Two seasons into Amazon’s ambitious multi-million dollar venture, The Rings of Power, the series often feels predictable. The character Halbrand, who initially appeared to be a heroic figure aiding Galadriel in season one, is revealed to be Sauron in disguise. Settlements in the Southlands, which seem indistinct on a map of Middle Earth, ultimately transform into Mordor. The identity of the “Stranger,” who arrives without memories among early Hobbit-like characters, remains shrouded in mystery as season two begins, yet a transformation into a well-known wizard from Tolkien’s lore seems inevitable.
The narrative of The Rings of Power is heavily marked by a sense of destiny, which can be seen as an intended characteristic of the series. The story, derived from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings and created by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne, explores Sauron’s rise and the last alliance between elves and men during the latter part of Middle Earth’s Second Age. Although the use of established lore may seem formulaic, it serves to develop essential plot points: introducing Sauron, detailing his manipulation of the elves, depicting the creation of the Rings of Power, and establishing the situation for both elves and men. Additionally, the narrative includes the Harfoots, early versions of Hobbits, to fulfill the requirement for familiar characters in the Lord of the Rings universe.
McKay and Payne display a deep understanding of Tolkien’s lore, crafting connections between Mithril, the legendary Silmarils, and the consequences of greed that led to the dwarves’ downfall. However, the predictability of the plot often leads to a sense of stagnation, as the narrative relies on misdirection with its characters to prolong suspense. Season one opened with impressive visuals and an ambitious ensemble cast, but the plot quickly diminished in momentum, especially when it became clear that Halbrand was Sauron. In season two, Sauron reappears as the elven Annatar in an unconvincing disguise, while the story struggles to maintain intrigue despite Charlie Vickers’ compelling performance.
From a broader perspective, The Rings of Power has the potential for a captivating adventure epic. However, the individual scenes often lack excitement and creativity. The characters miss opportunities for humor, with the dwarves almost capturing this through the playful interactions between Prince Durin and Elrond, though much of their dialogue remains heavy and ornate. While Tolkien’s own writing is elaborate, it is still possible to infuse humor into such a world, as evidenced by the charm found in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. The best moments in those films balance lightheartedness with serious themes, but The Rings of Power often feels devoid of those nuanced character interactions.
The series tends to focus on grand visuals rather than character development. There are impressive moments—such as the Elves’ tree glowing in imitation of Valinor’s light—yet these moments are often overshadowed by the show’s dramatic score. Comparisons to HBO’s House of the Dragon lead to disappointment, as that series, despite also being constrained by known history, succeeds in surprising character dynamics and interactions that enrich its narrative. The rapport between Galadriel and Sauron has potential, yet the series curtails their interactions.
A significant portion of the dialogue in The Rings of Power is straightforward and lacks depth. Tolkien’s works thrive on metaphor, rich lore, and storytelling through various forms, yet the dialogue often reduces these elements to bland exposition. As the second season progresses, it demonstrates improvement, leading to a climactic convergence of previously isolated characters, accompanied by impressive battle sequences and choreography. Nonetheless, the persistent inclination for heavy-handed speeches and predictable character arcs detracts from the vast storytelling possibilities available in the Middle Earth mythology.
Ultimately, The Rings of Power feels familiar and lacks the inventive spirit seen in Tolkien’s world. The show mirrors the story of Celebrimbor, an elf craftsman creating the Rings of Power using Mithril, striving for brilliance akin to the Silmarils’ light. This idea embodies a repetition that stifles originality, resulting in a narrative that feels like a reflection without substance.