
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power provides a compelling narrative choice in exploring Sauron and Celebrimbor’s dynamic in the second season. With Charles Edwards taking the spotlight as Celebrimbor, the focus subtly shifts from Morfydd Clark’s Galadriel. The showrunners have affirmed that this series serves as Sauron’s origin story. Following his efforts to deceive Galadriel in Season 1, Sauron’s schemes in Season 2 pivot to Celebrimbor, presenting a powerful but complicated interaction that diverges from Tolkien’s original narrative.
The forthcoming seasons, particularly Season 3 and beyond, promise to introduce new layers to Sauron’s character as he prepares to distribute the Rings of Men and forge the One Ring, amplifying his power. Concurrently, Númenor’s new ruler, Pharazôn, will learn of Sauron’s burgeoning influence and make it his mission to challenge this power, reflecting his reckless ambition for expansion. While Pharazôn’s initial conquest might appear triumphant, he is poised to realize that he is merely another piece in Sauron’s grand game. The creative team should draw on the successful elements of Sauron’s manipulation of both Galadriel and Celebrimbor to elevate the narrative involving Pharazôn.
Understanding Sauron and Celebrimbor’s Relationship
Ambiguity in Relationships: A Missed Opportunity

Throughout Season 2, The Rings of Power presents a conflict in its treatment of Sauron and Celebrimbor’s relationship, leading to a lack of clarity. The romantic tension hinted at between Sauron and Celebrimbor, while more aligned with canonical interpretations than the previous season’s dynamics with Galadriel, ultimately falters in execution. The show aims to depict a genuine bond between Sauron and his victims; however, the contradictions present in Season 2 undermine its effectiveness, contrasting starkly with the more impactful arcs of the first season.
Initially, Season 2 emphasizes Sauron’s manipulative traits heavily: he promises Celebrimbor the fame associated with the Lord of the Rings—a foreshadowing of his duplicitous nature. As the season progresses, Sauron becomes increasingly oppressive and cruel towards Celebrimbor, descending into acts of physical and psychological torment, demonstrating a lack of respect. His dialogue often reflects a delusional tendency to blame Celebrimbor for his own actions, framing him as a foolish obstacle to the healing of Middle-earth.
In the portrayal of Sauron by Charlie Vickers, the tension between his malicious intentions and unplanned emotional responses adds a layer of complexity. His unanticipated tears during a pivotal scene, remarked by Vickers as unintended, enhance the ambiguity of Sauron’s feelings towards Celebrimbor, as reflected in the observations made by showrunner Patrick McKay. However, the inconsistency in this relationship fails to resonate with audiences, diminishing the dramatic impact of their encounters.
The Importance of Sauron and Pharazôn’s Dynamics
Need for Clear Psychological Profiles of Sauron and Pharazôn

As the narrative progresses into Seasons 3 and 4, it is crucial for The Rings of Power to develop the Númenor storyline focused on Sauron’s manipulation of Pharazôn. By positioning Sauron as a prisoner who skillfully curates his persona to seduce and direct Pharazôn’s ambitions, the series can explore a deeply layered relationship. While this dynamic may lack the romantic elements seen in prior seasons, it promises to retain the complexity necessary for compelling storytelling.
To achieve a stronger narrative, the showrunners must avoid the indecisiveness that characterized Season 2. Instead, they should embrace an unyielding approach, compellingly writing Sauron’s influence over Pharazôn in a manner befitting the dark psychological thriller thematic of the series. The depth and richness that defined Sauron’s earlier interactions must carry through to Pharazôn’s arc.
Exploring the Essence of Sauron & Pharazôn’s Relationship
Sauron’s Perception of Pharazôn: A Lack of Respect?

While Sauron historically respected figures such as Galadriel and Celebrimbor, it seems unlikely he will extend the same sentiment toward Pharazôn. Characterized as a quintessential villain, Pharazôn’s ruthless ambitions threaten to clash with Sauron’s ego. His relentless pursuit of territorial expansion disregards both the environment and the well-being of the inhabitants, which may provoke disdain from Sauron rather than respect.
While Pharazôn’s brutal tactics could resonate with Sauron’s animosity, it raises questions about whether they can form a genuine relationship. As the series navigates this complex web of power dynamics and ambition, a clear commitment to how these characters perceive each other will be vital for maintaining audience engagement and narrative coherence.
The Significance of Strong Character Development in The Rings of Power
The Númenor Arc: Sauron’s Opportunity for Redeeming Quality

As The Rings of Power delves into the pivotal arc of Númenor, it approaches one of the most significant narratives within Tolkien’s lore—the Fall of Númenor. This represents a key opportunity for the series to explore Sauron’s final chance at maintaining a façade of decency, as he will soon lose the ability to disguise his true nature. The psychological tension in Sauron’s relationship with Pharazôn is expected to serve as the crux of this story arc, provided that the writing team commits to the complexity of these characters.
For the series to succeed, it must embrace the unrestrained creativity that characterized its earlier seasons. The nuanced and compelling interactions of Sauron with Galadriel and the character Adar highlight what audiences crave. The missteps observed in the Sauron-Celebrimbor storyline stem from half-hearted negotiations between maintaining fidelity to the source material and creating modern relevance. With the solid foundation of Númenor’s legendarium, The Rings of Power can deliver a narrative rich in depth and authenticity.
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