The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power 1×08 “Alloyed” marks the end of season one of the Prime Video series in a way that makes me want to yell one word: more. Seriously, from the rooftops and out on the streets, I want people to know that this show has gripped my soul and made me invested again in this world in a way that hasn’t happened in ages. And yes, I’m a Tolkien fan. Have been since I was a kid. But there is something so transformative about The Rings of Power that adds beautifully to the mythology of this world and makes me want to go back and read the books and watch the movies to fill the time until season 2 premieres.
Galadriel and Her Connection to Halbrand
Personally, I will never forgive The Rings of Power 1×08 “Alloyed” for what it did to my ship of Galadriel and Halbrand. And don’t get me wrong, it’s dead and never coming back. But the way that this show has made me feel to just turn around and reveal that this handsome man is Sauron and he wants the mightiest warrior to be his queen….well, YOU HAVE A GIRL ALL TWISTED UP! Because one part of me is like, “Why, yes, I do like twisted romances and drama.” But the other part of me is like, “Nah. He’s evil and kind of totally killed her brother, so….”
Also, kudos to Galadriel for trusting her gut. I know a lot of people have complained about where Galadriel started and have been mad because she isn’t the perfection they know. But she has to go through shit to become that uber baddie we know and love. And this is where it starts, with Halbrand, and the fucked up concept of kind of caring for a monster and knowing you shouldn’t. Sucks for Sauron, though. Because Galadriel, oh boy, she’s is going to be on your ass. You thought she was determined before? It’s nothing compared to what’s next.
As for Halbrand, you had me going there, you sneaky bastard. But there was something always off about you. Something that itched at me. And then you “accidentally” walked into Celebrimbor’s place of work and “coincidentally” knew what to do to make the mithril work. Girl, I knew. Galadriel knew. And now Elrond knows. But kudos to you for tricking me and the legion of fans you have gained. Now lets watch how this twists people up and if they suddenly are Team Sauron instead of Team Middle Earth shouldn’t be ruled by one dude.
The Stranger and Nori Legit Making Me Cry
The Rings of Power 1×08 almost had me with that reveal that The Stranger was Sauron. And I believed it, in the beginning at least. But the more time that passed, the more I was like, “No. Nori said he was good and she isn’t wrong.” I’m glad I listened to that part of myself. Because Nori was right. The Stranger is Istar. The Wise One. And the friend to those like Nori and all the Hobbits to come. And I know they didn’t outright say it, but that man is Gandalf and I will not take any other answer.
It does say something about The Rings of Power, and the tireless work they have put into the first season, that as soon as The Stranger told Nori to trust her nose, that I burst into tears. At first I was like, “You’re being ridiculous. Contain yourself, woman!” But then I threw that nonsense out the window. Gandalf has been part of my life for a very long time. I love him and appreciate how his story is woven into mine. Seeing the beginning of his journey on Middle Earth is special to me. And I can’t wait to see more.
I especially can’t wait to see what Gandalf is going to be up to with Nori aka the bravest Harfoot out there. Together, they gave me the feelings. Her faith in him is something he’ll carry forever. But it’s his trust in her that empowered her to stand on her own and take a chance. She’s choosing something bigger than herself while knowing how loved she is by her family and friends. Nori is the future of Middle Earth and one of the many reasons that good will triumph over evil.
Queen Regent Miriel and Elendil Giving Me Feelings?
I truly didn’t expect to love Miriel and Elendil as much as I did on The Rings of Power. Sure, I knew they were strong, independent, and well-thought-out characters. But I didn’t expect to be so invested in their continued survival to the point where I was like, “How about we don’t go back home because there is certainly death and destruction coming for that place and I need you safe!” That’s where I’m at. That’s where my loyalties rest. And “Alloyed” raised that love for Miriel and Elendil to a whole new level.
First Miriel. She has been blinded during her time on Middle Earth. But do you think that’s stopped her? Nope! If anything, it’s made her more determined to be a great leader who stands by her people and on the side of good. Seeing her walking around the ship, memorizing her steps, is her acclimating to her new life. And in this new life she doesn’t need any help. But if it comes from a trusted advisor and friend like Elendil, she’ll take that hand and weather the storm with him. Because no one does this alone.
Then there’s Elendil. He’s been trying to deal with his pain alone while helping others as much as he can. And when trying to help Miriel, she shocks him by basically asking, “Who has you?” That breaks something in him and makes him realize that he can let his walls down and maybe he can do it around Miriel. The way they come together in The Rings of Power “Alloyed” feels intimate, powerful, and like the start of a bond, friendship, or even relationship that is going to survive the wave that is coming for them all. And I really can’t wait to see them thrive.
So, What Comes Next?
With The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power just starting production, it could be a good long while until we return to Middle Earth. But honestly, I can wait. Because there’s so much to think about, so much to plan, that I want the creators to take their time and give us something as magnificent as the first season. But story wise, I hope season 2 gets bigger, badder, and darker. Because that’s the only direction you can go after that Sauron reveal. I want complex, heartbreaking, and the kind of episodes that challenge me just like season one did.
As for the characters, they’re still on seperate journeys and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. Yes, the pieces have started to come together and the mithril has been found. But the dwarf king is still ruling. The only thing that I can think of that might change his mind is the thought of the elves having so much power with their own mithril rings. That’s going to move him forward to either forge new alliances with the elves or try to outwit them in anyway that he can and as soon as possible. Which is definetly going to be a mess.
The ones I’m really worried about are Arondir, Bronwyn, and Theo. We don’t get to see them in “Alloyed” but they are still out there trying to find a new home. And with Halbrand sneaking about Mordor, he could cause trouble and put my favorite new family into danger aka something I will not allow. But if Galadriel and Elrond keep the secret of his identity close to their chest…could Halbrand continue to pass himself off as the King of the Southlands? And how long until Arondir and Bronwyn figure things out and are back in danger again? (Oh, now I’ve scared myself.)
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premieres new episodes each Friday on Prime Video.
