Welcome, Unhappy RoP watchers… ones who have seen THE EYE!
The latest episode of RoP is a disappointment to rival that of episode 5, Partings. We get the continuation of the Elrond and Durin storyline with the mithril, but all doubt is now erased that the ‘magic’ metal can heal the darkness that is supposedly spreading into the Elves, and that it takes the form of tree roots, clearly reminiscent of the Roots of Hithaeglir, which may not be so legendary after all. The storyline did give us some of the coolest scenes yet, including the ‘deprinceification’ of Durin IV, as well as the true story behind the rite of sigin-tarag with Durin and Elrond, but I cannot focus on the good parts, when they are so closely connected with the worst part yet. They have one episode left this season; the only way I can figure it out is that the mithril can cure the tree, but as there is nothing wrong with the Elves themselves, that can rest uncured.
As for the storyline in what has gone from Beforedor to flat-out Mordor, I cannot say much. I don’t like Miriel’s reference to Ar-Inziladun, as she should refer to him by his Quenya name, Tar-Palantir, but I don’t mind that much. Otherwise a good story so far. I especially like the reference to Pelargir, just as a nice easter egg to us book maniacs.
Finally, the Harfoots. We got a big part of them this time, likely as an apology for the severe lack of them last time. As previously stated, the Stranger is the only thing I can really look at from a lore perspective. He and the mystics still puzzle me. I don’t think it’s Eärendil, but the Istari is a big possibility, and one that I don’t like. My best theory is lost Maiar of some sort, but still, that would be in the text, wouldn’t it…?
Overall it was an OK episode, actually pretty good if you were to just have said, ‘the Tree is sick’ to Elrond, and have him lie to the dwarves about the fate of the Elves, or even lie to Elrond (which could still be the case). Overall it keeps the series at a solid 5.0/10, but on its own I’d give it a 6.5. Which is very generous.