Recap: ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ Episode 4 – ‘The Great Wave’

(L to R) Cynthia Addai-Robinson (Queen Regent Míriel), and Morfydd Clark (Galadriel) in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.' Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

Secrets aplenty are uncovered in episode 4 of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,’ starting with the Queen Regent of Numenor (Cynthia Addai-Robinson). It turns out that Míriel’s recent iciness towards Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) is due in part to visions she’s having of Numenor’s destruction by flood. Hence the title of this week’s episode – ‘The Great Wave.’

Her people are no more welcoming of their elven visitor, with Halbrand’s recent attackers rallying folks in the streets to make Numenor great again. But the kingdom’s chancellor (Trystan Gravelle) is a more strategic populist, garnering his people’s adoration as he assures them they needn’t waste their time on one elf, as foreigners will never take the helm of their land.

The ever determined Galadriel tells Miriel that Halbrand is a displaced king of Middle-earth, and tries convincing her to join them in saving the Southlands from Sauron. She refuses of course. And when Galadirel asks for an audience with the king, she’s thrown into prison.

Meanwhile, back on his sailing ship, Isildur (Maxim Baldry) tries to get kicked out of his father’s navy. Unfortunately, after arranging an accident on deck, he winds up getting his friends kicked out as well.

Maxim Baldry (Isildur) in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.' Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) fares no better this week. He finally meets the orcs’ leader, the one they call Adar (Joseph Mawle), or “father,” who looks like an elf halfway converted to orc. Rather than kill Arondir, he lets him go in order to deliver a message to the people of the Southlands.

Still on the run, Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) and her people have found refuge in an abandoned tower. But their rations are running low, so Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) volunteers to go scavenging for food in a nearby village. There, he encounters an orc, who recognizes the hilt of his mysterious broken sword. He’s soon hunted by a platoon of orcs. Thankfully, he’s rescued by Arondir.

Back in Numenor, Halbrand inspires Galadriel to escape from their prison and speak directly with the king. She escapes, only to find the ailing monarch unable to speak. Miriel asks her to keep her father’s condition a secret, and shares with her the vision she’s been having. Placing her hand upon the queen regent’s palantir, Galadriel sees white leaves fall from the palace’s tree, followed by a great wave destroying the kingdom. But she assures Miriel that such visions are not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the queen once more demands she leave Numenor.

In Khazad-dum, Elrond (Robert Aramayo) discovers that Prince Durin (Owain Arthur) has found a new ore, Mithril, and is keeping it a secret from his friend. Durin shares his new discovery with him, on the condition that Elrond tells no one of it. Durin’s father then instructs him to journey to Linden with Elrond, in order to find out what the elves are so eager to forge.

(L to R) Robert Aramayo (Elrond), and Owain Arthur (Prince Durin IV) in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.' Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

Back in the Southlands, Bronwyn thanks Arondir for rescuing her son. But he interrupts her gratitude with Adar’s message. Her people must surrender their lands to the orcs or die. Theo is then confronted by one of Sauron’s human devotees, the tavern owner Waldreg (Geoff Morrell), from whom he stole the helm. He tells Theo that the starfall they recently witnessed is a sign that Sauron is coming.

Galadriel finally departs Numenor. But as her boat leaves the dock, white leaves fall down from the palace tree, showering Miriel and her men. The queen regent changes her mind, and decides to join Galadriel in Middle-Earth. An army is recruited to join her, and Isildur and his friends lead the rush of volunteers.

This week’s episode offers more familiar sights to ‘Lord of the Rings’ fans, including Nimloth, the white tree of Numenor. Its appearance, as well as its placement in the mast-like courtyard outside the castle, is more than a little reminiscent of the White Tree of Gondor, seen in Peter Jackson’s ‘The Return of the King.’

We also get a glimpse of Miriel’s palantir, similar to the one used by Saruman in the ‘Rings’ trilogy, while mithril – the metal of which Bilbo and Frodo Baggins’ chain mail shirt is made – makes an appearance. And we see Arondir’s speed and archery prowess in action, not unlike that of the trilogy’s Legolas.

(L to R) Trystan Gravelle (Pharazôn), and Leon Wadham (Kemen) in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.' Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

But there’s more than nostalgia on offer this week. Numenor’s chancellor is the most treacherous human we’ve seen yet. An unctuous opportunist who exhales smarm, it’s not hard to see trouble ahead for Numenor should he be left in charge when Miriel departs. By comparison, Adar is subtle in his approach to leadership. Though there’s still a lot we don’t know about the orc leader.

Waldreg’s words to Theo about the starfall bringing Sauron is another clue – or red herring – that the Harfoots’ “Stranger” (Daniel Weyman) may not be as benign as he appears. Fan theories are currently championing him or Halbrand as the dark lord. But this show is clearly playing the long game, and it’s possible we’ve not yet met the figure who will bring so much destruction to Middle-earth.

See you next week as we go back to Middle-earth!

(L to R) Morfydd Clark (Galadriel), and Lloyd Owen (Elendil) in 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.' Credit: Courtesy of Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.