Season 2

"Shadow and Flame" Review - Season 02, Episode 08

We discuss the season finale of The Rings of Power: Season 2 and look back on the season as a whole.
Episode Takeaways:
The season finale wraps up several character arcs.
Sauron's torture of Kullagrimbor is a standout scene.
Galadriel's fight with Sauron showcases her strength.
The elves' journey to Rivendell is significant for future lore.
Dwarven struggles foreshadow future conflicts with the Balrog.
Númenor's political landscape is fraught with tension.
The Stranger's identity as Gandalf is a pivotal reveal.
The season has received mixed reviews but retains a strong viewership.
Character development was a key focus this season.
The anticipation for Season 3 is high among fans.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode TitleThe free peoples of Middle-earth struggle against the forces of darkness.
Directed by: Charlotte BrändströmWritten by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKayStarring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine 
The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth PodcastMusic: Haunting Celtic SoundtrackArtist: Zac NelsonStock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie HenriquesThe Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.
All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"Doomed to Die" Review - Season 02, Episode 07

A massive battle for the fate of Eregion is at the heart of this episode, as is the relationship between Sauron and Celebrimbor.
Episode Takeaways:
Doom and mortality are central themes in the episode.
Character arcs are crucial for emotional engagement.
The battle scenes, while not on a film scale, were effective.
Elrond's despair highlights the stakes of the conflict.
Foreshadowing hints at future conflicts and character fates.
The dwarven alliance adds depth to the storyline.
Canon discussions reflect the challenges of adaptation.
The podcast's success indicates audience engagement.
The hosts appreciate the show's commitment to storytelling.
Anticipation builds for the season finale.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley
Doomed to DieEregion's fate is decided.Directed by: Charlotte BrändströmWritten by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Justin DobleStarring: Charles Edwards, Charlie Vickers, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Owain Arthur, Sophia Nomvete, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Morfydd Clark, Peter Mullan, Amelia Kenworthy, Sam Hazeldine
The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth PodcastMusic: Haunting Celtic SoundtrackArtist: Zac NelsonStock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie HenriquesThe Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.
All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

"Where is He?" Review - Season 02, Episode 06

Where is that big bad Sauron guy hiding out now? Hey, where is he?
Episode Takeaways:
The episode serves as a stepping stone to the finale.
Galadriel's confrontation with Sauron reveals deeper themes of power and choice.
The manipulation of characters like Celebrimbor and the dwarves adds complexity to the narrative.
Ellen Deed's judgment reflects the struggle between loyalty and truth.
The orcs are portrayed with more depth, challenging traditional views of them as mere villains.
The significance of Mythril in the dwarven storyline is crucial to the plot's progression.
Despite knowing the lore, the podcast hosts express curiosity about how the events will unfold.
The dynamic between characters showcases the emotional stakes involved in their decisions.
The episode sets the stage for a climactic battle in the upcoming episodes.
The exploration of themes like gaslighting and manipulation adds a modern twist to the fantasy narrative.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Where Is He?Galadriel considers a proposition. Elendil faces judgment. The Stranger finds himself at a crossroads. Sauron’s plans bear fruit.Directed by: Sanaa HamriWritten by: Justin DobleStarring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine 
The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth PodcastMusic: Haunting Celtic SoundtrackArtist: Zac NelsonStock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie HenriquesThe Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.
All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

”Halls of Stone” Review - Season 02, Episode 05

The rings for the men are nearly here, leaving us with just THE ONE RING to be forged.
Episode Takeaways:
The series' pacing is picking up with the introduction of the Rings.
Corruption is a central theme, especially regarding the Rings' influence on characters.
Character dynamics in Numenor are complex and filled with conflict.
Sauron's manipulation of Celebrimbor is a key plot point.
The lore surrounding the Dwarves and the Balrog adds depth to the story.
The creation of the Rings has significant implications for the future of the series.
The characters' motivations are often driven by power and ambition.
The podcast hosts appreciate the behind-the-scenes content following the episodes.
There is a sense of urgency as the series approaches its climax with only a few episodes left.
The hosts express a desire to rewatch the original Lord of the Rings movies.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
“Halls of Stone”
When Durin grows suspicious of the Dwarven Rings, Celebrimbor must reassess his priorities. Amidst Númenor’s shifting currents, Elendil searches for hope.
Directed by: Sanaa Hamri, Louise HooperWritten by: Nicholas AdamsStarring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine 
The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth PodcastMusic: Haunting Celtic SoundtrackArtist: Zac NelsonStock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie HenriquesThe Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.
All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

”Eldest” Review - Season 02, Episode 04

We meet Tom Bombadil in the latest episode, a character we quickly attach ourselves to.
Episode Takeaways:
The episode introduces new locations and characters in Middle Earth, expanding the story's scope.
The lighting and visual effects are praised, although some viewers had difficulty seeing the night scenes.
The conversation between the elves is noted for its distinct speech patterns.
The episode sets up intriguing storylines for future episodes, including the encounter with Tom Bombadil and the journey to find Theo.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
Episode TitlesynopsisDirected by: Sanaa Hamri, Louise HooperWritten by: Glenise MullinsStarring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine
The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth PodcastMusic: Haunting Celtic SoundtrackArtist: Zac NelsonStock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie HenriquesThe Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkien Estate & Prime Video.
All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion

“Elven Kings Under the Sky," “Where the Stars are Strange," “The Eagle and the Sceptre" Reviews - Season 02, Episodes 1-3

We discuss the three-episode premiere of The Rings of Power Season 2 and catch up on where our key characters were left from last season.
Episode Takeaways:
The first three episodes serve as a prologue for the season, reintroducing characters and setting the stage for the main storyline.
Sauron's long-term plan is to obtain the rings, leading him to the One Ring.
Elrond takes on a more active role and forms an alliance with Galadriel.
The show explores the challenge of depicting the passage of time and the controversy over humanizing orcs. The portrayal of orcs and the humanization of characters is a topic of discussion.
The political machinations in Numenor and the story of Isildur and Beren are intriguing storylines.
The struggles of the dwarves to grow crops and the mystery surrounding the stranger and the dark wizard add depth to the show.
The mixed reviews indicate a range of opinions about the show's quality.
The decision to have multiple seasons shows confidence in the show's potential.
Hosts:Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladilAshley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobleyCiaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo
“Elven Kings Under the Sky"
Dir: Charlotte Brändström, Writers: Gennifer Hutchison
Sauron bargains with Adar. The Stranger and Nori venture into new lands. The Three Elven Rings face judgment.
“Where the Stars are Strange"
Dir: Charlotte Brändström, Louise HooperWriters: Jason Cahill
Darkness falls over Khazad-dûm. Sauron and Galadriel each seek new allies. The Stranger and Harfoots encounter a growing threat.
“The Eagle and the Sceptre"
Dir: Charlotte Brändström, Louise HooperWriters: Jason Cahill
Isildur and an old friend reunite. Arondir grapples with change. Míriel faces rising opposition. Annatar counsels Celebrimbor.
Starring: Charlie Vickers, Morfydd Clark, Robert Aramayo, Benjamin Walker, Daniel Weyman, Ciarán Hinds, Markella Kavenagh, Megan Richards, Charles Edwards, Jack Lowden, Sam Hazeldine 
The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth PodcastMusic: Haunting Celtic SoundtrackArtist: Zac NelsonStock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie HenriquesThe Lord of The Rings/The Rings of Power elements are owned by respective copyright holders at Tolkein Estate & Prime Video.
All Episodes: https://explosionnetwork.com/the-lord-of-the-rings-extended-a-middle-earth-podcast
Support Us: http://www.ko-fi.com/explosion