The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power S1E6 ‘Udûn’ Review

The Battle of the Southlands and its aftermath, which unites two of our four primary character groups, are the focus of this episode. This is effectively one prolonged combat, although being spread across three waves of Orc-led attacks and a Nmenorean counterattack. There are some exciting moments between the first two phases of the battle involving Galadriel, Isildur, and Elendil on their ship, but by the time they appear in the next scene, the cavalry has arrived to join the combat.

Neither the Harfoots nor Elrond and the Dwarves are depicted in any detail in this episode. The absence of the Harfoots doesn't actually affect the plot much other than the fact that the Stranger's identity will remain a mystery for at least one more episode. A bigger void is left by Elrond and Durin because they, together with Disa, are responsible for most of the warmth and humour in the story. We don't get to see much of Isildur's amusing pal Ontamo (Anthony Crum), so we miss their friendly banter. We are also getting farther away from really creating any Rings of Power the less Celebrimbor we see.

The episode's name, "Udûn," alludes to a variety of Tolkien mythological figures. It is also known as Utumno, and is one of Morgoth's strongholds. It is a location that resembles Hell particularly well; Gandalf termed the Balrog of Moria the "Flame of Udûn." Additionally, it is a valley in Mordor's north. The majority of the episode probably takes place in the Southlands valley, which would eventually become Mordor.

That would make sense given that the episode concludes with a volcanic eruption and the valley being flooded. The volcano in question is most likely Mount Doom, and its explosion will cause the area to change into the wasteland we later see. Although no one has even said the term "ring" until six episodes in, Sauron will eventually construct the One Ring inside this volcano.

REVIEW: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power S1E5.

The episode doesn't quite seem to want to commit to the conflict-driven setting, breaking the pace with quiet discussions about horses or trees. Yet, it does focus the tale and allow a lot more plot movement than earlier episodes, which had to divide their time between multiple plots.

We haven't spent nearly enough time with these characters beforehand (possibly with the exception of Galadriel) to truly care if any of them perish in battle. In the end, the conflict plays out quite predictably, with Nmenor swooping in to save the day just when it seems like there was no hope left for the Southlanders. However, the aftermath of the conflict is covered in the final third of the episode. We learn a little bit more about Adar, but the most important thing we learn is that he thinks he killed Sauron, even if there are six movies that tell us otherwise. He claims to be Uruk, although he is actually an ancient Orc, not one of Saruman's later Uruk-Hai. He is still a good guy at this point and has not even arrived in Middle-earth, where his Uruk-Hai were capable of moving in broad daylight.

We get to see quite a bit of Halbrand, and the episode's climax clearly supports the Halbrand-is-Sauron idea. He asks Adar whether he remembers him since he is very upset with him, which would make sense if Adar had attempted to kill him. Waldreg, who may have been acting on orders from Halbrand, who may have been able to switch the sword hilt for an axe after assisting Galadriel in recovering it, actually destroys the dam. However, there are many indications in this episode that Halbrand might not be who he claims to be.

REVIEW: See How They Run (2022).

The episode also contains several more strong moments. The Southlanders' frightening and brilliantly executed realisation that their own people are fighting alongside the Orcs against them, as well as Bronwyn's explanation of her own medical treatment to Theo. Both make for wince-inducing moments. Arondir's mouth being covered in Orc blood is a particularly memorable moment in the action itself.

Overall, the narrative is now starting to pick some steam. Pacing issues still occur on occasion. The tension and drive created by the dam-breaking sequence are totally destroyed. Before cutting to the dam and then returning to the community being destroyed by water spouts, we needed to watch that exchange first. Galadriel appearing to be consumed by fire at the conclusion of the episode isn't a cliffhanger since we've already seen her in six movies set centuries later, which is another ongoing issue with the series due to its status as a prequel.

There are good moments in this episode. However, the cliffhanger to the episode overall could have been chosen more wisely.