EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsLord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Dark Wizard might have just confirmed he’s an iconic Lord of the Rings villainWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsLord of the Rings TV ShowsLord of the Rings: The Rings of PowerThe Dark Wizard might have just confirmed he’s an iconic Lord of the Rings villainWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Amazon Studios)
The Rings of Power season 2, episode 8is a huge finale. So much is revealed that it can be hard to keep track – but one key question was finally answered. Or, at least, it certainly looks that way.
In the final episode, theDark Wizardseems to reveal his identity at last, after mystifying us all season. Now, it should go without saying, but the following will containmajor spoilers for the finale. Turn back now if you’re not up to date!
If you’re still reading, then you’ll know that the Dark Wizard is most likely a very familiar character: Saruman.
The Dark Wizard might have revealed he’s Saruman
(Image credit: New Line Cinema)
In The Rings of Power season 2 finale,the Strangerfinally receives his staff and claims a name: Gandalf. Yep, he’s none other than Gandalf the Grey. Interestingly, this is a crucial puzzle piece in understanding just who the Dark Wizard is.
Earlier in the episode, the Dark Wizard approaches the Stranger and tells him there are five people like them. If you’re a J.R.R. Tolkien fan, you’ll already know what that means: they are two of the five wizards, who are Gandalf, Saruman, Radagast, and two Blue Wizards called Alatar and Pallando (alternately named Morinehtar and Rómestámo).
So, if the Stranger is Gandalf, then that means the Dark Wizard is either Saruman, Radagast, or one of the two Blue Wizards. Considering the Dark Wizard certainlylooksa lot like Saruman, and refers to Gandalf as “old friend,” it seems pretty safe to conclude that he is indeed Saruman the White.
Now, what that means for Middle-earth remains to be seen. Saruman ends up walking away from Gandalf, who refuses to leave Poppy and Nori. We’re willing to bet these two will see each other again, though, especially since Saruman is (currently) committed to opposing Sauron.
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However, the showrunners have disputed the theory. “I’ll say something on the record. Given the history of Middle-earth, it would be highly, highly, highly improbable that this could be Saruman,” Patrick McKay toldVanity Fair, with Payne chiming in, “If not impossible.” Still, those coincidences have us convinced…
You can read our full verdict on all eight episodes of the show with ourThe Rings of Power season 2 review, or catch up on what there is to know aboutThe Rings of Power season 3so far.
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The Rings of Power season 2, episode 7 is the show’s version of The Two Towers – and it’s the best episode of TV released all year
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I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
I didn’t know how badly I wanted to grill and gobble up monsters until this upcoming survival roguelike made it look so tasty
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1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
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Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
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Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
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4
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5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”
5
Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place”