The fourth episode of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power , titled serves as a pivotal turning point in Season 1, bridging the introductory phase of the series with the central conflicts that define the Second Age. Directed by Wayne Che Yip and written by Stephany Folsom , J.D. Payne , and Patrick McKay , the episode aired on September 16, 2022. Key Narrative Developments