Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Durin confronts his father beneath Khazad-dûm as the king's mining opens the way to the Balrog. Durin III finally removes his ring and faces the creature, sacrificing himself as the cavern entrance collapses. His son inherits a kingdom already troubled by rival claims and demands from the Dwarf-lords. In Eregion, Sauron tortures and kills Celebrimbor, then gains the Orcs who turn against Adar. Galadriel briefly sees Adar restored by Nenya before his followers murder him. Sauron takes the Nine during their duel, but she escapes over a cliff with the Elven ring.
The Dwarves' arrival gives the surviving Elves a route out of the city. Elrond and Gil-galad use their rings to heal Galadriel in a sheltered valley, where the refugees must decide how to resist Sauron. In Númenor, Pharazôn uses the palantír's revelation about Halbrand to accuse Míriel of serving the enemy and orders arrests among the Faithful. Eärien warns Elendil, who tries to take Míriel away. She stays and gives him Narsil. Kemen meanwhile claims Pelargir for Númenor, forcing Isildur to leave Estrid behind when he sails home.
The Stranger chooses his friends over the Dark Wizard's offer of power. The confrontation destroys the Stoors' home, leaving them to seek another place with Nori and Poppy. A branch becomes the staff the Stranger has been searching for. He parts from Nori and returns to Tom Bombadil, finally recognising the name Gandalf. The Elves likewise choose to stand together after their losses, while Sauron's new army threatens the lands beyond ruined Eregion.