As a longtime Tolkien enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in Middle-earth lore, I must say that this new take on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is nothing short of breathtaking. The way they’ve managed to weave together the timeless themes of power, addiction, and redemption is truly captivating. It’s as if J.R.R. Tolkien himself was sitting in the writers’ room, guiding their every stroke.
[This story contains spoilers from The Rings of Power season two finale.]
Indeed, you likely anticipated it. However, let me share with you an exciting development from The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’s season finale – not just a thrilling Sauron versus Galadriel showdown, but also the culmination of Sauron’s long-term manipulation and deception of Celebrimbor, the emergence of the Balrog in Khazad-dûm, and numerous other significant events.
In the following interview with The Hollywood Reporter, showrunners JD Payne and Patrick McKay discuss the final episode of season 2, which wraps up a wittily structured and visually stunning second season. This season has maintained its strong performance in ratings for Amazon. A wealth of topics are addressed, beginning with the revelation that The Stranger is indeed Gandalf the Grey…
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I’m glad you didn’t choose “Grand Elf” as I was worried it might resemble a unique, legally distinct Kirkland version of Gandalf. Was this character under your ownership from the start? Was the revelation of its identity part of the original plan?
JD PAYNE Yes, we’ve owned his rights since the start, and from early on, we had ideas about who The Stranger (Daniel Weyman) might turn out to be – namely Gandalf. As the story progressed, it seemed more logical for him to take on this role. There are a couple of reasons for this. Firstly, Gandalf has an unusually close bond with Halflings, often seen in the Shire. We wondered, “What if at some point in his past, he had vulnerably arrived in Middle-earth during a difficult time, with no memory of who he was, and was found by Hobbit ancestors? This experience would be something he’d never forget.
In the story, this character encounters Tom Bombadil (played by Rory Kinnear), and they develop a connection that allows him to explore his magical abilities as a wizard. Interestingly, Gandalf, on the verge of departing from Middle-earth, decides to spend time with Tom Bombadil before he goes, hinting at unresolved queries he has for this enigmatic figure. Typically, when one is about to leave a place, they tend to socialize with familiar faces rather than new acquaintances. However, in this case, it seemed like the narrative preferred this unusual encounter. Alternatively, there were other wizards, known as the blue wizards, who were active during the Second Age in the North and ventured towards the East. This choice, to spend time with Tom Bombadil, felt like the story that needed to unfold.
PATRICK MCKAY We’re particularly fond of this character. Exploring an earlier version of Gandalf embarking on a personal growth journey seemed ripe with potential.
So, is this Gandalf being born for the first time?
Indeed, Middle-earth boasts numerous eras and tales, and it’s intriguing to note subtle suggestions across J.R.R. Tolkien’s works that Gandalf has taken on various guises among diverse races. It’s possible that there may be an older story about him waiting for another to uncover.
When Gandalf returns as the White Wizard, there’s a brief moment of confusion. Since he didn’t remember his identity or his abilities this time, having been without them for so long…I found myself pondering about what could have been going through his mind?
PAYNE: As our tale unfolds, more information about him may come to light. However, it’s worth noting that he had a personal history prior to the event in the crater.
And the Dark Wizard (Ciarán Hinds) reminded me of Saruman. But since Gandalf doesn’t think of Saruman as a dark wizard in The Lord of the Rings, I’m presuming this is not him.
It seems quite plausible based on past events in Middle-earth. We’ve observed some wizards succumb to corruption. However, this doesn’t necessarily imply that the corrupted one here is the same individual. As you pointed out, it wouldn’t fit well with Saruman being the culprit.
In Khazad-dûm, it seemed that when the Balrog was set free, it caused destruction and forced everyone out of the mines without delay in your account. However, in your narrative, this is depicted as a slow, corrosive process. Consequently, the city remains inhabited, and they continue to battle for it as we move into season three.
MCKAY Societies often don’t collapse suddenly, but rather gradually, with small issues building up until they eventually lead to a catastrophic fall. Using climate change as an analogy, climate change is not a single event, but a continuous process that is generally moving in a negative direction. I believe that a mighty kingdom like Khazad-dûm did not crumble overnight. Its downfall was the result of numerous calamities over time. It would be unfair to the complexity of the situation to attribute its fall solely to the appearance of the Balrog, as if it was the only factor. I think there’s a more intricate story behind this event.
Let’s discuss the intriguing dynamics between Celebrimbor, portrayed by Charles Edwards, and Sauron/Annatar, acted by Charlie Vickers. I’m curious about how you crafted the climax of their strained relationship in the story.
PARAPHRASING: The development of Sauron’s character has been a gradual process, evident throughout the production. This is noticeable even in his costumes, with Annatar initially appearing in modest, almost angelic robes and later adorning dark feathers, reflecting his transformation into a more menacing tormentor. The actor, Charlie Edwards, delivers an emotionally poignant performance that many can identify with. We’ve all experienced ambitions we strive for that encounter setbacks, or relationships that didn’t turn out as expected, be it romantic, professional, friendly, or familial. Therefore, I believe viewers will resonate with the dynamic between Sauron and Celebrimbor, making the narrative even more haunting due to its relatability.
It seems like a psychological battle unfolds in these episodes, symbolically represented as a boxing match. During the heart of the season, specifically episodes five and six, Celebrimbor struggles against the sensation of being ensnared, while Sauron resorts to increasingly cunning manipulations. By the end of the sixth episode, Sauron has trapped Celebrimbor in a mental prison, which Celebrimbor himself refers to as such. Despite being visibly enjoying a picturesque rendition of the city, it’s burning beneath the surface, much like Rome. In the end, Sauron slays Celebrimbor, but paradoxically, Celebrimbor emerges victorious. He is no longer under Sauron’s control.
PAYNE: His final prediction – I’ll ascend to an elf paradise, while you’re trapped in the torment of your self-made world. “I see that one ring holds the key to your downfall.” By granting Sauron his desire, mastery over this realm, he subtly mocks you – yes, you are indeed a ‘lord of the rings,’ but ironically, you’re bound by these very rings that will ultimately bring about your destruction.
Why does Celebrimbor believe this, despite Sauron’s apparent power? How can he be certain that a ring will ultimately lead to his downfall?
MCKAY Sauron has revealed his grand scheme, and it relies on this technology for global control. However, Celebrimbor, as we’ve illustrated, believes that Sauron can’t pull off this plan without him. “You are now held captive by your own creations because, without me, you’re powerless to improve upon what I’ve already accomplished.
It seems as though Sauron might have thought he no longer needed Celebrimbor to forge the One Ring, but in reality, he still did, which may explain why things went awry for him.
We’d rather not reveal too much about the plot’s progression, but it’s safe to say that Sauron needs Celebrimbor. Trying to accomplish what they did alone could prove difficult for him.
In your statement, you hinted at the possibility that the relationship between Celebrimbor and Annatar could resemble people’s own relationships, including romantic ones. At certain points while observing them, you pondered whether there might be some underlying romantic or even sexual dynamics in their interactions?
I’d put it this way: For quite some time, the unique bond between these characters, its intensity, and even the hints of sexual undertones, have sparked intriguing discussions among fans of the original work. When you delve into emotions as potent as allure and deceit, it’s natural for one’s mind to wander in such directions.
From the second episode onwards, it’s quite evident that Sauron has been drawing Celebrimbor in subtly. Phrases like, “I have secrets only for you,” “You perceive me unlike others,” and “You will be safe with me” suggest a unique bond between them. This intricate dance they perform is not hard to interpret as something more intimate, hence fueling the idea that some viewers might ship them together.
The collapse of Celebrimbor serves as a symbol for substance abuse. Much like an addict, he’s obsessed with crafting the rings, and in the Lord of the Rings, Andy Serkis described Gollum as a heroin addict. This comparison suggests someone who has come to a sudden realization: “My living space is in disarray, and my life is ruined due to this obsession.
I find that fascinating. That aspect wasn’t explicitly discussed, but it was clear that we deemed it significant that someone willingly submits to Sauron. Sauron doesn’t control everything; he can only lure you into his trap. And I appreciate how this concept works as a metaphor for that. I believe it carries a strong meaning, especially in the case of Gollum.
As Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Sauron clashed, my thoughts wandered to whether there was any possibility of her emerging victorious. Given his immense power, even though he’s in mortal form, it seemed highly improbable that she stood a chance in this battle. Was the fight already lost for her? Was it a struggle destined for failure?
At the start of the season, it’s evident that Morgoth’s physical form can be destroyed by using his crown, which is a potent artifact. In essence, Galadriel had the potential to carry out what Adar did at the beginning of the season.
In our discussions about these scenes, we often ponder over their scripting, setting, and actor rehearsals. It’s indeed possible that she could triumph physically in this situation. However, his intent isn’t to kill her but rather to secure the recognition he feels is owed to him. He aims to win her allegiance. He’s playing a game with her, but she appears stronger than he anticipated. So the question becomes: How can she achieve victory despite the fact that it seems like he holds all the power?
In a clever nod to the initial episode, Adar’s death mirrors Sauron’s demise. This implies that without any constraints, Sauron could potentially command all the malevolent forces across Middle-earth.
REPHRASE At the outset, Sauron possesses nothing – no magic rings, no troops, no companions. Yet, by the end, he boasts a full force of Orcs. He has claimed the nine rings meant for men and bestowed the seven on dwarves. Consequently, his scheme for conquering Middle-earth is progressing steadily.
MCKAY Isn’t it also a narrative about the orcs? Adar is an orc who thinks orcs could be something greater. He suggests they could possess their own home, and even implies to Galadriel that they would leave the rest of Middle-earth untouched. Essentially, this tale isn’t just about Sauron taking control of the orc nation; it’s also a tale of an opportunity for the orcs to be recognized as a distinct people.
What excites you about season three?
MCKAY I’d simply put it this way: We’re extremely proud of season two and the fantastic performances given by our talented actors, as well as the outstanding contributions made by all our wonderful collaborators. We believe this season is exceptionally strong. Consciously, we decided to structure the show differently, aiming for each episode to stand alone as a unique experience. This means you won’t see every character in every week. We feel that the show is finding its rhythm, and we expect season three to be even better.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power season two is now streaming on Prime Video.
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2024-10-03 16:25