As both ‘The Rings of Power‘ and ‘Game Of Thrones’ dominate the fantasy television landscape, critics and fans have drawn comparisons between the shows. While they share a genre along with qualities like great storytelling, themes, narratives, and approaches to character development, fans have pointed out something else that the two shows share.
‘Game Of Thrones’ used a particular style of storytelling before ending a season, and incorporated a better beginning for the next season. ‘The Rings Of Power’ season 2 has seemingly taken a similar approach and fans were quick to point it out.
‘The Rings Of Power’ Used The Penultimate Episode Trick Similar To ‘Game Of Thrones
‘The Rings Of Power’ used impressive visuals in Season 2 as compared to Season 1. The approach naturally led to a rise in fan expectations, and the hopes riding on season 3 of the series are quite high.
Both ‘The Rings of Power‘ and ‘Game of Thrones‘ used the concept of a penultimate episode as a major action set piece. In this technique, the showmakers would reveal the major plot twists of the season in the penultimate episode, and use the last episode of the season to conclude major character arcs and stories. The season would thus perfectly lay the base for the next season.
‘Game Of Thrones’ used this technique to the point where audiences were more excited about the penultimate episode than they were for the final episode of each season.
The same concept is echoed in ‘The Rings Of Power’, season 2. The penultimate episode of the season revolves around the Siege of Eregion. Adar and his orcs attack the elven city in order to kill Sauron who is manipulating Celebrimbor into making the other Titular from the series. Elrond, Galadriel, Gil Galad, and Arondir lead a defense of Eregion, resulting in a massive action-packed episode that is similar to that of ‘Game of Thrones‘ penultimate episodes.
The Final 2 Episodes Of ‘The Rings Of Power’ Were Best In The Whole Series
But for good, ‘The Rings Of Power’ trick worked without fault. The following penultimate episode of Siege of Eregion allowed the series to expand its scale. With great scenery, aesthetics, and awe-inspiring elven cavalry, the Siege of Eregion is probably the biggest battle displayed on the small screen.
In case you missed it: ‘Game Of Thrones’: Shocking Book Moments That Were Too Dark For TV
This allowed season 2 episode 7 to work and also gave a separate space to episode 8 to focus on other major parts of the show. This gave a last episode to focus on other events like wrapping up Galadriel’s confrontation with Sauron, the Rhûn storyline, Celebrimbor’s death, and many more.
All of these storylines will help season 3 to evolve and cover a broader audience which is only possible because of the penultimate episode.
