We solely get hints about Elendil’s previous on this episode. We discover out he has a daughter named Eärien (Ema Horvath). He additionally has a son, Isildur (Maxim Baldry), who’s in coaching for the ocean guard, however who would fairly defer his fee to pursue the decision he feels towards their ancestral lands. “There may be nothing for us on the western shores,” Elendil replies, mysteriously. “The previous is lifeless.” Put a pin in that. For now, simply notice that this household, for no matter purpose, is making an attempt very arduous to rebrand themselves as sea folks.
The orcs are again, and scarier than ever.
Final week, a stray orc terrorized Bronwyn and her son within the Southlands; and whereas the beast was suitably imposing, it was nowhere close to as muscular or fearsome as the opposite orcs now we have seen in “The Lord of the Rings” motion pictures. I wouldn’t say the identical in regards to the orcs that kidnapped the Silvan elf Arondir on the finish of Episode 2, and who firstly of this episode carry him off to their jail pit, “For Adar.” (This explains the episode’s title, though we don’t see the precise Adar till the very finish, in silhouette.)
The jail sequences are equal elements horrifying and thrilling, as Arondir and his fellow elf captives plot an escape that appears downright unimaginable, given the dimensions and viciousness of the orc guards. This week is gentle on blockbuster-quality motion, till Arondir turns his shackles into weapons, whipping the chains round and leaping by the air. His gusto solely makes it all of the sadder when the escaping elves get pierced by arrows as they attempt to crawl out of the pit.
The Harfoots could look pleasant, however they’ve a flinty facet.
Firstly of the collection, we’re advised that the lifetime of a Harfoot is superior to different Center-earth races, as a result of the halflings haven’t any duties. They only eat and play, having fun with what the land supplies. However it’s by no means fairly that straightforward, is it? The Harfoots must do numerous work to cover their existence, for one factor. Additionally, throughout their common migrations — which they’re making ready for firstly of this episode — they go away family and friends members behind if they’ll’t sustain.
One of many extra haunting scenes this week includes the Harfoots paying tribute to their fallen, in a ceremony led by the elder Sadoc (Lenny Henry), who talks about how, “In life, we couldn’t anticipate them,” earlier than main his individuals within the name “We anticipate you!” as he reads the departed’s names.