In season 3, Prime Video's most rewatchable fantasy series is making a major shift with a five-year leap
A five-year leap into war
The first two seasons have begun a reportedly planned five-season story set in Middle-earth’s Second Age, centuries before The Lord of the Rings. Season 2 ended with the conflict between Sauron and the Elves underway.
Season 3 will skip forward five years, as Sauron’s forces wage war against the Elves. The change may alter the story significantly, though the precise effects of the time jump have not been made clear.
Characters may cross paths
The series follows many heroes whose stories have so far unfolded separately. The time jump could bring some of them together and create new alliances. The Stranger’s identity as Gandalf, played by Daniel Weyman, may also help connect storylines. The article says the revelation creates more potential for characters to meet.
A darker turn for Middle-earth
Prime Video’s season synopsis describes Sauron’s armies conquering territory across the world. Co-showrunner Patrick McKay said the conflict will bring new landmarks into view, including a realm built in Rivendell and a tower in Barad-dûr, Mordor.
The Dwarves’ story is also expected to change. They have shut themselves inside Khazad-dûm, separating themselves from their allies as the war advances.
Key points
- Season 3 will jump ahead five years and focus on the war between Sauron and the Elves.
- The shift could bring characters together and help connect separate storylines.
- The season is expected to take on a darker tone as Sauron’s armies conquer territory.
- Rivendell and Barad-dûr are among the landmarks coming into focus.