As a film critic with a lifelong obsession with Middle-earth and its lore, I must say that the finale of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power left me both satisfied and intrigued. The second season has been a rollercoaster ride, but it reached new heights in the final episode.
In a somewhat optimistic turn for most characters in the Season 2 finale of “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power”, many found resolution, but not all fates were joyful. This is particularly evident when considering one of the show’s main antagonists, who has been a consistent presence since the very first episode of the series. As Middle-earth edges closer to full-scale conflict, Sauron (portrayed by Charlie Vickers) regained significance in the second season, with the rings of power now crafted and dispersed throughout the land.
In the thrilling finale of The Rings of Power’s second season, I found myself face-to-face with Adar (Sam Hazeldine), a confrontation I had been eagerly anticipating. Earlier, in the penultimate episode, he had obtained Galadriel’s ring from Elrond. On this fateful day, I intended to return the nine rings in my possession to him. However, Adar unveiled his original, pure form, miraculously healed by the ring. Enlightened, he chose to bestow the powerful artifact upon me, hoping it would be a catalyst for lasting peace in Middle-earth. Yet, this moment of redemption was fleeting, as Adar’s children, under Sauron’s orders, mercilessly took his life, echoing the Dark Lord’s demise at the hands of Adar.
In the final sequence of the season, Charlotte Brändström, the director, and cinematographer Alex Disenhof decided to shoot the scene between characters Adar and Galadriel using Dutch camera angles as a tribute to their initial encounter in the first season. This memorable event took place during the mid-season climax when Galadriel faced off with Adar in a barn prior to the formation of Mordor.
Brändström: “In Episode 6, towards the end, there’s a showdown between Adar and Galadriel in the barn that we repeated from our initial season. Do you recall? Back then, we went all-in with the Dutch approach for this scene. So, Alex suggested revisiting the same style and going Dutch once more.
As a movie enthusiast, I found myself reflecting on the poignant portrayal of their relationship in this film – a delicate dance of past and present, tinged with an undeniable imbalance. The climax, a heartrending goodbye, was undoubtedly the final chapter in their shared story. We were all aware that his days were numbered, and that moment served as a poignant full-circle for both characters. A truly moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Adar Gets a Final Moment of Redemption
In a surprising twist for Adar’s character in the Season 2 finale of The Rings of Power, his actions contrasted sharply with his usual cunning behavior. Yet, this shift was foreshadowed right from the start. During Adar’s initial encounter with Galadriel in the barn, he showed his true self and those he considered as his offspring. It was during his prolonged torment and transformation at the hands of Morgoth that Adar transformed into the leader of the Orcs, posing a threat not only to Middle-earth but also to Sauron himself. This transformation could have been a result of the dark corruption inflicted upon him by his former abuser. Hence, Adar remained protective of his fellow corrupted beings until their betrayal in the final moments.
The final scene with Adar not only proves that Galadriel’s ring is actually a tool that can be used, uncorrupted by Sauron (for now), but it also allowed for the father of the Orcs to have a moment of redemption. It’s clear that despite his evil wrongdoings, Adar did have his best intentions at heart for the Orcs without the Morgoth’s influence over his body and soul. He is quick to forgive Galadriel for murdering a lot of his children, but the moment still felt earned and placed at the right time in The Rings of Power.
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2024-10-04 18:31