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/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Episode Title The free peoples of Middle-earth struggle against the forces of darkness.

Directed by: Charlotte Brändström Written by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay 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 Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

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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/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley

Doomed to Die Eregion's fate is decided. Directed by: Charlotte Brändström Written by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay, Justin Doble Starring: 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 Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

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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/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran 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 Hamri Written by: Justin Doble 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 Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

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/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran 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 Hooper Written by: Nicholas Adams 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 Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

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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/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Episode Title synopsis Directed by: Sanaa Hamri, Louise Hooper Written by: Glenise Mullins 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 Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

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/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran 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 Hooper Writers: 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 Hooper Writers: 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 Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

Season 1 of The Rings of Power comes to a close with a number of vindicating reveals, some tearful goodbyes and the show’s title being justified.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

Movie/Episode Title Season One Finale. New Alliances are forged. Directed by: Wayne Che Yip Written by: Gennifer Hutchison, J. D. Payne, Patrick McKay Starring: Morfydd Clark, Tyroe Muhafidin, Maxim Baldry, Alex Tarrant, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Anthony Crum, Megan Richards, Markella Kavenagh, Daniel Weyman, Robert Aramayo, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Joseph Mawle

The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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

In the penultimate episode of the first season, things are rough for everyone in Middle-Earth as they deal with the ramifications of the volcano erupting.

Hosts: Dylan Blight: https://twitter.com/vivaladil Ashley Hobley: https://twitter.com/ashleyhobley Ciaran Marchant: https://twitter.com/YaboyRingo

The Eye Survivors of a cataclysm try to find safety; the Harfoots confront evil; Durin is torn between friendship and duty; Adar considers a new name. Directed by: Charlotte Brandstorm Written by: John D. Payne, Patrick McKay Starring: Morfydd Clark, Tyroe Muhafidin, Maxim Baldry, Alex Tarrant, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Anthony Crum, Megan Richards, Markella Kavenagh, Daniel Weyman, Robert Aramayo, Sophia Nomvete, Lloyd Owen, Nazanin Boniadi, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Charlie Vickers, Joseph Mawle

The Lord of The Rings: Extended- A Middle Earth Podcast Music: Haunting Celtic Soundtrack Artist: Zac Nelson Stock Media provided by zacnelson / Pond5 Art: Created by Dylan Blight & Cherie Henriques The 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