Rings of Power: Why I Now Appreciate the Delayed Gandalf Reveal

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has garnered significant attention regarding the enigmatic character known as the Stranger. Throughout the first season, the mystery surrounding his identity was intricately crafted, leading up to a surprising twist where it was revealed that Halbrand was, in fact, Sauron. This narrative choice effectively closed the book on one of the season’s central mysteries. While the slow-burn approach entertained some viewers, it did not resonate with everyone. As we entered season 2, the show continued this theme of mystery by withholding the Stranger’s true identity until the finale, a decision which, upon reflection, has been justified by the showrunners.

In season 2, the Stranger’s identity took center stage as a primary plot point. He is depicted as a mystical figure who descends upon Middle-earth from the skies, sparking intrigue from the outset of the series. This season focused heavily on his journey of self-discovery, with key moments dedicated to Nori assisting him in piecing together his past in Rhûn. While I appreciated the depth of the Stranger’s character development, there were moments when the prolonged mystery felt somewhat excessive. However, insights from the creators have led me to reevaluate this perspective.

Understanding the Creators’ Justification for Delaying the Gandalf Reveal

The Importance of Gandalf’s Acceptance of His Identity

In interviews with Screen Rant, showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne articulated why they chose to delay the Stranger’s identity revelation. Initially, I assumed they were using mystery as a tactic to keep audiences engaged. However, it became clear that their intention was to illustrate the Stranger’s own journey of self-discovery. They noted, “It’s about what he’s learning, about who he’s going to be.” Thus, their approach wasn’t merely about creating suspense; rather, it aimed to mirror the character’s experience of confusion and revelation.

The gradual unveiling of Halbrand’s identity served to showcase his inner deceit, while in contrast, the slow revelation of the Stranger’s true self aimed to capture his bewilderment and disorientation. As McKay and Payne expressed, “We wanted it to be a journey of discovery for the audience, the character, and for ourselves.” This perspective illustrates the show’s commitment to depicting the nuanced journey of the Stranger as he evolved into Gandalf.

A New Perspective on Gandalf’s Journey

Gandalf’s Selective Memory and Its Implications

The Stranger discovers his staff, embracing his identity as Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power

Reflecting upon the comments from the showrunners, I gained a renewed appreciation for Gandalf’s character evolution. Some viewers have criticized the revelation of the Stranger as Gandalf for supposedly breaking established canon, noting that Gandalf traditionally arrived in Middle-earth by boat alongside the other Wizards, as detailed in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion. If the show had adhered to this canon, it would have stripped the narrative of the endearing and often humorous depiction of the Stranger’s journey to self-awareness.

I align with the creators’ perspective that this narrative choice allowed viewers to experience Gandalf’s emotional journey firsthand.

While it’s true that fans have scrutinized the mystery-heavy writing in both seasons, it’s essential to recognize that The Rings of Power does not employ mystery simply for the sake of entertainment or as a carbon copy of styles utilized by other creators, such as J.J. Abrams. Unlike “Lost,”which became famous for its enigmatic narratives, this show derives from a source material that lacks extensive ongoing mysteries regarding Sauron’s or Gandalf’s identities. Thus, some critiques stem from this creative divergence. Nevertheless, I believe the creators successfully guided viewers alongside Gandalf as he navigated his complex identity.

The Need to Avoid Another Mystery Box Character

A New Strategy for Introducing a Mystery Box

Nori mourns after the Dark Wizard devastates her village in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Looking ahead to season 3, it appears that the show may be poised to introduce yet another significant mystery. This time, however, the showrunners should tread carefully. The earlier mystery surrounding the Stranger’s identity allowed the audience to grasp the emotional subtleties of his narrative, immersing them in the frustrations and triumphs of Gandalf’s journey in a manner that resonates with Tolkien’s storytelling. The Istari, arriving with selective memories, provide an ideal backdrop for such exploration.

Nonetheless, the approach for the upcoming Dark Wizard’s mystery must differ. As the character is not portrayed as a hero, the audience’s connection to him will be fundamentally distinct from their relationship with Gandalf. Unlike Halbrand, who was shrouded in deception, the intention behind revealing the identity of the Dark Wizard should differ significantly. While season 3 may include a pivotal identity reveal similar to the previous seasons, I believe the narrative should avoid unnecessary obfuscation.

Interestingly, the showrunners have already hinted at the Dark Wizard’s identity in a recent Reddit Q&A session.

Speculation around the Dark Wizard’s identity has ignited discussions among viewers, with some proposing he could be Saruman. If the show chooses to withhold the revelation until the season finale, it should instead provide substantial hints throughout the season to guide the viewers towards the right conclusion rather than mislead them with red herrings. This would indicate a move towards greater transparency in storytelling, resonating with the show’s commitment to engaging narratives.

Source: Screen Rant, Reddit

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