The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is preparing for Sauron’s appearance, and this week’s episode raised the stakes as the first season’s second half approaches. The Rings of Power Episode 4 exposed what Adar and the Orcs want with the Southlands in addition to hinting to a grim future for Nmenor. The Rings of Power Episode 5 is expected to intensify the struggle between good and evil.

The conflict between good and evil in the Southlands is set up in The Rings of Power Episode 4, “The Great Wave.” Early scenes in Season 1 saw Adar’s (Joseph Mawle) Orcs excavating tunnels beneath the neighbourhood while driving the locals out of their homes. The Great Wave, though, takes things a step further.

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The enemy requests that Arondir (Ismael Cruz Córdova) send a message to the Southlands when they first meet. He demands devotion from Bronwyn (Nazanin Boniadi) and her people as well as the area’s surrender to his army.

It would seem like Bronwyn and the others have little choice but to cooperate given the size of Adar’s force. However, Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) persuades Queen Regent Mriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) to gather her forces and send relief to the Southlands with the help of some menacing Nimloth flowers. Therefore, it appears that the locals will have support.

That suggests that before The Rings of Power Season 1 is over, we might witness a battle for the Southlands.

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Unfortunately, it seems like Bronwyn’s camp has adversaries. Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) continues to be a bit of a wild card because of his obsession with Sauron’s weapon. Theo is informed by Waldreg (Geoff Morrell) that he is aware of the weapon and that it actually originated from his land.

Theo is advised by the older man to wait for Sauron’s return because his backing might become problematic when the battle for the Southlands ultimately breaks out.

Adar’s mission is about to get more challenging because Galadriel and the inhabitants of N’menor are moving toward the Southlands. There is little question that good and evil will clash in upcoming episodes of The Rings of Power.

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Though the time for the West Coast moves their release to Thursday, new episodes of the Lord of the Rings series premiere on Prime Video every Friday. 

It’s hard to think that The Rings of Power is only halfway through its season, but there is a silver lining. As the Amazon series’ first season finale approaches, things should pick up. And The Rings of Power Episode 5 might begin to prepare for that.

Amazon hasn’t released a title or synopsis for the next chapter, but the preview gives a hint of what’s to come.

The early footage suggests that Halbrand (Charlie Vickers) will not welcome his return to the Southlands. “You’re asking me to go to the one place I swore I’d never return,” he says in the Amazon advertisement. He’s most likely speaking to Galadriel, who may learn why he left the Southlands in the first place.

Halbrand isn’t the only one who has reservations about saving the Southlands. Another clip depicts Bronwyn’s efforts to persuade her people to stay and fight. “Together, we can get through this,” she says. Unfortunately, her words do not appear to inspire confidence.

Adar also orders the Orcs to “summon the legions,” indicating that a conflict is imminent. In this manner, episode 5 might start preparing for the season’s conclusion.

Last but not least, a brief scene with Ar-Pharazon (Trystan Gravelle) raises the possibility that Galadriel’s union with Nmenor might not work out as she had intended. Nobody should be encouraged by his claim that once this battle is over, the Elves will be obeying them. Could Sauron already have corrupted him?

What transpires as The Rings of Power progresses will have to be seen. However, it is obvious that the upcoming chapters will involve some action and betrayals.

On Friday, September 23, The Rings of Power Episode 5 makes its Prime Video debut.