If there is one character that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power missed in its second season, it is Arondir, played by Ismael Cruz Córdova. This Elven warrior was an important part of the first season, but he did not get much attention in Season 2.
Some of this happened because of events outside Córdova’s control, like Nazanin Boniadi’s unexpected departure. The lack of meaningful scenes for Arondir this season is a real loss. Since he is an original character in Rings of Power, there are no story limits on him.
Still, the writers did not make him an interesting character this time. As we think about a possible third season, the series needs to give Arondir a real purpose, which he has lacked since Season 1.
Without Bronwyn, Arondir Didn’t Have Much To Do in Season 2
In Season 2, compared to the first season, Arondir had almost nothing to do. At the start of the season, it looked like Arondir would go through a grief story after Bronwyn’s shocking death between seasons. However, the show did not give us any time to understand or feel this loss.
Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin), who seems to have even less screen time this season, appears to grieve more than Arondir. This feels strange for Arondir, who loved the healer deeply. He would likely struggle to cope with her death.
It also seemed like Arondir would be very involved with Adar (Sam Hazeldine), just like he was in the last season. However, they only briefly fight in the second-to-last episode, “Doomed to Die,” where Adar seems to kill our favorite character, who is not from Tolkien’s original works.
Arondir turns out to be just fine. Whoever works on the show’s story continuity really messed up here. Arondir, our second favorite Elf archer, appears to be unhurt by the season’s end in “Shadow and Flame.”
In general, Rings of Power seems unsure about what to do with Arondir when Bronwyn is not around. The intention for his character seems to be to tell a story similar to Beren and Lúthien or Aragorn and Arwen during the Second Age.
However, with Bronwyn gone, Season 2 does not have real material for him. Yes, he teamed up with Isildur (Maxim Baldry) for a while, and many fans loved that. Still, that plotline quickly gets abandoned.
His Role in Rings of Power May Be Limited, but Arondir Still Has Real Potential
In the beginning of Season 2, it takes three episodes for Arondir to appear. After that, in one episode, “Where Is He?” he only shows up briefly at the start and does not appear again for the rest of the episode. This highlights a bigger problem that Rings of Power has with having too many storylines.
With so many characters split up, some like Arondir end up doing less than ever. This makes it hard for fans to care about these characters over time. This is especially true because any progress we see is quickly forgotten in the next episode, like Arondir’s near-death experience.
While the second season has many twists and turns, Arondir’s lack of character development leaves viewers wanting more. His potential was strong, and he had the chance to grow as a character. The writers had an opportunity to show Arondir’s feelings and how he copes with loss, especially after Bronwyn’s death.
But instead, they gave him limited screen time and even less to say. This feels like a big loss, especially considering how powerful and meaningful his story could have been.
Despite the challenges Arondir faced, he still shows promise as a character. At the end of Season 2, he joins the ranks of well-known characters like Galadriel (Morfydd Clark), Gil-galad (Benjamin Walker), and Elrond (Robert Aramayo). This gives hope that the yet-to-be-confirmed third season will finally provide this Elf archer with a real story moving forward.
Many fans believe Arondir has proven his worth over the years. He could easily become a leader in the Elven community. The writers need to recognize this potential. They should provide Arondir with a storyline that allows him to showcase his strengths. The series should use his skills as an archer and warrior, making him a central figure in the battle against evil forces in Middle-earth.
The Need for Stronger Storylines in Season 3
As Rings of Power moves forward, the show must learn from its mistakes in Season 2. The story needs to consolidate its many plotlines to give characters like Arondir more importance and depth. Fans deserve to see Arondir’s journey as a warrior, friend, and potential leader.
The writers must give him a chance to develop relationships with other characters. This will help viewers connect more with him. In particular, his relationship with Isildur has potential. If the writers focus on their friendship, it could provide an interesting dynamic. Their journey could offer excitement and emotional depth to the story.
One of the great joys of storytelling is watching characters grow and change. Fans want to see Arondir face challenges, overcome them, and grow stronger.
This is especially important in a series that draws from the rich lore of Tolkien’s works. The potential for deep, meaningful storytelling is vast. The creators should use this to their advantage.
As Rings of Power continues, it is important to remember that character development is key to keeping audiences engaged. The series has a wonderful cast and a beautiful world to show. However, it could disappoint viewers if the writers do not give characters like Arondir the attention they deserve.
Conclusion
The second season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has challenges, especially for Arondir. His character deserves more than what was given to him this time. As fans look ahead to Season 3, there is hope for better storylines and more character development.
With careful attention to Arondir’s journey, he could become a beloved character in the series. The writers must create a narrative that allows him to shine. By doing this, they can ensure that Rings of Power continues to attract its audience.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available for streaming on Prime Video.
