, but this reconciliation comes after a strange adventure. They meet two Ents (humanoid trees) who appear hostile at first, but when Arondir and Isildur assure them that they are not here to cut them down for their trunk, the Ents leave them in peace.
Theo, meanwhile, declares his desire to go and help the people of Pelargir. Rings of Power season 2 episode 4 does not feature any updates from Pelargir, where Pharozan came to power in episode 3. The upcoming episode, to be released on September 12, 2024, might show what is happening in the city.
4 episodes of Rings of Power season 2 are currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
