Amazon’s expensive venture, The Rings of Power, now in its second season, has struggled to deliver unexpected moments in its narrative. Halbrand, who appeared to be a charming ally for Galadriel in season one, is revealed to be Sauron in disguise. Additionally, the Southlands settlements that seem obscure now transform into the dark land of Mordor. The mystery surrounding the “Stranger,” who fell to a group of characters related to Hobbits, remains unresolved as season two begins, though his eventual identity as a familiar wizard from Tolkien’s works feels inevitable.
The narrative of The Rings of Power is heavily influenced by a sense of predestination. This result stems from the series being based on Tolkien’s appendices, exploring Sauron’s rise and the final alliance of elves and men at the close of the Second Age. While viewers may not fully grasp all the characters and events, it is clear there are many plot points that need to be addressed—like understanding Sauron’s deceptions, the crafting of the Rings of Power, and the state of various elf and man characters. The show also features the Harfoots, the precursors to Hobbits, to ensure some familiarity within Tolkien’s universe.
Creators Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne demonstrate a deep understanding of Tolkien’s mythology, leading to some interesting connections, such as linking the precious metal Mithril to the history of the Silmarils, despite not having rights to reference them directly. However, the predictable nature of the plot often leads to prolonged moments of suspense where the audience is already aware of key twists, such as Halbrand’s true identity. The narrative seems to rely on improbable situations to keep the characters unrecognized by those who should know better, such as elves.
Despite having the makings of a grand adventure, individual scenes often lack excitement and humor. The dwarfs’ interactions, particularly between Prince Durin and Elrond, come closest to wit, but the overall dialogue tends toward being overly flowery and unengaging. While aiming to capture the tone of Tolkien’s writing might contribute to this, the series fails to achieve the same level of lightness and humor found in Peter Jackson’s iconic film trilogy. Those films successfully infused humor into their storytelling, which added depth to the dark themes.
The Rings of Power often showcases broad and dramatic visuals, but misses the opportunity for more intimate character moments. While certain scenes have a sense of grandeur, the dialogue frequently feels mundane and lacks a deeper connection to the rich lore from the original works. The characters’ interactions often come across as overly functional, diluting the sense of myth and legend that Tolkien crafted.
As the second season progresses, some improvement is noted, with a build-up towards a significant confrontation that allows previously separate characters to unite. The series invests its resources into large-scale battle scenes and a well-executed duel between Galadriel and Sauron. However, it struggles to escape its tendency toward heavy-handed exposition and predictable character twists, which detracts from the potential for exploration within the vastness of Middle Earth.
In essence, The Rings of Power feels lackluster and formulaic. It often resembles its character Celebrimbor’s efforts to recreate the brilliance of the Silmarils—a mere reflection rather than an original creation. The series’ adherence to familiar themes and plots results in a lack of innovation and creativity, leaving viewers yearning for something more imaginative.