Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Rings of Power season 2, episodes 1-3.Samwise Gamgee is one of the best characters fromThe Lord of the Rings,andThe Rings of Powerseason 2 has confirmed his replacement with one character’s return.The Rings of Powerseason 2 premieredon August 29 with three episodes, and these installments continue each storyline introduced in season 1. This includes that of the Stranger and Nori Brandyfoot, both of whom areon their way to Rhûnwhen this outing opens. Unfortunately, they get lost almost immediately after setting out for the region, wandering in circles as they grow hungry and tired.
Help arrives in the form of a familiar face, with Nori’s best friend, Poppy, showing up to help. Nori tackles the situation with a level head, pulling out a map and using a conversation with Sadoc Burrows to figure out where they need to go. The trio meets more challenges before they’re able to embark on this adventure, butThe Rings of Powerseason 2 makes one thing clear from the start:Poppy is the show’s replacement for Samwise Gamgee, as her role in the story mirrors his character arc in several ways.
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The Rings Of Power Season 2 Doubles Down On Poppy As Sam Gamgee’s Replacement
She Follows Nori & Helps Her Find Her Way
If Nori isThe Rings of Power’s main Hobbit character, she’s essentially the show’s Frodo Baggins — and that makes Poppy an obvious replacement for Sam from the series' beginning. Poppy is Nori’s dearest friend, and she always seems to have her back. AndThe Rings of Powerseason 2 doubles down on her being the new Samin its first few episodes. Just like Sam loyally follows Frodo, Poppy follows the Stranger and Nori. And similar to Sam, she doesn’t seem to care that she isn’t supposed to be going on this journey with them.
Poppy’s main concern is to support Nori, which makes her feel even more like Sam than she does in season 1.
Poppy’s main concern is to support Nori, which makes her feel even more like Sam than she does in season 1. The fact that she helps Nori and the Stranger find their way also feels reminiscent ofSean Astin’sLord of the Ringscharacter. Although he doesn’t help Frodo reach his destination in quite the same way Poppy is aiding Nori, he’s a huge reason that Frodo actually makes it to Mount Doom. Given time, Poppy may get some heroic feats under her belt as well. And that’s not the only wayThe Rings of Powerpromises to copy Sam’s story.
Poppy’s The Rings Of Power Season 2 Story Looks Set To Copy Sam Gamgee Again
She May Have A Romance In The Coming Episodes
The Rings of Powerseason 2 looks set to copy Sam’s romance with Rosie, too — though the episodes haven’t given any indication of who Poppy will be interested in. DuringThe Rings of Powerpanel at San Diego Comic-Con, showrunners Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne reportedly teased a romance for Poppy (viaTea With Tolkien). It’s hard to imagine who she’d fall for on the road with Nori and the Stranger, but perhaps there’s someone waiting at home for her. This would be another parallel between her and Sam, cementing her asThe Rings of Power’s version of the fan-favorite character.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
Cast
Set in the Second Age of Middle-earth, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power explores the forging of the iconic rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, and the epic events leading up to the stories in J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels. The series chronicles the creation of legendary characters and the historic alliances and rivalries that shape the fate of Middle-earth.
