Two seasons into Amazon’s significant investment in The Rings of Power, the series struggles to offer unexpected moments. The seemingly heroic Halbrand, who aided Galadriel in Season One, is revealed to be Sauron in disguise. The Southlands, which might confuse viewers unfamiliar with Middle-earth’s geography, eventually transform into Mordor. Meanwhile, the “Stranger,” who appears among early Hobbit-like characters, continues to have his identity shrouded in mystery, although a transformation reminiscent of a famous wizard from Tolkien’s lore seems inevitable.
The Rings of Power is heavily influenced by a sense of predestination, which, in a charitable light, can be regarded as an intentional feature of the series. Inspired by the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, the creators, Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, trace Sauron’s rise and the final alliance of elves and men during the Second Age of Middle-earth. Regardless of one’s grasp of Tolkien’s complex universe, it’s clear the series involves extensive groundwork: audiences must familiarize themselves with Sauron, witness his deception of the elves, and observe the creation of the Rings of Power, all while also keeping track of the pre-Hobbit Harfoots.
Despite their deep knowledge of Tolkien’s lore, McKay and Payne sometimes play narrative games to prolong the storyline. The first season kicked off with impressive visuals and a large ensemble cast, but quickly lost momentum. The show struggled to maintain interest in revealing Halbrand’s true nature as Sauron, especially as the twist became increasingly apparent. In Season Two, Sauron, disguised as the elven Annatar or “lord of gifts,” returns, this time portrayed by Charlie Vickers in what some might call an unfortunate wig. Although Vickers brings a sly charm to the character, the plot relies on implausible circumstances to keep him from being recognized by elves who should know better.
At a broad level, The Rings of Power appears to have all the elements of a captivating adventure epic. However, individual scenes often lack spontaneity and tend to be formulaic. Humor is largely absent, save for a few amusing exchanges between Owain Arthur’s Prince Durin and Robert Aramayo’s Elrond, which still fall flat with verbose dialogue. This adherence to Tolkien’s writing style risks detracting from the show’s potential, particularly as it centers on immortal beings. In contrast to Peter Jackson’s acclaimed film trilogy, which infused humor and whimsy into the narrative, The Rings of Power misses opportunities to enrich character interactions that could enhance the unfolding dramatic grandeur.
The series often gets bogged down in expansive narratives, with some striking visuals, like the Elves’ tree glowing with the light of Valinor, appearing too frequently accompanied by an overemotional score. Though such moments attempt to impress, they often come off as heavy-handed and predictably solemn. Comparisons to HBO’s House of the Dragon, which similarly navigates known histories while allowing for character surprises, highlight the missed storytelling opportunities in The Rings of Power. While the former proves its characters can surprise within familiar narratives, The Rings of Power could benefit from more dynamic scenes that showcase character chemistry, like the electric exchanges possible between Galadriel and Sauron.
Often, the dialogue in The Rings of Power feels overly functional and straightforward, lacking the lyrical richness of Tolkien’s work. The story’s depth could be significantly enhanced by exploring how characters see themselves within Middle-earth’s vast myths rather than relying on mundane exposition.
Despite these critiques, Season Two does show some progress as it unfolds. While specifics must remain undisclosed, the various plots converge towards a climactic event, allowing previously isolated characters to interact. The budget appears well-directed into grand spectacles, featuring battle scenes and a well-crafted duel between Galadriel and Sauron. However, the series is still bound by a propensity for heavy-handed dialogue and predictable character revelations, diminishing the narrative’s potential and leaving many questions about the broader universe of Middle-earth unaddressed.
The Rings of Power plays it safe, falling into familiar storytelling patterns without the intricacy or imaginative flair that could elevate it. This reflection of another reflection mirrors the Elf craftsman Celebrimbor, who creates the Rings of Power using Mithril in an attempt to replicate the Silmarils’ light, resulting in a story reminiscent of re-creations that ultimately lack true originality.