Rings of Power, “Partings” - Part Two, Review!

This part of episode five of Rings of Power has the possible salvation of the Second Age Elves and the Númenorean ships heading to Middle-Earth.  Last part, Kemen is sabotaging a Númenorean ship, and finds Isildur.  They manage to escape the destruction of two ships!  Elendil and Galadriel see the burning ships.  Pharazôn advises a delay of the voyage to recruit others.  Galadriel says that Halbrand will be ready.  Elendil asks the queen regent if the Sea Guard should wait, Míriel tells them that the council will reconvene for the next day and the decision will be made.  Celebrimbor hands back to Elrond the piece of mithril.  Elrond realizes that Celebrimbor knew about the mithril, but Gil-galad didn’t want to confide in Elrond.  Celebrimbor believes the mithril with every Elf could save them.  He says he saw Elrond’s father, Eärendil, sailed to Valinor to ask for the help of the Valar.  

Celebrimbor relates that the mariner said he was the only one who could complete the task.  I like this short scene between them and the stakes of saving the Elves of Middle-Earth.  Galadriel meets with Halbrand and tells him that he is needed for the quest.  Halband tells the story of how he ended up on the raft.  Humans with torches bow before Adar.  Halbrand says his action is unforgiveble.  Galadriel tells him what her brother told about “touching the darkness.” Then, she says her dagger belonged to her brother.  He presses Galadriel about her purpose since he swore never to return to the Southlands.  She says she cannot stop and also that her company betrayed her as well as Elrond.  The reason was that her obsession made her like the enemy she was fighting.  Halbrand apologizes and Galadriel says there is no peace for his work at the smithy or for her until they reach the Southlands.  

She places in Halbrand’s hand his necklace. Waldreg is there seeing Adar, he pledges his loyalty, but Adar is not Sauron!  He is given a dagger while Adar holds Rowan.  Waldreg moves forward as Rowan pleads for his life!  Theo is having archery practice while Arondir instructs him.  He is suspicious of the Elves and Arondir says he has was able to know the Southlanders.   Theo shows him the black hilt and Arondir recognizes it.  He pulls away weeds from a wall, the blade is in stone form, Morghul blade!   Arondir shows the hilt to Bronwyn.  At least there is some truth revealed here.  He says that the commander, Adar, wanted to become powerful and take over the Southlands.  Arondir confides in her that the enemy has targeted her son!   Bronwyn walks out to the courtyard and Arondir is angry that if she gives up to Adar, they will forever be lost, still Arondir can’t see how they will survive even though he has hope.   Adar is marching his Orc forces.  I sense another Helm’s Deep!  

Orcs with torches wind the trails chanting, “Nampat!”, “Death” in Black Speech.  They fill the valley below the mountain side where Osgilith rests.  Dwarf warriors escort the Elves carrying the wooden table.  Behind them are Durin IV and Elrond, best buddies!, the Elves almost stumble, and Durin chuckles. Elrond knows the wood being sacred to the Dwarves was a lie and Durin admits that Disa wanted a table. He has something to tell, but is worried about Durin who only wants to hear what he is hiding.  Elrond tells him that they Elves will have to leave Middle-Earth by spring or die. Durin says that he has “the fate of the entire Elven race” and has Elrond repeat it! He sighs and then starts walking while trying to wonder how he will explain this to his father.  Gil-galad watches him atop a rocky outcropping. Halbrand contemplates his necklace. A soldier gives the message that he is summoned by the queen regent.  

He sets down the bag with the necklace on a table and then snatches it away at the last moment!  Halbrand is in his full, gold armor astride a horse with Míriel at his side.  The Númenorean soldiers, in white armor, march before them. Elendil is also in helm and armor.  It reminds me of the soldiers of Minas Tirith.  The series composer, Bear McCreary, music kicks in with an epic sweep inspiring hope and victory!  Valandil smiles at the crowds cheering.  Eärien sees that Isildur is also marching as a soldier and he smiles at her. Isildur boards a ship, Valandir mocks him, and Elendil has him go to the Horsemaster as a stable sweep.  His friends laugh at him.  The soldiers line up as Galadriel boards the ship.  She is back in her Elvish armor and radiates power and beauty.  The soldiers just stare at her as she goes to Halbrand at the bow for the arm grasp.  Elendil lays their course to Middle-Earth to the cheers of the crew, I’m there with them!  The second half of "Partings" has Elrond and Durin IV heading back to Khazad-dum with the secret and the ships leaving Númenor to save the Southlands!  

Five Rings of Power out of Five!  

#RingsOfPower, #Partings, #BearMcCreary, #MorfyddClark, #CharlieVickers, #LloydOwen, ##MaximBaldry, #CynthiaAddaiRobinson, #TrystanGravelle, #AlexTarrant, #EmaHorvath, #RobertAramayo, #CharlesEdwards, #BenjaminWalker, #IsmaelCruzCordova, #NazaninBoniadi, #TyroeMuhafidin, #IanBlackburn, #JosephMawle, #GeoffMorrell 

She-Hulk, “The Retreat”, Review!

She-Hulk has relationship problems and gets help from a super support group!  We have an overhead shot of a shower, while we see a text from Josh who is in the last episode, Jen wipes the mirror, we see as the camera.  She closes her bedroom door and instantly comes out with her blue dress.  Jen smiles as she goes to the kitchen and we also see her at the dinner table pouring herself a drink, shades of Orphan Black?  All preparation for her date with Josh who texts that he arrived.  We get glimpses of their date at food truck and awkward end of the date.  At a GL&H meeting, under the table, we see Josh text about fries in a milkshake food truck.  Then, a date at a food market, Josh leans in, but Jen just closes the door.  Another date, at a drive-in theater, Jen brings in Josh to her apartment.  Jen wakes up alone and in the morning, Josh texts that it was fun and he can’t stop smiling, the same with Jen.  This is of course a more in depth relationship than what she had with her app dates. 

Later, Nikki is impressed that Jen is Lawyer of the Year, but gets no response from her busy with her phone.  Nikki wants her to text after 12 hours.  Saturday, Jen listlessly eats cereal, no text. Sunday, a call from Chuck Donnelly, the parole officer of Emil Blonsky.  Chuck says Blonksy’s court mandated inhibitor malfunctioned, he is headed to the Blonsky’s retreat.  He called because he can’t get any guards with him and wants Jen to meet him there.  She has no plans so drives while checking Josh’s last text, communication works both ways.  Jen singing to Hanson’s “Mmmbop” is funny.  Check is at the Summer Twilight’s gate when Jen pulls up.  Jen becomes She-Hulk as Chuck checks on Blonsky’s ankle inhibitor.  Blonsky says an electric fence was the reason along with his favorite chicken?  Check speeds away in his car while Blonsky walks with Just Jen.  She is about to leave when El Águla (Joseph Castillo-Midyett) slams into her car.  He is attacked by the snarling Man-Bull (Nate Hurd)!  

Man-Bull was introduced in Daredevil #78 (1971) and El Águla first appeared in Power Man and Iron Fist #58 (1979).  Two goofy super villains from the 70’s.  She-Hulk has the Man-Bull by the horns and throws him down!  Blonsky says they are both going through some issues.  El Águla fancies himself a swashbuckler and doesn’t want to be called a matador.  Her car is ruined so Jen has a stay for a bit while the tow truck arrives.  I keep getting the feeling that the fight was coordinated.  Blonsky shows her the grounds including Princess , but Jen is looking for a Wi-Fi signal so she can see her texts.  There is “No Service” around the retreat, Blonsky had said it was for isolation, but Jen finds a cabin.  She interrupts a meeting circle of super villains.  This reminds me of the Bad-Anon support group in Wreck-It Ralph (2012).  Blonksy points out Porcupine (Jordan Aaron Ford), an earlier super villain debuting in Tales to Astonish #48 (1963) and Saracen, the self-identifying vampire, he first appeared in Blade: Vampire Hunter #1 (1999). By the way, I read something about the MCU debut of vampires, but this episode shows nothing that Saracen is an actual vampire.   

The group thinks that El Águla and Man Bull are co-dependent.  Blonsky says that Porcupine should start with taking off his super suit, but he is not ready, kinda funny.  In walks in Dirk Garthwaite, the Wrecker who attacked Jen in “The People vs. Emil Blonsky”, the third episode.  Jen who was working with her phone says to the Fourth Wall that the audience may not remember him so brings up a “Previously on this guy” scene.  She transforms into She-Hulk and slams Dirk into some chairs!  Blonsky wants to send her to the Calming Chair, the rest of group goes whooooa, the scene is funny.  Man Bull welcomes Jen to the circle and she dismisses Wrecker’s apology.  Jen puts away her cell phone to tell the group about Josh.  They have relationship advice for her, I like the absurdity!  The group says she’s been ghosted.  I wonder in all of their relationship if she even mentioned She-Hulk?  Jen confides that She-Hulk is the ideal she always wanted, but says “it feels like cheating.” She says Josh had made her feel that he liked her for being Jen.  

Porcupine and the others want to attack Josh!  El Águla activates his bio-electric sword!  Blonsky says the group to offer advice to Jen.  Man Bull says the group would like to spend time with Jen.  Blonksy has her admit that the group values the whole Jen.  Dirk says she should trust them to be Just Jen.  She transforms back to the group clapping.  Then, Porcupine removes his mask!, but he hasn’t washed himself or the suit!  The group wants Jen to delete Josh’s number and begins chanting, “Delete it.” Jen does so and says, “I’m hurtin’ for a yurtin’”, the yurt hut where she spends time alone as the group waits.  Jen steps out and gives a thumbs up which has the group cheering for her!  The ep. is missing most of the support cast besides Nikki which is fine.  There is something wrong about Josh that may endanger Jen!  This has been teased for most of the episodes, now it all comes down with the next ep. “The Retreat” is part relationship drama, but also some fun with Emil Blonsky’s support group!  

Five Cheetos Chopsticks out of Five!       

#SheHulk, #TheRetreat ,#TatianaMaslany, #GingerGonzaga, #TrevorSalter, #TimRoth, #JosephCastilloMidyett, #NateHurd, #JordanAaronFord, #NickGomez, #TerenceClowe       

Black Adam - The Justice Society Files: Atom Smasher #1 Review!

 We have been following the start of the Justice Society that will be featured in the Black Adam film and now there is the story of Atom Smasher!  “First Mission” is written by Cavan Scott with art by Travis Mercer who co-pencilled Red Hood: Outlaw #46 (2020).  We overhear a phone call to Uncle Al.  More on this in a bit.  Several mysterious types are using energy rifles as a car burns.  A crate is thrown at the car.  Then, we get a scarred gunman blasting with his rifle.  A two page spread, worm’s eye view, shows the naked Albert Rothstein at giant size attacked by drones and the agents.  Atom Smasher first appeared as Nuklon in All-Star Squadron #25 (1983) and took his current name in Kingdom Come #2 (1996).  The character appeared in the first episode, “The Man Who Saved Central City” (2015) of the second season of The Flash. He was played by Adam Copeland. Uncle Al appears to be Al Pratt, the Golden Age version of Flash, a weakling turned boxer/crime fighter and one of the founders of the All-Star Squadron.  

It goes back a day at his apartment, he is talking to Uncle Al via speaker phone, and ready to be a hero.  Al has a red sweatshirt with an atomic symbol, he tries various masks.  Al ends up with a ski mask, we see closeups of Al Pratt, and we see his map of locations on his cork board.  The young hero wants to be a hero like his uncle and Al looks at a photo of Dr. Fate and Hawkman.  I do like the introduction of veteran hero, Hawkman, new members, Cyclone and now Atom Smasher, with the last issue focusing on the magical leader, Dr. Fate!  Night, at the outside of a warehouse, some criminal types are hanging around and they are blinded by headlights of other cars.  It is a meeting with Novick and the other group led Velez.  There is an exchange with Velez bringing the “merchandise” with Novick, he has the scarred eye, bringing the money.  A crate is opened with a crowbar showing the energy rifles.  Overlooking them is Al in his “uniform” advised by Uncle Al.  He has slipped almost falling off the building edge and the criminals see him as a test of the new weapons.  One ray slices through Al’s hood.  He falls from a building roof.  

Al starts to use his power to take a larger form and this rips his outfit.  His earpiece has fallen off and it shatters under his giant fingers!  It is an awkward, first Time as a hero.  The criminals search for Al’s body adn then there is the arrival of a new group.  Novick recognizes them as Intergang!  Al runs past Novick’s group and then goes warehouse sized losing his clothes!  The female leader of Intergang has them open fire on the giant!  All of the gunmen blast Giant Al.  When he finishes off the opposition, Uncle Al has contacted Carter, as in Carter Hall the Hawkman, and given him a new suit!  The back-up, “Lost & Found Chapter 3”, has the creative team of Bryan Q. Miller and Marco Santucci.  At a Kahndaq skate park, Karim Tomaz is watching hs nephew, Amon, on his board.  Karim gets a call from Adrianna as she runs with sprinklers going in the building from the masked Intergang member.  She has the Eternium statue in a case and manages to slip away to send the artifact up a pneumatic tube.  He get the hologram appearance of Intergang leader, Mister Mannheim and a flashback to Teth-Adam and his son Hurut!  Black Adam: The Justice Society Files: Atom Smasher #1 has some action and consequences of new hero, Al, and gives some background to the early Black Adam!   

Four Etherum Pieces out of Five!  

#BlackAdam, #TheJusticeSocietyFiles, #AtomSmasher, #CavanScott, #TravisMercer, #BryanQMiller, #MarcoSantucci.  

Chivalry GN Review!

Chivalry is a quaint, story of a retired woman who makes an extraordinary find in an used goods store!  It is the recently released graphic novel, part of the Neil Gaiman Library, from Dark Horse Books.  The graphic novel adapts the Neil Gaiman short story from his anthology, Smoke and Mirrors (1998).  It is adapted, illustrated, and lettered in the illustrated manuscript style by Colleen Doran.  She is the creator of her sci fi comic book series, A Distant Soil, provided art in several issues of The Sandman, and also adapted Neil Gaiman’s Snow, Glass, Apples in a 2019 graphic novel.  The cover offers the illuminated manuscripts similar to what I saw at the Getty Center’s “Fantasy of the Middle Ages” exhibit.  There is a knight charging into battle with a moon in the corner and the sun above a crown  and crescent moon shaped Green Man.  

Within the title is an apple tree, a black, sparkly egg, and a phoenix above it.  Then, we get a knight, the Holy Grail, and an elderly lady.  Very stylish in the medieval style.  The frontpiece has angels above a mountain with a trail zigzagging from it.  The title page has Mrs. Whitaker found The Holy Grail with an angel with a horn, I keep thinking Monty Python and the Holy Grail, sorry!, flowers, and the grail resting on a fur coat.  This is warpted as we open to Mrs. Whitaker walking on her usual Thursday afternoon routine.  She gets her pension at the post office and then goes to the Oxfam shop.  It is explained that it is a store with used goods, we see a UK flag, a guitar, a photo of the queen and various clothes, all profits going to charity. She also notes the girl at the register, Marie, a little overweight.  She sees a stuffed cobra and pats its head in a closeup.  I like the details that you may not pick up in short story form. 

Mrs. Whitaker’s favorite is to pick up romance novels from Mills and Boon still published in the UK.  She sees a walking stick, the book Romance and Legend of Chivalry (1888) with an old fur coat.  She sets the items aside to see the silver cup with the 30 P price tag.  Mrs. Whitaker says, “This is nice.”  She pays the disinterested Marie and then goes to the butcher shop to buy some liver.  In her kitchen, Mrs. Whitaker carefully washes and polishes the Holy Grail for her decoration on a shelf.  This is a form of magical realism where things that are magical are routine and not unusual in the Ordinary World.  Gaiman adds the touch of a sweet, old lady.  She has her dinner and then we get a nice visit with Mrs. Greenberg for macaroons and tea.  Mrs. Greenberg admires the new mantelpiece.  Mrs. Whitaker casually explains that it is the Holy Grail.  She goes back for lunch and afterwards she gets a visitor.  

This is a splash page of a tall, blond knight in Mrs. Whitaker’s doorway, they greet each other, and then he says he is on a Quest for the Holy Grail.  She asks for identification and he goes back to his gray charger to get a scroll.  It shows the illuminated letter signed by Arthur, King of all Britons.  “King of the who?”  The medival script is beautiful, identifies him as Galaad, and it has a corner picture of the knight.  He is also known as Sir Galahad the Pure (“Stop that!”).  Again, something wonderful apart from the book.  He points to his picture and then is invited into her house.  He stares at the Holy Grail and then bows in front of the sangrail.  This goes into full watercolor.  Mrs. Whitaker likes her mantelpiece and hurries him out of the door.  Galaad sees the neighborhood children and helps them feed his horse sugar lumps.  Then, rides off.  His quest includes finding objects to impress Mrs. Whitaker, help her with chores, and share stories.  His own in three pages is stunning.  There are notes about the adaptation and sketchbook pages.  Chivalry is simply beautiful in story, the Arthurian touches, and also perfectly illustrated graphic novel. 

Five Mills & Boon Novels out of Five! 

#Chivalry, #NeilGaiman, #ColleenDoran, #SmokeAndMirrors, #MrsWhittaker, #Galaad, #HolyHandGrenadeOfAntioch  

House of the Dragon, “The Princess and the Queen” - Part 1, Review!

"The Princess and the Queen" has our two strong women, Rhaenyra and Alicent, grown into their adult selves with more complications at King's Landing!  At the wedding celebration, a group of Nobles bend the knee to the king and Rhaenyra, Jason Lannister tries to pay homage himself.  The Iron Throne is behind their dinner table.  Then, he asks about the queen, Viserys says she is getting herself ready.  Jason says that women would be late for a battle, Rhaenyra thinks this over, probably how she will make him pay.  Ser Gerold is there for congratulations, but Viserys mentions the death of Lady Rhea.  Rhaenyra is about to offer help, but the drums sound art the arrival of Lord Corlys.  There is also the arrival of Velaryon family; Lady Rhaenys, and Ser Lyonel, who will be the king consort.  Ser Criston looks on.  Laenor bows and then meets with Rhaenyra.  The wedding party is about to sit and there is the arrival of Prince Daemon in his black leather vest.  He smiles at his brother as a seat is brought in for his place at the table.  

Viserys is about to give the speech to begin the celebration and then there is the arrival of Queen Alicent.  She wears a dress that is in the green color of House Hightower.  Alicent walks across the silent hall and then her subjects begin to rise from their chair.  The king declares that there will be seven days of feasts and tournaments.  Rhaenyra and Ser Lyonel walk to the floor for a dance.  The young people Join the dance.  Ser Gerold meets with Daemon and gives him the charge of killing Lady Rhea.  Lady Laena dances with Daemon.  Joffrey Lonmouth speaks to Laenor that he suspects Ser Criston is in a relationship with Rhaenyra.  Laena flirts with Daemon as Ser Joffrey says that Rhaenyra knows their secret and know they know her secret.  The dancers let out a cheer, “Hey!” which really should be “Huzzah!” Ser Joffrey mets with Ser Criston, he is called the Knight of Kisses, and notes that they should both protect the secrets. The music plays, Viserys feasts on crab, the dancers cheer.  Daemon leads Rhaenyra away.    

They speak in High Valyrian.  Daemon of course says Laenor is not for her.  Rhaenyra says he should take her away to Dragonstone and marry her if that’s what he wants.  Viserys watches them concerned.  Then, there is a woman’s scream!  Red Wedding Part 0?  Knights rush in and the crowd panics.  Rhaenyra calls out for Laenor.  He is slammed into a table.  There are no guards?, where is the Kingsguard?  Ser Criston punches Ser Joffrey repeatedly.  Alicent has no expression.  Viserys leans over, blood splatters from his nose.  Ser Criston pulls back, Ser Joffrey’s face is shattered, the crowd watches him.  He stumbles away, Rhaenyra is returned to her father, Lyonel looks up.  Joffrey’s body is on the floor, Laenor crawls over to him, and cries.  The High Septon presides over the ceremony, Criston staggers over to the weirwood tree.  The wedding vows are made.  Criston puts down his sword and takes out a dagger.  Rhaenyra can see the sadness in Laenor’s eyes.  Criston is about to go all seppuku with the dagger, but he is stopped, it is the queen.  An assassin working for the queen?  

Viserys collapses. A rat drinks at the blood on the floor.  Nasty beginning of a marriage, but the body count is less than Red Wedding 1.0.  We pick up almost ten years later, darkness, then the older Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), 28, struggles to give birth coached by the midwife.  The words of her mother, Aemma, come to mind about the battlefield.  The midwife says the child is a boy and he cries, a healthy boy.  A messenger tells her that the queen wants to see the child that moment.  Rhaenyra forces herself to stand with her boy and asks the others to help dress her.  They take the baby clip off his umbilical cord and ties it.  The handmaidens try to dress Rhaenyra and then she has the afterbirth.  The older Laenor enters, proud of his boy, Rhaenyra walks to see the queen.  She is one of the toughest mothers!  They pass the courtiers and Rhaenyra forces herself up the stairs. Laenor can’t believe the queen’s request and Rhaenyra’s strength, that their feud has continued.  They see Ser Criston who allows them into the queen’s room.  

Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) pretends that Rhaenyra needs rest and has her sit on a couch.  King Viserys, bald up top, asks to see his grandson.  Laenor hands him his son.  The queen asks about his name.  Lyonel immediately says Joffrey after his confidante, Ser Joffrey  Lonmouth.  I prefer this Joffrey over the Baratheon version.  Laenor l asks the king that his wife should rest. Rhaenyra hugs her father.  Alicent whispers to Lyonel that one day a child will look like him.  Evil queen!  Rhaeyrna walks with Laenor telling him that she had no say in her baby’s name and walks away as he carries Joffrey Velaryon.  He turns to see the blood trail she left behind next to Ser Criston.  She returns home to see her other sons; Jacaerys (Leo Hart), Jace, and his younger brother, Lucerys (Harvey Sadler), Luke, watched over by Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr).  They have chosen a dragon egg for their new brother.  Ser Harwin asks to hold baby Joffrey.  Laenor takes his other sons back to the Dragonpit.  

A young dragon, Vermax, growls and moves forward watched by dragon handlers.  In an arena, Young Prince Jacaerys is told to face the green, horned dragon, very velociraptor.  No longer an infant, the older Prince Aegon (Ty Tennant), 13 years old, yawns.  The Dragonkeeper Elder (Patrice Naiambana) tells Jacaerys to bring the dragon to heel.  He says, “Jaehaerys”, the name of the Old King?  I use “Lykiri” to calm my dragon down.  A goat is brought in.  The Dragonkeeper translator (Anna Sari) helps Jacaerys to know the elder’s High Valyrian.  The prince is happy to use the word he knows well, “Dracarys.”  The goat is roasted and Vermax feasts on it.  This happens many times playing DracARys.  Aegon, his brother Aemond (Leo Ashton), who doesn’t have a dragon, bring a dragon for Luke.   It is a large pig, a big joke.  Aemond walks back to the Dragonpit.  He finds a large dragon that blasts the ceiling of the cave!  Aemond runs away. Helaena is checking her insects.  Aemond is brought in and said he was bullied with a pig.  

At his model, Visery is working with his assistant, Eddard, who is sent away.  Alicent says three children coming out different than Targaryens with dragon connections is strange.  Viserys makes a comparison to his black mare who had a foal that looked brown.  Alicent asks if he saw the silver stallion and Viserys says she is treading dangerous territory!  Alicent talk and walks with Ser Criston who doesn’t have a good opinion of Rhaenyrs.  On a castle ledge, Aegon is naked, and his mother catches him.  She chastizes him when Rhaenrya takes the throne, his life would be in danger, which her father told her.  Over Pentos, Caraxes wings and legs out has his tail curving through water.  Above him is the massive, green dragon, Vhagar, ridden by Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell) now 26.  She screams out, “Dracarys”, Daemon rides through the fiery burst, and continues the chase.  Afterwards, Daemon is enjoying the feast set out by Prince Reggio.  He is offered Pentos, the city and the harbor, and told about the Triarchy allying with Qoren Martell of Dorne. Laena doesn’t want to overstay their trip, but Daemon is considering it.  

                    A map of Westros, The House of the Dragon: The Targaryen Dynasty, Natural History Museum Los Angels County, author’s photo.  

Later he speaks alone with his wife and likes the arrangement.  He seems calm now that he is married with children.  Laena wants their new child to be born in the Driftmark. Aegon and Jacaerys are sword training with straw dummies under the guidance of Ser Criston.  This is admired by Viserys and the Hand, Lord Lyonel Strong.  Ser Criston takes on both brothers.  Ser Harwin says that Ser Criston’s attention is focused on the Targaryen boys.  So Ser Criston takes Jacaerys to duel with his bully, Aegon.  Of course, Aegon strikes Jacaerys down and he rages back in turn until Aegon pushes one of the dummies on him.  Ser Harwin takes him aside and tells him in a low voice how to use his advantages.  Ser Criston gives Aegon advice as he knocks Jacaerys down.  Ser Harwin pulls the angry youth back and Criston says Aegon is the prince.  Ser Criston pushes Ser Harwin saying his interest to Jacaerys is like a son.  He is punched and struck repeatedly just like at the wedding, reversed!  Knights pull off Ser Harwin, I guess Ser Criston doesn’t like to get the same treatment, bloody, Ser Criston just smiles.  

Rhaenyra attends to baby Joffrey and gets yet another message about what happened in the yard.  She goes up steps to hear the argument between Ser Harwin and his father, Lyonel Strong.  Ser Harwin is told his illict relationship with Rhaenyra could get them all killed including the children.  The knight says he has his own honor.  Rhaenyra is given some medical treatment from a handmaiden when her husband is drunk with his friend Qarl (Arty Froushan).  He tells her that war is breaking out again in the Stepstones.  She tells him about the rumors and reminds him of their agreement.  She commands him as princess to stay at King’s Landing.  At a fireside, Rhaena, wonders if she will leave Pentos since she doesn’t have a dragon like her sister Baela.  Daemon is alone at a parapet when his wife goes to talk to him.  She remarks that he doesn’t want to go home, not really a home, but doesn’t go into the city of Pentos.  Daemon is only reading about dragonlords.  Laena sees potential in Daemon.  This time jump is welcome after the violence of last episode!  Still, no consequences for Ser Criston?  Instead, a promotion?  The older Rhaenyra, Emma D’Arcy, and Olivia Cooke, are interesting actors.  “The Princess and the Queen” has drawn the sides of this family conflict, still building towards the Dance of the Dragons.        

               

Four Dragon Saddles out of Five!  

#HouseOfTheDragon, #ThePrincessAndTheQueen, #EmmaDArcy, #OliviaCooke, #PaddyConsidine, #MattSmith, #NannaBlondell, #GavinSpokes, #JohnMcmillan, #LeoHart, #HarveySadler, #TyTennant, #FabienFrankel, #RyanCorr, #PatriceNaiambana, #AnnaSari

Rings of Power, “Partings” - Part One, Review!

Rings of Power has some "Partings" as the Harfoot migration continues and Númenoran voyage is about to begin, plus Durin IV meets with Gil-galad!  Wind blows through the patches of grass as the Stranger tries to master speaking, Nori corrects him that it is “Migration” and not “My great thumb.”  I’ve read that this could be Gandalf since fire is part of his spells and his love of the Hobbits, but could this be Saruman the oldest of the Wizards or another Wizard?  By the way, Gandalf was listed in the names of Dwarves, in the Norse Poetic Edda, and means “Staff elf.”  She explains that Harfoots stay in Old Forest in the winter, move to Norfield Glen by mid-summer, then head to the Grove.  Nori explains the danger of the journey.  He says he is “peril”, Stranger danger!, but Nori says he is good.  Marigold calls her to join the family. They coax Poppy to sing her walking song, I like that finally we get a song like many of Tolkien’s stories.  The travelers start with Poppy and her cart, then the large Marigold cart pushed by The Stranger, beautiful scenery. 

The song transitions back to the map, it is nice to see that device again, the travel goes south to the Grey Marshes later known as the Dead Marshes seen in The Two Towers (2002).  The cart is stuck in the marsh and they have to pull it away, then to the Trout Bend, again a scenic cliff and waterfalls, at The Braids, the family enjoys their rest.  The Stranger looks out of the hut, Nori watches him, looking out at the constellation, under the moon.  Great montage scene of the Harfoot migration. We hear chanting in what must be Black Speech as three white robed women appear above a cliff like The Fates from Greek myth or the Norns from Norse myth?  There is the armored one, The Nomad (Edith Poor), and the other one carries a mirror-like object, The Ascetic (Kali Kopae).  The leader, The Dweller, is played by Birdie Sisson who holds a staff.  The crater made by the Stranger seems to be regarded by The Dweller.  Adar is regarding the sunlight through a tree.  An Orc, Grugzuk (Edward Clendon), covered in a hooded robe reports that the tunnel is finished.  

He asks to see the Orc’s arm, which burns in the sun, and says that he will soon lose the warmth of the sun.  Then, Adar orders the legions to summoned, the siege of Ostirith?  Bronwyn walks up steps of that very same tower followed by Arondir.  She gives the demands to the people below. Bronwyn asks who will fight with her and slowly hands go up.  Waldreg says they have a better chance swearing loyalty to Adar.  Arondir says he has fought against Adar’s Orcs.  Waldreg has the cowards follow him.  Theo watches Rowan leave and Waldreg tries to convince him to leave.  At the Númenorean dock, ships prepare to leave, Elendil, checks on the sailors.  His son, Isildur, wants to join the ships to the Southlands.  Elendil says that Isildur has not belonged to any guild and not dedicated himself.  The citizens are angry that Pharazôn send off the people to die, actually they all volunteered, it is their choice, not Pharazôn’s decision.  

Eärien says that Kemen can convince his father for the fleet to stay, this turning away from saving others, is what sinks Númenor.  Maybe this is Eärien’s fate since she isn’t mentioned in the stories. At the smithy, Halbrand has forged a blade, I wonder what else he can forge?  Guards take him to a council of Pharazôn, Queen Regent Míriel, and Galadriel.  He shows on a map the path of the enemy towards Ostirith, all paths are converging! Pharazôn goes to inform the Sea Guard while Míriel tells Halbrand he will sail with them.  A messenger says the queen regent is needed by the king.  Halbrand is angry that Galadriel asked for five ships with 500 men to help restore his kingdom. He rips off his amulet and would rather stay in the dying city.  The Harfoots are in some woods that make the uncomfortable.  Nori and Poppy find some wolf tracks.  Malva says to Sadoc that something is wrong and blames the Stranger.  

She is later collecting fungus, but is startled by Nori and Puppy who tell her about the wolves.  They hear screeching and start to run!  Nori and the others are cornered at a tree, a wolf with a long snout leaps at her, but the Stranger tosses it!  Three wolves surround him, the Stranger slams his fist down, and this tosses away the wolves!  They scamper off and the Stranger sees his wrist bleeding.  Ontamo practices duels with Valadril, both of whom are not in the Sea Guard, Galadriel joins Elendil and says they are not ready.  Elendil asks Galadriel to train them, she starts with five recruits, he offers to promote any recruit to leftenant.  Valadril gives it a go, fails, Galadriel says it is about balance.  Others join him, but all get Galadriel’s sword at their throats.  Isildur hears about the duel.  Galadriel bests them all, but sees a slash at her shoulder, Valadril has been made leftenant.  

Halbrand kicks up a sword and hands it to Leftenant Valadril.  Kemen tries to have a talk with Pharazôn and goads him saying that his father would not take orders from an Elf.  Pharazôn confides with him that helping the “low men”, hate that term, would put them in debt to Númenor.  Possible if they weren’t twenty leagues under the sea.  Tar-Palantir worries about the danger, but Míriel tells him that they are out of danger.  He warns her not to go to Middle-Earth since he fears that she will only find darkness.  The Stranger has his arm dipped into a pool when Nori finds him.  She is impressed that the Harfoots are excited about his act.  The water contact is turning it into ice.  Nori touches her shoulder and the ice begins to freeze her hand.  The Stranger mutters some words, he sees the vision of himself in the crater, and with a word sends Nori flying back!  

The Stranger checks on Nori, but she runs away. At Lindon at night, Elrond makes a toast, Gil-galad gives thanks to Durin IV. Celebrimbor is also there.  il-galad asks Durin why there is so much work in the mines, Durin counters with the sudden leaving of Elven ships, Elrond interjects saying they don’t want to offend their guest. Durin asks a question of Gil-galad of the wood of the table and explains that it is only used by Dwarves to honor their dead! The high king apologizes and says that the table will be sent back, a strategy by Durin or why would he feast on the table in the first place? They toast to the alliance between Dwarves and Elves. There is something shady about Gil-galad. Later, Gil-galad questions Elrond’s loyalty, he asks Elrond to retell "The Song of the Roots of Hithaeglir." Elrond says it was a battle in the Misty Mountains over a tree that held a Silmaril.  

Gil-galad places his goblet on the table.  Elrond tells the story of an Elf warrior that put his light into the tree to defend it.  On the other side was a Balrog, the design looks like the same from Fellowship of the Ring.  Is this the Balrog, Durin’s Bane from the Third Age, that Gandalf fought?  Lightning struck the tree and sent its power deep into the earth. Gil-galad believes the story is true and that an ore had the light of the Silmaril!  This is an interesting origin that ties Elves, Dwarves, and the Silmarils. Elrond says he can’t break his secret to Durin. Gil-galad says that this may doom the Elves!  He walks to the golden tree, the scene with the tree, and the stormy sky is a wonder of effects. Elrond sees that it is now corrupted. The high king says that he could save it and their people sending Galadriel away. Elrond keeps his oath to Durin and won’t reveal the mithril.  Gil-galad says that the Elves may be forced to leave Middle-Earth and if they do Sauron’s forces will take all of the peoples. Elrond contemplates the piece of mithril. 

A Númenoran celebration has the farewell of the ships.  Marien (Ella Hope-Higginsen) and Ontamo are spending their moments together, Valadril joins them, and Marien points out Isildur. The friends go to meet with Isildur who of course came to apologize and wants on the ship. Valadril walks away until Isildur offers to let him strike him.  He is told that Valadril won’t risk his status.  Ontamo says that Berek is on the ship with the horse master’s permission.  Kemen sneaks on a ship, to sabotage it, cutting barrels of oil to burn it.  Then, he hears a cough and pulls a blanket from Isilduir, he is trying to stowaway.  Isildur struggles with Kemen’s lantern and of course it falls.  They run out, but Kemen falls, good leave him there.  The ship explodes and then another!  Elendil sees the explosions and has Isildur pulled out with Kemen.  Really?, there are no guards even when the crew is celebrated and they are a sea nation?  "Partings" takes us on the Harfoot migration with some trouble along the way!, Isildur trying to get on the voyage to the Southlands, and Elrond discovers Gil-galad's secret!    

Four Rings of Power out of Five!  

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