The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power stars Ema Horvath and Leon Wadham have addressed how a major death in season 2, episode 5 will impact Eärien and Kemen respectively, moving forward. During the events of The Rings of Power season 2, episode 5, Kemen arrives at a temple to have it closed down, making way for Pharazôn’s (Trystan Gravalle) plans to revitalize Númenor. However, this leads to a confrontation with him and Valandil (Alex Tarrant), in turn leading Kemen to stab him in the back after he lays down his sword.

Speaking with Screen Rant, Horvath and Wadham explained how Kemen killing Valandil will impact the way Eärien views her role within Númenor and both their loyalties to Pharazôn in The Rings of Power season 2. Horvath detailed a cut scene between her and Míriel (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) mourning their losses from season 1, while Wadham discussed how Kemen didn’t mean to kill anyone, and his next decision would come from how others react to what he’s done. Check out what Horvath and Wadham had to say below:

Ema Horvath : Yeah, there’s a scene that was cut. I’m not sure if I can talk about it. There’s a scene that was cut with Míriel before she drops the Palantír, which takes place in the old quarter, and it’s just the two of them, and it’s kind of quiet and the discussion is about their shared mourning, and the purpose of it was kind of to make the audience feel like, “Oh…there’s something there that is just begging for someone to mourn with her,” and she doesn’t quite get what she wants from Valandil and then ends up doing what she did in episode three. Yes. What happens between Kemen and Valandil is definitely a bit of a wake-up call. I’ll say that whether or not it’s enough of one that remains to be seen.

Leon Wadham: I think it depends how it is received. I mean, I don’t think he goes to the shrine to kill anybody. I think that is a show of force that is meant to be purely about making an impression. We’ve seen him earlier this season try and, I suppose, indicate or call for a respect he would like to be shown. And it hasn’t happened. So this is him going, “I’ll make a huge impression and that’ll put an end to this question.” And that is not how that plays out. But I don’t think he ever intended it to be anything more than a show of force. That sword is not meant to come out of its sheath. That is just the result of things spiraling completely beyond his control. And so I think the question going forward is, will there be consequences, and what will he learn as a result of how this is or is not handled by the people around him? Because if he’s rewarded for it, then yeah, why would he change?

What Valandil’s Death Means For The Rings Of Power Season 2

Pharazôn’s Leadership Is Having Unexpected Consequences

Ever since Pharazôn took over as the king of Númenor, tensions have been rising across the island nation. This includes sending Kemen to disrupt the activities of the Faithful, soldiers led by former Captain Elendil (Lloyd Owen) who maintain that Míriel deserves to be the true ruler of the island. While many on the cast of The Rings of Power season 2 are unaware of the island’s current struggles, Valandil’s death could spark major conflict going forward. This could be enough to draw the attention of Middle-earth, including allies who would recognize the takeover underway.

Kemen’s decision to stab the young soldier in the back offers an unintended ruthlessness to Pharazôn’s rule, something that could result in a rebellion already. However, with the power he holds and the disrespect his son has shown towards the nation’s beliefs, he might be compelled to rule with an even more iron grasp to ensure his power isn’t taken away. While conflict is about to ensue in places like Eregion and Khazad-dûm, the one brewing in Númenor means that all races – Elf, Dwarf, and Men – are in a state of turmoil as Sauron crafts his Rings.

Our Take On Valandil’s Death In The Rings Of Power Season 2

It Will Greatly Impact Númenor Moving Forward

With Valandil now dead, it sounds like Eärien will begin to question the side she’s really on, potentially deciding to fight alongside her father, Elendil, and the rest of the Faithful by season’s end. Given the level of power Pharazôn now has, it’s possible the conflict continues into The Rings of Power season 3, providing an even larger conflict that continues to disrupt the island’s peace. Since there’s a five-season plan for the show, Valandil’s death signals conditions there will get worse before they get better.