The Rings of Power Season 1 Ep 4 is the fourth instalment of the first season of a fantasy TV series streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Loosely based on the appendices author JRR Tolkien included in his Lord of the Rings trilogy, canonically, this series is set in the Second Age of Middle Earth, whereas the Lord of the Rings was set in the Third Age. Much has been made about this series being unfaithful to Tolkien’s works and thus, we have decided to analyse the story of The Rings of Power on its own merits, while ignoring the accusations of virtue signalling race and gender swapping.
S P O I L E R S
Entitled “The Great Wave”, The Rings of Power Season 1 Ep 4 continues the stories of the lead characters as the overall arc of the threat of Sauron over Middle-Earth simmers in the background. There are essentially three sub-plots to occupy the audience in this respect and overall, the episode is a ponderous mess that slightly advances the overall story arc of the first season. In essence, nothing substantial happens, with plot points moving forward at snail’s pace.
Plot
Galadriel is still in Númenor, trying to convince the Queen Regent Míriel to join her in her quest to restore Halbrand as the rightful king of the Southlands and to thrawt Sauron at the same time. This is ultimately achieved only through Míriel’s dreams being fulfilled when the white tree sheds its leaves – maybe it is autumn? – possibly the flimsiest of motivations. Isildur volunteers for the quest as well thus fulfilling his own desires to runaway.
READ OUR ANALYSES OF THE RINGS OF POWER.
Meanwhile in the Southlands itself, the village folk are holed up in the Elves’ tower, while the Orcs continue searching for the dark hilt, which Theo possesses. Explicably, the Orcs are prevented from reclaiming the hilt when Arondir – released by Adar – prevents such eventually. Maybe it was a bad idea, Adar – and what was the point on that anyways? Just to get a message across? Makes no sense!
Finally, there is the entirely pointless visit of Elrond to Khazad-dum again to find out what Durin is hiding. It’s the discovery of Mithril – the special ore seen in the Lord of the Rings movies. The only other significant plot point is Durin agreeing to Elrond’s request to visit Lindin. That’s all – like we said, a largely meaningless sequence.
Thankfully, no Harfoots (Harfeet?) in The Rings of Power Season 1 Ep 4 and they are not missed at all!
Characters
Galadriel remains a Mary Sue Karen but softens her approach – at Halbrand’s advice – in order to “bond” with Míriel. In this respect, Galadriel’s unlikeable traits were somewhat restrained. Míriel has no real personality at the moment – she seems confused and keeps changing her mind constantly – not a very strong leader at all, is she? Isildur is depicted to be distracted and running away from commitment – perhaps a foreshadowing of his future self?
The Final Analysis
Despite the multiple plots depicted, nothing much of consequence occurs in The Rings of Power Season 1 Ep 4. Even though there were a couple of action sequences and certain political manoeuvrings, in general, the episode was boring and barely watchable. Zzzzz.
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