The Rings of Power’s season finale finally puts to rest all theories about the whereabouts of Sauron and the Stranger’s identity and sets up season 2’s trials for the Elves and Numenoreans. The finale dealt a hard blow to Numenor, teased Sauron’s next quest, and gave the Elves new hope for survival.
But one thing remains unchanged – the standards and stakes for season 2 are higher than ever. With three rings of power forged and more promised as the song foretells, while the credits rolled, season one’s finale presents great hope for a successful season 2.
1. Season 2 Theories
The season 1 finale did not name the Stranger. Still, the magic-wielding trio recognized his Istari identity – this pretty much confirms the Stranger is Gandalf the White, only younger and without all his memories.
Headed to discover all that lay in his past in Rhun, season 2 will also pave Gandalf’s future as one of the greatest wizards of Middle-Earth and one of the few who defeated Sauron.
And Nori’s adventures are far from over yet. What will be the Hobbit’s fate in season 2 after getting tied up with the Wise One? Will she continue to wander alone and never return to the Harfoots again?
Halbrand’s reveal as Sauron was a considerable twist, especially with the feint at the beginning of the episode, though some had seen it coming.
Sauron heading to Mordor and looking upon it with a faint smile spells trouble for Adar in season 2. Fans can expect the two enemies to clash once again to claim lordship of the Shadow Land.
Isildur’s death didn’t seem definite in episode 7, but episode 8 might have confirmed the significant book character being cut from the series. Or is there another plot twist we can expect from season 2?
Halbrand’s betrayal and sacrifice of her trusty sword were hard on Galadriel. Still, fans can expect the brave warrior to just keep swimming (pardon the Dory pun) and make sure Sauron never deceives her again.
Season 2 will see a reignited fire in Galadriel as we saw in the initial episode, but will her light be able to defeat her darkness?
Upon reaching Numenor, Miriel will find an even heavier burden placed upon her head when her father’s death leads to her being Queen of Numenor. But is Queen Miriel confident enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel when all she sees is darkness ahead?
Season 2 will also highlight the cracks between Elrond and Galadriel, the forging of new rings and Durin’s kingdom’s role in that, and maybe Sauron gaining his own ring at the end.
2. Episode 9 Release Date
Episode 8 of The Rings of Power was the finale of season 1. Thus, there will be no episode 9. No official release date for season 2 has been confirmed.
3. Season 1 Schedule
| The Rings of Power Episode Number | The Rings of Power Episode Title | Direction | Teleplay | Release Date |
| 1 | A Shadow of the Past | J.A. Bayona | J. D. Payne & Patrick McKay | September 1 2022 |
| 2 | Adrift | J.A. Bayona | Gennifer Hutchison | September 1 2022 |
| 3 | Adar | Wayne Che Yip | Jason Cahill & Justin Doble | September 9 2022 |
| 4 | The Great Wave | Wayne Che Yip | Stephany Folsom and J. D. Payne & Patrick McKay | September 16 2022 |
| 5 | Partings | Wayne Che Yip | Justin Doble | September 23 2022 |
| 6 | Udûn | Charlotte Brändström | Nicholas Adams, Justin Doble, J.D. Payne, & Patrick McKay | September 30 2022 |
| 7 | The Eye | Charlotte Brändström | Jason Cahill | October 7 2022 |
| 8 | Alloyed | Wayne Che Yip | Gennifer Hutchison and J. D. Payne & Patrick McKay | October 14 2022 |
4. Where to Watch The Rings of Power
Season 1 of The Rings of Power is available for streaming on Prime Video exclusively.
5. Episode 8 Recap
The episode begins with the Dweller and her sisters finally cornering The Stranger only to reveal that they believe him to be Sauron. Galadriel reaches Eregion with a gravely injured Halbrand and reunites with Elrond. Numenor faces the possibility of an inevitable tragedy.
As the white-clothed trio tries to jog the memory of “Sauron,” Nori and her small band of Harfoots attack and try to save The Stranger. But when Nori is in danger, The Stranger rises to a sliver of his old power and banishes the trio to the shadows.
Before they could return to nothing, the trio confirmed The Stranger is not Sauron but an “Istari,” meaning wizard –thus all but confirming The Stranger is a young Gandalf.
Halbrand helps Celebrimbor build the mithril into a weapon the elves can use to save Middle Earth, but Galadriel starts to suspect her “ally.” Upon investigating, Galadriel discovers Halbrand has been deceiving her all this time, for he is none other than Sauron!
Sauron escapes, and Elrond saves Galadriel from drowning. Galadriel rushes to Celebrimbor and implores him to create three rings – for one will corrupt, two will divide, but three will keep the balance.
While Celebrimbor forges the rings at Eregion for the Elves, The Stranger and Nori head to Rhun, and Sauron reaches Mordor. Miriel returns to Numenor to see the city grieving their king, making the Queen Regent now Queen of Numenor.
6. About The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is an American TV series, based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien, developed by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay for streaming on Amazon Prime.
Set 3,000 years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the show will be set in the Second Age of Middle-earth. Beginning with a time of peace, the series will follow the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron and the forging of the rings of power.
The cast includes Robert Aramayo, Owain Arthur, Nazanin Boniadi, Morfydd Clark, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Markella Kavenagh, Joseph Mawle, and Dylan Smith among many others.
No Comments on The Rings of Power Season 2: Release Date, Recap, and Speculation