Two seasons into Amazon’s significant investment in The Rings of Power, the show has yet to provide scenes that challenge viewer expectations. The charming Halbrand, who aided Galadriel in the first season, turns out to be Sauron in disguise. Locations in the Southlands that seem forgettable are ultimately transformed into Mordor. The identity of the “Stranger,” who falls among a group of early Hobbit figures, remains ambiguous as the second season begins, though a shift into a well-known wizard is likely.
The Rings of Power is marked by a strong sense of inevitability. This characteristic is likely intentional, as the series, based on the appendices of The Lord of the Rings, chronicles the rise of Sauron and the final alliance of elves and men at the end of Middle Earth’s Second Age. While viewers may not grasp all the names and terms, it’s clear that certain foundational elements are being addressed: introducing Sauron, revealing how he deceived the elves, showcasing the creation of the Rings of Power, and tracking the fates of the elves and men. The series also includes the Harfoots, early iterations of Hobbits, to connect with familiar lore.
Creators Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne show a deep understanding of Tolkien’s universe, often delighting viewers with how they intertwine various storylines. For example, there’s a clever connection made between the precious metal Mithril and the Silmarils, the latter of which falls under the domain of The Silmarillion—lore Amazon cannot fully utilize. However, the predictable plot trajectory leads McKay and Payne to engage in narrative shortcuts that disrupt pacing. The first season started strong visually and carried ambitious storytelling, but this momentum quickly faded. The reveal of Halbrand as Sauron lost impact as it became obvious, and in season two, Sauron reappears disguised as the elven Annatar, though his appearance is less than convincing.
From a high-level perspective, The Rings of Power possesses the potential to be an engaging epic. Yet, at the scene level, it often plays it safe and follows formulaic patterns. Humor is rare, with the dwarves providing the closest moments of levity through playful banter. However, the dialogue frequently becomes overly ornate and cumbersome. Unlike Peter Jackson’s films that successfully blended humor with gravitas, the current adaptation leans too heavily on solemnity, leaving moments devoid of the character depth that makes Tolkien’s work resonate.
The series frequently employs broad narrative strokes, with some visually rich moments that appeal to devoted fans. Yet, these moments often feel overshadowed by an overly dramatic score. Comparatively, the show suffers when placed alongside HBO’s House of the Dragon, which navigates similar constraints but injects surprises into character arcs. While Tolkien’s works are characterized by rich themes and storytelling through song, the current dialogue often lacks imaginative flair and instead trades in straightforward exposition.
Despite criticisms, the second season does display improvement as it unfolds. Without disclosing specific details, the narratives converge towards an anticipated climactic encounter, leading to opportunities for previously separated characters to interact. The show invests in grand visuals, including epic battles and a well-choreographed confrontation between Galadriel and Sauron. Nonetheless, familiar tendencies toward preachy dialogue and obvious character revelations persist, hindering the show’s potential and consuming valuable runtime that could explore the broader world of Middle Earth.
Ultimately, The Rings of Power feels conventional and lacks the depth and creativity seen in Tolkien’s writings. Its approach mirrors the plight of Celebrimbor, the elf craftsman striving to recreate the light of the Silmarils. This endeavor results in a lack of originality, echoing familiar themes rather than forging new paths in the rich tapestry of Middle Earth’s lore.