Just as he had begun to in the second episode, Arondir, portrayed by Ismael Cruz Cordova (In the Blood, Mary Queen of Scots), continues to steal the show. “Adar” opens with the reveal that he has been snatched by orcs who keep muttering praise and reverence towards their leader Adar – Morgoth’s supposed successor. Arondir is enslaved by these orcs who put him in chains and demand he dig their tunnels along with the other prisoners. The continued horror that surrounds the orcs and their ruthless behavior only serves to benefit their depiction.
Galadriel, played by Morfyrdd Clark (Saint Maud, Crawl), and Halbrand, played by Charlie Vickers (Medici) are rescued onto a mysterious ship. Elendil, the previous shrouded figure from episode two, played by Lloyd Owen (Apollo 18, Miss Potter), escorts them to the island of Númenor, which once symbolized the cooperation between humans and elves, but is now far from it. Galadriel wishes to be granted passage to Middle Earth, but because of the historical complications regarding elves on this island, she is kept as an unwilling guest – not far from a prisoner. In this sequence of events, we also meet Elendil’s son Isildur, played by Maxim Baldry (Years and Years, Skins), whose name will raise the ears of contextually knowledgeable fans. He displays skill while sailing and hears distant voices calling his name.
Back with Arondir, and the plotting to escape begins. He finds two other pals, one elf and one man, who make it known that they intend to find the nearest point of escape. After a confrontation about cutting down an elven tree, a tense scene involving a water canister ensues. Arondir and his elven friend sip the water despite suspecting it to be poisoned. The man then sips it, only for an orc to slit his throat as he does so. The complicated interaction between an untrustworthy and sadistic orc and three prisoners is loaded with tension and suspense. The anthropomorphic quality of the orc (that was heavily featured in the film series) is utilized to create the best type of villain. Their visual appearance is also not overdone and that is highly commendable. Arondir agrees to cut down the tree after this debacle and, as he does so, spots a forest in the distance.
Elendil has been tasked with watching over Galadriel to prevent her from causing trouble and takes her to an ancient elven library, where she discovers the mark of Sauron is a map of the Southlands. Halbrand, on the other hand, is on a mission of redemption. He begs to find work as a smith but is denied on account of not having a specific badge. He attempts to steal one from a group of men but is caught. In the explosive fight scene, he takes a couple of hits before releasing his inner demons, graphically taking them all down. The complexity of his character is built smoothly as he oscillates between placation and provocation.
Nori, depicted by Markella Kavenagh (My First Summer, Picnic at Hanging Rock), not too unexpectedly, continues to try and help The Stranger, played by Daniel Weyman (Gentle Jack, A Very English Scandal), and eventually gets caught. He finds the map of the stars she stole for him, and in trying to read it closely, sets it on fire and reveals himself to all the Harfoots. She is reprimanded, not by being exiled from their group, but by her caravan being placed at the back for the migration the next day. Her father is still struggling with an ankle issue, and just as it seems as if they will be left behind and for dead, The Stranger offers to help them carry the cart. The Harfoots scenes still included some comedy, but less, and with the danger of the migration emphasized, there was a better tonal balance to their feature in this episode.
Galadriel talks to Halbrand about her discovery of his identity –the rightful King of the Southlands – and tries to convince him to join her on her journey to Middle Earth. Galadriel had some moments of resilience in “Adar”, but ultimately felt overshadowed. She is also bordering on one-dimensionality because of her singular obsession.
The episode ends strongly. Arondir attempts his escape in a thrilling action sequence. He sacrifices himself for the escape of his elven friend, who is arrowed down by orcs as soon as he runs out to the wasteland. His death can only be described as Boromir-like. Instead of being killed, Arondir is brought to the episode’s namesake. Adar isn’t fully revealed, but seemingly has elven ears.
Rating: 8.0/10